A sudden hailstorm can impact both the appearance and function of your roof. Hail is a common issue in Ohio, which makes it important for homeowners to know how to protect their property from hail damage and the necessary steps to take if a sudden hailstorm damages their building.
At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we aim to provide top-quality siding services to building owners in Ohio. We understand that the roof and siding are the two main structures of any building that directly affect the appearance of your home. In one of our last posts, we discussed how to handle hail damage to your roof, but in today’s blog post, we will discuss what to do with hail-damaged siding.
Forms Of Hail Damage On Siding
The first step is identifying the problem and finding its source. Hailstones can leave specific types of damage on your building’s siding, so we will discuss the common forms of damage you will find. Here are the three common types:
#1 Dents And Dings
Hail-damaged siding can potentially compromise your home’s protective exterior. The most common form of hail damage can be seen in the form of dents and dings, creating a pockmarked surface that can detract from your home’s appearance. These dents are often the first sign that your siding has been affected by a hailstorm.
#2 Cracks And Chips
In more severe cases, hail can cause cracks and chips in siding materials, especially vinyl or aluminum siding. These forms of damage not only affect the appearance, but also lead to more serious issues if left unaddressed.
#3 Punctured Siding
In rare but extreme instances, hail can even puncture siding, leaving a hole that makes your home vulnerable to moisture intrusion and further damage. Each form of hail-damaged siding requires different repair approaches and, in some cases, may necessitate the complete replacement of the affected areas.
How Do You Determine If Siding Damage Requires Repair Or A Full Replacement?
The first thing you need to decide after noticing hail-damaged siding on your home is whether you’re going to repair or replace it.
However, there are some common considerations that you can make when deciding if your siding needs a full replacement or if repair will be just as effective. To help you make your choice, we’ve created the chart below:
Repair vs. Replacement
Here is a detailed list of the different factors that may affect your choice to repair or replace the siding on your home:
| Factors Favoring Siding Repair | Factors Favoring Siding Replacement |
| Isolated Damage: When only a few panels have small cracks or holes, repairing these specific areas can be a quick and cost-effective solution. This approach works well for minor issues that don’t affect the overall integrity of your siding. | Major Damage: If many panels are cracked, warped, or rotting, it’s usually better to replace the entire siding. Widespread damage often indicates deeper problems that simple repairs can’t fix effectively. |
| Minor Cosmetic Issues: For siding that’s just a bit faded or has a few scratches, repairs can refresh its look without the need to fully replace it. These small touch-ups can make your home look nicer without a big expense. | Old Siding: As siding gets older, it becomes more likely to get damaged and less effective at protecting your home. If your siding is nearing the end of its expected lifespan (which can be 20 to 50 years, depending on the material), it’s often wise to replace it entirely. |
| Relatively New Siding: If your siding is still fairly new and in good shape overall, repairing small problems can help it last even longer. This approach lets you get the most value out of your current siding before needing to replace it. | Structural Issues or Moisture Problems: When damage to your siding has led to bigger problems like structural weakness or water getting into your walls, it’s crucial to replace the siding. This helps prevent more serious and expensive damage to your home. |
| On A Budget: Repairs are usually cheaper and faster than full replacement. They also cause less disruption to your daily life, making repair a good choice when the damage isn’t too serious. | Improving Energy Efficiency And Appearance: If you want to make your home more energy-efficient or give it a fresh, new appearance, replacing your siding is often the best choice. |
Ultimately, we recommend hiring a professional contractor in your area for a siding inspection and their opinion.
What Factors Affect Siding’s Ability To Resist Damage?
There are many factors that can affect your siding’s resistance to damage, including the following:
- Hailstone Size
Primarily, the size of hailstones plays an important role in finding the extent and scope of damage. Larger hailstones naturally cause more significant impact and are more likely to result in various forms of siding damage, from dents to punctures.
- Wind Speed
Wind speed during a hailstorm is another critical factor. Strong winds can increase the velocity of hailstones, amplifying their damaging potential. This combination of large hail and high winds can lead to extensive siding damage by hail, affecting even the most durable materials.
- Age & Condition Of Your Existing Siding
The age and condition of your siding also play a significant role in its susceptibility to hail damage. Older, or already weathered siding is more vulnerable to the impact of hail, potentially requiring more extensive repairs or even full replacement after a severe storm.
- Siding Material
The type of siding material you picked also greatly influences how it withstands hail. The look of hail damage on vinyl siding might differ from hail-damaged wood siding or hail damage on aluminum siding. Each material has its unique properties and vulnerabilities when it comes to hail impact.
Does the Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Provide Coverage For Hail Damaged Siding?
Yes, in most cases, homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for hail-damaged siding. However, the terms and conditions of each policy differ, and it is best to check your policy to avoid any glitches in your insurance claim process.
Below is a brief overview of the process involved in filing an insurance claim for siding damage. Keep in mind that your process may vary depending on the insurance company.
- Document The Damage
The first step is to note down and keep the proof that the siding was damaged. Take pictures and note down every point that you want your insurance company to know. This is an important step as it will help ensure a smooth communication process with the insurance company.
- Communicate With Your Insurance Company.
Call your insurance company’s claims department or use their online portal to initiate the process as soon as possible after the incident. Provide relevant details about the damage and include your photos and notes.
- Prepare For The Adjuster’s Visit
Prepare for the adjuster’s visit by gathering all your documents related to damage, and make a list of all affected areas. You’ll want to be on site when the adjuster comes to ensure that they make note of everything you want them to see.
- Wait For A Decision
After the adjuster visits and inspects the damage, you’ll have to wait for the results of the claim. Give some time for your insurance company to process the information and reach a decision about your claim. Sometimes, you may be able to check your claim status online depending on your insurance company. Once the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for any necessary repairs. If the claim is denied, you can attempt to dispute it depending on the outcome.
Call All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters For Top-Quality Siding Services In Dayton, Ohio
Choosing a trustworthy contractor is equally important to make sure that your new siding lasts. If you are looking for reliable siding services in Dayton, OH, and the surrounding areas, then we are here to serve you!
We are one of the best-rated siding, roofing, and gutter service providers in Ohio. Whether you are looking for repairs, new siding, or full siding replacement, we got you covered.
To know more about our services, or for a free custom quote, feel free to call us at (937) 902-2839.
