Dallas-Fort Worth sees some of the most frequent large hail in the country, and spring storms can sweep across the metro with little warning. Most attention goes to roofs and cars, but hail and wind-blown debris also crack storefront glass, chip edges, dent aluminum frames and damage skylights.
This article explains what hail does to a commercial glass front, what to check after a storm, and how to handle the insurance claim and replacement.
How Hail Damages Storefront Glass
Storefront glass usually faces the street and stands vertically, so it is not hit as directly as a roof. Damage tends to come from:
- Wind-driven hail that strikes glass at an angle during the strongest part of a storm
- Debris such as branches, signs and gravel thrown by high winds
- Edge damage where hail chips the glass edge or the frame, which can lead to a crack later
- Skylights and canopies, which take hail head-on
Tempered glass can shatter completely from an edge chip. Insulated glass may survive the impact but lose its seal, which shows up weeks later as fogging between the panes.
What to Check After a Storm
Walk the outside of the building once it is safe. Look for:
- Cracks, stars or chips in each lite, especially near corners and edges
- Dents or scratches in aluminum frames, mullions and door rails
- Damaged or missing glazing gaskets and sealant
- Doors that suddenly drag, stick or fail to latch
- Broken or cracked skylights and glass canopies
- Water stains inside near the glass after the next rain
Some damage is easy to miss on a sunny day. Check again in low-angle light, and look from inside as well.
Documenting the Claim
Commercial property policies usually cover hail damage to glass, but the claim depends on good documentation.
- Photograph each damaged lite with something in the frame for scale
- Note the date and time of the storm. Local news and weather service reports help confirm it.
- Keep a list of each opening, its rough size and the type of damage
- Do not throw away broken pieces until the adjuster has seen them, if possible
A commercial glass company can provide a written inspection and an itemized replacement estimate for the adjuster.
Glass Only, or the Whole System?
When only the glass is damaged and the frame is sound, replacing the glass is the usual answer. A new lite is set in the existing frame with new gaskets and sealant.
A full storefront replacement makes more sense when:
- Frames are dented, bent or out of square
- Many insulated units have failed seals at the same time
- The system is old and parts are hard to match
- You are already planning a remodel or a new tenant build-out
Choosing Replacement Glass for North Texas Weather
Replacement is a chance to choose glass that suits the climate. Insulated low-E units reduce heat gain in Texas summers. Laminated glass stays in the frame when it breaks, which helps after storms and break-ins. Tempered glass is required in doors and other safety locations.
Protecting the Building Until Replacement
A cracked lite can fail at any time, especially with temperature swings. If a lite is badly cracked or open, cover it with temporary glazing or a board until the new glass arrives, and keep people away from that area.
Hail Damage Help Across DFW
We inspect, document and replace storm-damaged commercial glass in Dallas, Plano, Irving, Fort Worth and across North Texas. Call 866-665-3975 after a storm to schedule an inspection.