How to Identify Siding Damage From Wind and Hail

Before you hire a contractor to replace your home’s siding, you must determine the extent of the damage. This information will help you plan the work. Assess the damage to the exterior surfaces of your siding and check for any signs of storm damage. In addition to minimizing the risk to your property, replacing your siding will strengthen the defenses of your home against storms. To learn more about siding repair, read on! This article will show you some of the signs that hail or wind damage has occurred on your siding.

Homeowner’s insurance does not cover siding damage caused by high winds

Although homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, high winds can cause damage to your siding. Depending on your policy, it may not cover all of the damages incurred by windstorms, including damage to your siding. For example, if your shingles were installed 20 years ago, the damage from windstorms will have a higher impact on your roof. If your shingles were replaced recently, your insurer may not cover the damages due to high winds, but it will likely cover some of the damages.

Signs of hail damage to siding

If you live in an area that receives regular hail, you may be wondering if your home’s siding has been damaged. While you may notice visible holes in your siding, the damage can also affect the fascia, eaves, windows, trough, and roof. If you’re unsure, take photos of the damage and save them to a cloud storage service. A siding contractor will be able to identify signs of hail damage.

Hail storms are directional

The damage hail does to a home’s siding is mainly a result of directional storms. Hail storms in the Midwest and West are generally directional, coming in from one direction. Hail producing storms in the Midwest and West tend to move from southwest to northeast. However, this direction can vary. The elevation of the hail storm also has an effect on its concentration. In Chicago, hail storms tend to come in from the west, but can also move eastward.

Vinyl siding is resistant to hail damage

While the majority of vinyl siding products are designed to resist hail damage from wind and rain, exposure to extreme temperatures can compromise their strength. For example, if your house was built during a drought, exposure to the harshest temperatures can cause cracks to open and water to seep in. Even small cracks can allow water to enter your home and rot your siding. If left untreated, these cracks can grow and multiply as your home is exposed to more weather. You can also expect pests to get into the cracks if they are not filled with water.

Wood siding is damaged by high winds

A frequent inspection of siding can spot damage caused by strong winds, which may require repair. The same applies to other types of siding, such as aluminum. High winds can cause rot and other issues, but most homeowner’s insurance policies cover these problems. If your siding is damaged, take photos and note the date when it occurred.

Fiber cement siding is resistant to high winds

While traditional vinyl siding has its disadvantages, fiber cement siding has several advantages over vinyl. It is durable, stands up to high winds and can withstand extreme temperatures. It also resists rotting, warping, and hail. Plus, fiber cement siding can last for up to 50 years. What’s more, you can choose a color that compliments your home’s design. Another plus: Fiber cement siding is maintenance-free!

Aluminum siding is resistant to high winds

If you want your home’s exterior to be as beautiful as the inside, consider using aluminum siding. Aside from its attractive look, aluminum siding is durable, light, and resistant to high winds and other common siding problems. It is rust and corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and resistant to both extremes of cold and humidity. Aluminum siding also doesn’t expand and contract like wood, which means it won’t rot or expand. It also can be painted without fading or deteriorating over time.