After your home has been through a severe storm, it is quite possible it may have suffered various types of damage. If you have siding on your home, this can be one part that is prone to being damaged by wind, hail, and various things that may be flying through the air. But once the storm passes, you need to be proactive in checking for siding damage so that you can arrange for whatever repairs may be necessary. To make sure you realize where damage has taken place, here are some signs to look for during your inspection.
Splits and Cracks
If your siding is starting to age, high winds or debris that hit against it in a storm may result in splits and cracks to individual pieces. Should you find this type of damage, you may be able to seal up the cracks as a temporary fix, but then should concentrate on getting any damaged pieces replaced.
Soft Areas
After a storm that has had plenty of rain, check your siding for any soft areas that may exist underneath the siding itself. If you touch a piece of siding that is warped and feels soft behind it, chances are this means water has been getting behind it and rotting out the wood underneath. If this is the case, work with storm damage restoration specialists to get your home back in top condition.
Discoloration
In some situations after a storm, you may notice certain areas of your siding are discolored. While this may indicate some rotting has taken place in that part of your home, it could also mean you have additional problems such as termite infestation. Along with getting the damaged siding replaced, you should also get your home checked out by a pest control specialist to make sure you don't have termite problems of which you were unaware.
Dents and Dings
If you live in an area where hail is a common part of thunderstorms, it is almost a certainty that your home's siding will suffer some dents and dings after the storm has passed. Since this type of damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance, it should be no problem to work with your insurance company to get it replaced.
While you certainly hope your home's siding comes through a storm unscathed, knowing how to check for damage and get the necessary repairs enacted as fast as possible can save you time as well as money.
