How to Deal with Siding Damage from Storms

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Particularly with regard to the siding, storms can cause anarchy in the front of a house. Storm damage to siding affects not only the appearance but also the structural integrity of the house; powerful winds pulling away panels or trash, leaving dents and fractures, could jeopardize this integrity. Correct actions to restore this damage can help you avoid long-term effects like mold, water intrusion, and more expensive energy use.

Addressing Water Damage: The Silent Enemy

Though it can be significantly more devastating over time, water damage from storms is often less immediately evident than damage from wind and debris. Particularly if the wind has previously dislodged portions of the siding, water might leak into cracks or holes in it during a strong storm. Trapped moisture between the siding and the wall promotes the development of mildew and mold, therefore causing structural damage and health risks. Because wood siding collects moisture and could start to decay if untreated, it is especially prone to water damage. Still, if seams are damaged, even materials like vinyl and fiber cement can experience water intrusion. Reducing water damage mostly depends on making sure any impacted areas are sealed right away. This might entail repairing missing or damaged siding right away and caulking windows and doors to guarantee correct flashing. Though they are not immune, fiber cement, vinyl, and metal siding are better alternatives for stopping water damage.

The Consequences of Hail on Siding Materials

Particularly the siding, like the board and batten siding, hail storms can seriously damage the face of a house. The size and speed of the hailstones determine the degree of damage caused by them; no siding material is totally impervious to this menace. In extreme circumstances, hail can cause holes in exterior materials as well as a path of dents and fissures. Particularly susceptible is vinyl siding as hailstones can chip or break the panels, hence increasing their susceptibility to further damage from wind and rain. Although more durable, metal siding can be dented, which would compromise the home’s general appearance even if the material is structurally intact. Given their greater impact resistance, brick and fiber cement siding perform better against hail. Still, repeated strikes from big hailstones can produce cracks, especially near edges and corners. Once damage from hail exists, it is essential to carefully check the siding for fractures that can let water in.

Heat and Moisture Expansion: A Long-Term Risk Post-Storm

For materials like vinyl and wood especially, temperature swings during storms might cause other issues. While the heat from the sun can cause certain materials to shrink after significant rain or humidity, they can expand. Stress in the siding produced by this continuous expansion and contraction causes warping, cracking, or the panel being loose. Particularly vinyl siding, which has already suffered damage during a storm, is prone to warping in strong heat. Siding must be closely watched after storms in areas with fast weather swings from cold rain to scorching sun. In areas with great temperature swings, fiber cement siding is a durable option as it resists expansion and contractions.

Replacing vs. Repairing Siding: Knowing When to Take Action

Although it might be difficult, deciding whether to repair or replace siding during a storm is crucial to prevent further issues. Small damage, including a few cracked or dented panels, can usually be fixed by replacing the impacted portions without upsetting the remainder of the siding. Replacement might be the best choice, however, if significant amounts of the siding are absent or if damage spans many regions. This is particularly true in cases of weak underlying construction, as fixes won’t completely solve potentially formed water or mold problems. Replacement is usually the preferable choice in cases where the siding is old or at the end of its lifetime, as repairing damaged areas can only be a temporary remedy. While wood siding can have already started to deteriorate in places not readily apparent, vinyl siding that has gotten brittle from years of exposure to the weather is more likely to break after a storm.

Conclusion

Although storms can cause major siding damage, quick assessment, repair, or replacement of the impacted sections can help to avoid further major problems. Understanding the kinds of damage storms can inflict and make long-lasting material investments can help houses be strengthened against future weather disasters, therefore guaranteeing long-term resilience and beauty.

Author Bio

Hi, my name is Halley Jones. I’m a freelance content writer and guest author with a passion for crafting engaging and informative articles on a variety of topics. I have 5 years of experience in the industry and know how to create content that resonates with readers. In my spare time, you can find me hiking, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or curled up with a good book.