Billings Glass Shops Swamped with Repairs After Severe Storms
Billings, MT – Local glass shops are experiencing a surge in business following severe storms that battered Billings Monday night, leaving a trail of shattered windows and damaged vehicles across the city, particularly in the billings Heights and southern areas. high winds and hail, some reportedly golf ball-sized, caused widespread destruction.
Andy McLellan,a resident of Meadowlark Trailer Park in south Billings,described the harrowing experience of watching his property endure the storm. “It sounds like somebody was beating my trailer with a bunch of baseball bats,” McLellan recounted, expressing his helplessness as the hail pummeled his home and vehicles. The damage to his trailer included a shattered window and roof damage, while both his and his wife’s vehicles sustained meaningful harm. McLellan reported that his car’s windshield was entirely obscured by hail damage, a headlight was lost, both taillights were destroyed, and hail even penetrated a window.
While insurance adjusters are still assessing the damage,McLellan indicated that both vehicles were likely totaled. the damage to his trailer, however, presents a greater financial challenge as his home is uninsured. “What’s this going to cost me?” McLellan questioned,highlighting the predicament faced by many residents who lack homeowner’s insurance. He did express gratitude for the prompt service received when one of the vehicle windshields was replaced on Tuesday at an auto shop in the Billings Heights.
Critelli Glass General Manager Adrian vanlaarhoven confirmed the significant increase in demand at his downtown shop. “The phones are usually the first thing to ring off the hook,” VanLaarhoven stated, emphasizing the team’s efforts to schedule as many repairs as possible. He acknowledged the difficult situation for those affected by the storm and the devastation caused by broken windows.VanLaarhoven noted that while delays are common due to existing appointments, his crews are dedicated to expediting the repair process for storm victims. “there’s usually a bit of a delay because I’m already booked with previous jobs,” he explained, adding that maintaining a high pace requires careful coordination between the office and shop employees to avoid overbooking.
The efforts of businesses like Critelli Glass are a welcome relief for residents like McLellan, who are in the process of rebuilding and recovering from the storm’s impact.”I’m very grateful for the service we had,” McLellan said, underscoring the value of the assistance provided during this challenging time.
