As a Midwesterner, your roof and siding have likely seen their fair share of hailstorms. At this point, you might know the obvious tell-tale signs of hail damaged siding. Unfortunately, not all damage is clearly visible to the untrained eye. While bigger hailstones cause evident damage, smaller hailstones may not appear to be as harmful. Hail with a diameter of less than an inch might cause damage to your siding that you can’t easily spot. Here is what to look for when inspecting your siding for hail damage and when to call in the professionals.
When you have vinyl siding, you may be more prone to damage from hail. Sometimes you can see very obvious signs of hail damage, but some may be more subtle since hail can bounce off vinyl, especially if it’s newer. When hail hits vinyl siding, it usually leaves no dents. However, when dense, large, or fast-falling hailstones strike vinyl siding, the panels might break or chip. Cracks may be more common in older vinyl siding. You may also notice holes or puncture marks where hail has struck. This is an obvious way to identify whether there is damage, but keep in mind that just because you don’t see any problems doesn’t indicate that hail hasn’t damaged your siding. Also, examine for buckling or warping, which is frequent with damaged vinyl siding. Buckled and warped siding is still an issue you must address since it decreases its ability to protect your home.
While vinyl siding may hide dents, wood and metal siding won’t. Denting is likely the most common visible sign of hail damaged wood and metal siding. You may even be able to tell how large the hailstone was that hit your siding because some of the dents might be very prominent. If your siding is painted, you will likely notice paint spots missing which is an indication that hail has damaged your siding.
When hail hits aluminum siding, it creates a distinct-looking dent. The size of the hail determines the size of the dent. The dents may sometimes be seen with the naked eye, especially if the siding surface is smooth. If the aluminum siding is stamped with a wood pattern, the dent may be more difficult to see, so you may have to inspect closer. After a bad hail storm, oxidation markings are frequently left on aluminum siding. You may initially be tempted to just paint over these marks. However, oxidized siding is an indication that it is nearing the end of its life and should be replaced. To check for oxidation, run your hand down the siding and look for a powdery residue left on your hand. If, while doing this, you also notice dimples, this indicates that it has been damaged and may need to be replaced.
After a major hailstorm, Missouri residents should inspect their siding for damage. When you do have hail damage to your siding, it’s important to address it quickly. The professionals at Manor understand that your home’s siding serves a very important purpose, and repairing damaged siding swiftly is critical after a storm. Visit the website to learn more about siding replacement or request a free estimate today.