How to Assess Siding Damage From Wind and Storms
Wind-driven hail, flying debris, and strong winds can all cause siding damage to your home’s exterior. When assessing the damage to your siding, it helps to know what to look for. One common type of damage is cracking, which runs parallel to the siding and is most common between the ridges and valleys of a panel.
Wood siding
Storms can cause major damage to siding and woodwork on your home. Wind and rain can slam against siding, creating holes and dents, or causing rotting and mold. When siding is damaged by wind or water, most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover the costs of repairing or replacing siding. If you’ve experienced storm damage, be sure to take pictures and note the date.
The first step is to assess the damages and determine which repairs are necessary. Wood siding that is cracked or warped is likely to suffer from rot, and this can compromise the energy efficiency of the home. In these cases, siding replacement is the wiser solution. Find a reliable siding company to handle this task for you.
When replacing siding, take extra precautions to protect it from wind damage. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. In windy areas, install a moisture barrier before installing the siding. A house wrap can also provide additional defense against wind-driven moisture. In addition, make sure to use the appropriate materials for the location. For instance, homes near the coast may require stainless steel fasteners. Also, avoid using dissimilar metals, such as brass, bronze, or copper, in siding.
Wind-driven hail and flying debris can damage the siding of your home. The impact of wind on siding can even cause damage to wood finishes. Even trees in the neighborhood can damage siding. While modern materials are much more durable than their predecessors, they can’t match the power of Mother Nature. However, you can still detect major damages after a storm.
Fiber-cement siding
High-wind storms can cause fiber-cement siding to fail and need replacement. Although it can be repaired or repainted after a few years, fiber-cement siding can’t last as long as vinyl. If you notice rot or holes, you may need to replace the siding. Even worse, a hole in the siding can compromise the structural integrity of the home.
Wind damage can damage any type of siding, but it’s particularly hazardous to fiber cement boards. This type of siding is generally blind-nailed at the top of the plank, with the nails covered by the subsequent row. If your fiber-cement siding has gaps in it, you’ll need to fix those first.
Wind and other natural elements can also damage fiber-cement siding. However, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who choose this type of siding. Its high resistance to wind and hail makes it ideal for coastal homes. Besides being resistant to wind, fiber cement siding is also fire-resistant. Wildfires are on the rise in the U.S., so it’s important to choose siding that will resist fire.
The best way to repair fiber cement siding is to use a putty patch. Using putty, you can repair minor holes and dings without voiding your warranty. However, you need to use specific tools and materials for this repair. You may need to replace planks or patch with a putty knife, so it’s crucial to use the right tools.
Aluminum siding
If you notice damage to your aluminum siding from wind or hail, you should file a claim for coverage with your insurance company. This type of coverage usually covers the cost of replacement or repair of siding. You should remember to document the damage with pictures and record the date and time. When filing a claim, it’s important to be as detailed as possible. Your insurance company may try to limit your claim by including exclusions or limiting the amount of coverage you receive. You also want to make sure your claim is valid. In addition, you should avoid making claims for cosmetic damages, as that could result in increased premiums.
Although most homeowners can easily see if the aluminum panels have been ripped away from the house by the wind, other damages might be hidden. For instance, loose-fitting panels may rattle when blown by wind. This is especially likely to happen on a warm day, as metal expands when exposed to heat. When the panels are rattling, they could also be blown by passing traffic. Even a hailstorm could cause aluminum siding to rattle.
Hailstorms can also leave dents in aluminum siding. The size of the hailstones will affect the size of the dents. In some cases, the dents may be so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Regardless of the reason, hail damage can leave unsightly dents on your aluminum siding.