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Replacement Siding

How to Spot Hail Damage to Siding

3 min read

After a hailstorm, you may notice some damage to your siding, windows, and even doors. If you call your insurance company to file a homeowners’ claim, you’ll want to mention any possible parts of the home that were damaged. Additionally, take photos for proof.

Where to Start

To begin with, you should check your exterior walls closely, preferably when the sun is a little lower in the sky (morning or evening). This will make it easier to see the denting. Old aluminum siding will show damage more than wood or vinyl unless the vinyl siding has holes in it.

Hail Damage to Vinyl Siding

Dents, cracks, and holes in your siding are indicators of hail damage. Hail damage to the siding may require immediate attention. Vinyl siding can crack or chip when large, dense or fast-falling hailstones hit the panels. When hail strikes vinyl siding, it will not typically leave a dent. A crack may occur more often in older vinyl siding.

Additionally, you may see holes or puncture marks where the hail has hit. This is a given way to be able to tell that there is damage, but remember just because you don’t see any problems doesn’t mean that hail hasn’t damaged your siding.

Signs of vinyl siding damage include:

Also, look for any buckling or warping, which is common in vinyl siding that has been damaged. Buckled and warped siding is significantly less efficient than siding that hasn’t been damaged.

Hail Damage to Wood & Metal Siding

Unlike vinyl siding, wood and metal siding will show dents. These will be visible and depend on the size and impact of the hail. Dents to metal siding can be caused by hailstones.

Hail Damage to Aluminum Siding

When hail hits aluminum it makes a definitive and specific type of dent. The larger the hail the bigger the dent. Sometimes the dent is visible to the naked eye, especially if the metal’s surface is smooth. If there is a wood pattern the dent can be more difficult to see but is there.

Oxidation marks are often what is left on aluminum siding after a damaging storm. While many homeowners will seek out solutions to wash off the oxidation, others will paint over it. However, oxidized siding is a warning sign that it could be close to its end and needs replaced.

To test for oxidation, run your hand along with the siding and look for a chalky residue left on your hand. If you also feel small dimples, this is a sign that it has taken a hit and is not going to protect your home for much longer.

Use a high-powered spotlight to look for denting that might be hard to see otherwise. Look in between the siding and see if there are any significant gaps or unequal gapping across several layers of siding.

Another way to spot hail damage is to look for chipped paint. Aluminum hail damage tends to be easier to spot, but any material can show chipped paint spots from hail. To make it a little bit easier to check out, you can spray the siding with a hose. The water on the siding will reflect any damage that is present.

Should I Repair Hail Damage?

Yes. If there are any holes or cracks from the hail, water can seep through and cause moisture to get into the siding. This can then result in damage to the house. The longer you wait, the more moisture will find its way into areas that will cause an increasingly bigger problem, including rot, mold, and mildew. Pests will also invite themselves into damaged areas.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Hail Damage

When it comes to protecting your home from hail damage, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Understanding your insurance policy and the claims process can help you navigate through the necessary steps to get your siding repaired. Here are some important factors to consider:

Replacing Vinyl Siding with Window World of Joliet

Find a stylish, energy-efficient replacement for your damaged vinyl siding with Window World of Joliet. Request your free estimate today!