It was a dark and stormy night… You hear the all-too-familiar pinging of hail hitting your roof, pinging off the siding. As the storm rages on, your siding takes the brunt of the damage, leaving behind dents, cracks, and chips. These imperfections can compromise your home’s protection.
Hailstorms are like uninvited guests at your home’s party—never welcome but always leaving their mark. Don’t worry, though—identifying hail damage doesn’t need to be as tricky. We’ll show you how to spot the damage like a pro siding companies in Salt Lake City and tell you what to do next.
Signs of Hail Damage
After the storm has passed, it’s time to evaluate your siding for any damage. Here’s what you should look for:
- Dents: These are the easiest to spot. Larger hail can leave permanent imprints on siding materials like metal, vinyl, and wood.
- Cracks: Hail can crack the surface, particularly on vinyl siding. If you notice splits or chips, they’re a telltale sign of hail impact.
- Buckling: If your siding looks like it’s trying to bend out of the storm’s way, that’s another red flag. Warped siding can lead to massive issues down the road.
- Puncture: These holes or tears are especially troublesome since they allow water to sneak in, leading to even more damage.
Think of it like your siding just went a few rounds in a hail boxing match—and it didn’t come out unscathed. So, take your time as you walk around your home. It’s like you’re inspecting a crime scene—because, well, you kind of are.
How to Assess the Damage
Timing is key when inspecting your siding. Aim for early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the harsh midday sunlight that can cast shadows and hide damage.
Sometimes, damage is hard to spot with just your eyes. Run your hands over the surface of wood or metal siding—subtle dents may be harder to see but easy to feel.
Document everything. Photos and detailed notes are your best friends when working with insurance or your siding and residential roofing contractors. If only we could snap a “hail damage selfie” and auto-submit it through insurance apps—until then, taking pictures manually will do the trick.
Your inspection checklist:
- Walk around your home, checking every angle.
- Feel for dents, cracks, and chips.
- Take clear photos and note the details.
- Call your insurance to get the claims process started.
- Call a siding contractor to get the repair process started.
What Siding Materials Are Most Vulnerable to Hail?
When it comes to siding, not all materials can take a punch.
For example, vinyl is super common and lightweight, but unfortunately, it’s also prone to cracking and chipping under the pressure of a hailstorm. It’s like a featherweight boxer—quick on its feet but not built to handle the heavy blows.
Wood may seem like a sturdy option, but it’s also vulnerable to dents and cracks, and after getting hit, it’s especially prone to water damage.
Metal siding holds up better than vinyl, but it can still suffer from dents and oxidation. While it won’t crack, it can lose its shine and strength over time.
Then, there’s fiber cement, the heavyweight champion of siding. It’s resistant to dents, cracks, and water damage, making it an excellent choice for high-risk areas. When a storm hits, fiber cement stands strong. If your siding can’t handle the weather in your area, it might be time to look for “fiber cement siding installers near me” for an upgrade.
The Next Steps
Don’t let hail damage linger. Even if your insurance company has assigned an adjuster, get a second opinion from a contractor to make sure you’re getting a thorough assessment.
Take a moment to review your insurance policy. This is your chance to confirm that you’re getting the best deal possible—especially if your siding is no longer in production.
Avoid putting off repairs. Water can seep through cracks, causing mold, mildew, and additional damage if left untreated. Think of it like a laundry pile. Procrastination won’t make it go away. Handle the damage promptly to avoid bigger headaches down the road.
Repair or Replace?
If the damage is minimal and confined to just a few panels, a repair may be all you need. However, if the damage is widespread, or if your siding is nearing the end of its life, replacement could be the most cost-effective choice in the long run.
Replacing siding may seem like an expensive upfront cost, but it can prevent future water damage, mold issues, and rising energy bills. Plus, new siding materials, like fiber cement, have impressive longevity. Consider the return on investment: new siding not only boosts your home’s curb appeal but also provides lasting savings, making it a wise choice for your home’s future.
Don’t Let Hail Win
Siding damage from hailstorms can be frustrating, but with the proper steps, it’s manageable. Whether you opt for a repair or replacement, acting quickly is key to preventing further damage. Don’t let hail become the villain in your home maintenance story.
With a little effort and a quick search for “siding and roof experts near me”, you’ll be back to focusing on the important things rather than worrying about your siding. Stay ahead of the storm and protect your home.