Most homeowners check their roof after a hail storm and stop there. But hail and high winds do just as much damage to siding as they do to shingles and siding damage is easier to miss because it doesn’t always show up as an obvious hole or crack. Here’s what to look for and why it matters.
Why Siding Damage Is Easy to Overlook
Roof damage tends to get attention because leaks show up inside the house relatively quickly. Siding damage is slower to reveal itself. Water works its way behind compromised siding and into the wall cavity over weeks or months, showing up eventually as mold, rot, or interior water stains. By the time you notice it inside, the damage behind the wall is usually significant.
The other reason siding damage gets missed is that it’s not always dramatic looking. A small dent or crack in a siding panel doesn’t look like much from the driveway, but it’s enough to let moisture in.
What Hail Damage Looks Like on Siding
On vinyl siding, hail typically leaves circular cracks or splits. You’ll see them most clearly at the center of each panel where the material is less supported. On fiber cement siding, look for chipping or pitting. On wood siding, hail can split the grain or leave impact marks that aren’t immediately obvious but compromise the paint seal.
Walk the perimeter of your house after any significant hail event and look at each section of siding at an angle; the low angle of light makes dents and cracks easier to spot than looking straight on.
What Wind Damage Looks Like on Siding
High winds can lift, crack, or completely remove siding panels. Vinyl siding is particularly vulnerable because the panels interlock and once one gets lifted, others can follow. Look for:
- Panels that are bulging away from the wall
- Gaps at the seams between panels
- Missing panels or sections
- Cracked or broken panels at the edges and corners of the house
Corner pieces and trim are usually the first to go in high winds, check those areas carefully after any significant storm.
Check the Caulking and Trim
Even if the siding panels themselves look intact, check the caulking around windows, doors, and where siding meets trim. Wind and hail can crack or dislodge caulk, leaving gaps that let water directly into your wall framing. This is a small fix if caught early and an expensive one if it goes unnoticed through a Minnesota winter.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re seeing any of the above after a storm, it’s worth having a contractor take a look before filing an insurance claim. A few reasons:
- Some siding damage requires close inspection to document properly for an insurance claim
- Damage that looks minor on the surface can indicate more significant issues behind the wall
- If the storm also damaged your roof, gutters, or windows, a single inspection can document everything at once and streamline the claims process
In Minnesota and Wisconsin, hail and wind events that damage roofs almost always damage siding too. If your neighbors are filing roofing claims after a storm, it’s a good bet your siding took a hit as well.
What About Insurance Coverage?
Storm damage to siding is typically covered under standard homeowners insurance policies the same way roof damage is. The same rules apply – document the damage with photos as soon as possible after the storm, note the date, and get a professional inspection before your insurance adjuster visits. Having a contractor present during the adjuster’s visit can help ensure the full scope of siding damage gets included in your claim.
Galvin Home Renovations inspects roofs, siding, gutters, and windows after storm events throughout the Twin Cities metro and Western Wisconsin. If your home took damage in a recent storm, call us at (612) 518-9876 or request a free estimate online — we’ll document everything you need for your insurance claim.