Spring means storm season for much of the United States. While rain is great for flowers, a heavy storm is not so great for your home. With all that wind, water and debris beating against the exterior, it’s common to experience storm-damaged siding. Your home’s siding protects interior structures from harm, but it can become cracked or water-damaged after a storm. When that happens, you need to decide whether you want to repair or replace the siding.

Assess the Storm Damage

First things first, you need to perform a siding damage assessment. You’ll want a professional to look at the siding, but make sure you visually inspect your house yourself, too. Different types of storm damage can lead to unique problems. For example, wind damage can loosen or detach siding, which exposes your home to the elements. Debris impact will leave scratches and dents, while water damage might necessitate a simple repair or a complete replacement.

Walk around your home looking for storm damage on the roof and siding. Are there any visible cracks, loose panels or dents? Pay close attention to areas near your windows, corners and doors. Next, check out the inside. Do you notice peeling paint or water stains along exterior walls? These signs might indicate moisture intrusion.

After inspecting your home, call a professional. Just because you didn’t see anything doesn’t mean there’s no damage. Professionals will thoroughly inspect your siding for storm issues so that you know how affected your home was. Keep any documentation they give you on the damage for insurance purposes.

When to Repair Siding

Siding repair is often more convenient and cost-effective than a complete replacement. Talk to a professional to see if your siding meets the criteria for a repair.

1. Mild Damage

Minor, localized siding issues usually require repairs. A few damaged panels or issues in one area are also great repair candidates. Repairing those panels can restore your siding without a full-blown replacement. Other cosmetic problems, like scratches or shallow cracks, also make easy repair jobs. If your siding is in good condition overall, you can opt for a repair.

2. Lower Cost

Repairing damaged sections is often less expensive than a complete replacement. Additionally, going the repair route can help you reduce material and labor needs. If you’re looking for a faster method that will save you money, replacements may be the way to go.

3. Easy Match

Repair could be the better choice if you have a newer home or recently installed siding. It’s easier to match siding for newer homes, which makes repairs easier and more seamless. If your home has seen significant fading and wear, it’s harder to match the repairs. If that’s the case, consider a replacement.

When to Replace Siding

While repairing siding is often effective for minor damage, a replacement can be the right option for more extensive issues. Consult a professional, and consider replacing your siding if there’s a lot of damage or if it would be a better investment in the long run.

1. Extensive Damage

If you have extensive damage along the siding, you’ll likely need a complete siding replacement. These are some of the issues that could require a full siding job:

  • Missing or broken sections: High winds, hail and debris can damage significant portions of your siding. When major sections are missing, a replacement can restore full protection. Missing panels expose your exterior walls to pests and moisture.
  • Severe water damage: Storms can leave moisture trapped between damaged siding panels. This moisture leads to warping, mold, rot and — with enough time — severe structural damage. Repairing visible damage won’t be enough.
  • Water infiltration: Once water gets behind the siding, it can quickly damage the insulation and drywall. You’ll need a full siding replacement and interior repairs to address the water damage and protect your home.

2. Need Long-Term Durability

Storm-damaged siding is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your siding. Siding typically lasts 25 to 60 years, depending on the material. Old, outdated siding struggles to compete with modern innovations, and upgrading damaged siding improves weather resistance, energy efficiency and mold prevention.

3. Better Investment

While a siding replacement costs more than repairs, it can actually be more cost-effective in the long term. You should consider a replacement for the:

  • Long-term savings: Older siding needs more frequent repairs as it wears down. New siding delivers better damage protection and requires fewer repairs, reducing your ongoing maintenance and siding repair costs.
  • Insurance coverage: Depending on the damage, your insurance might cover some of the replacement cost. Working with professionals on your siding repair and claim can help you get better claim support. With insurance helping out, you can afford high-quality siding replacement options.
  • Increased value: Brand-new, high-quality siding boosts your home’s appearance. With a sparkling new exterior and updated protection, you’ll increase your home’s attractiveness to buyers. You could see a higher resale value with a new siding investment.

Finding the Best Siding Materials

Once you’ve decided on siding repair or replacement, it’s time to pick the materials. A repair will use a similar material to your current siding — this makes the repair look seamless. However, a siding replacement is a chance to upgrade to the best siding materials. Let’s break down the different siding material options to help you find the best option for your home:

  1. Vinyl: One of the most popular and budget-friendly siding materials. Vinyl is extremely energy-efficient, lightweight and low maintenance.
  2. Wood: Wood is a less common siding option. It’s classic, but it requires regular maintenance to keep out rot and pests. Wood is not ideal for modern homes facing heavy rain and snow.
  3. Fiber cement: Fiber cement is a newer siding. It’s more expensive than vinyl, but it delivers a durable, fire-resistant defense.
  4. Engineered wood: Engineered wood mimics the look of real wood but without the drawbacks. It offers superior moisture and pest resistance, so if you want the classic wood look, consider this option.
  5. Metal: Aluminum and steel are excellent siding choices if you want impact resistance. However, they need special installation to prevent corrosion in humid areas.

Get Siding Solutions That Last at AmeriPro Roofing

When storm damage hits, you need a trusted expert to assess your siding. Whether you need vinyl siding repairs, replacements or even professional roof work, AmeriPro Roofing is here to help. We’re a highly awarded leader in siding and roof restoration. We offer homeowners high-quality vinyl siding and roofing backed by a limited lifetime workmanship warranty. With locations across the U.S., you can count on AmeriPro Roofing to be there when you need us. Schedule your complimentary inspection today!