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Vinyl siding is a great way to create a modern look and stylish curb appeal for your home. It can make an older home look brand new. In addition, homeowners benefit from reduced maintenance costs, water penetration protection, enhanced energy efficiency, increased fire retardance, insulation against cold temperatures and reduced mold, mildew and insect infestations. After making an investment in vinyl siding, it’s important to keep up necessary maintenance so these great benefits are not lost.

Part of that maintenance is checking vinyl siding for damage after storms, particularly in the spring and summer seasons.

Inspections should be done right away after heavy storms so any damage can be quickly corrected.

Wind and hail are the chief weather enemies of vinyl siding, so inspecting it after high winds or hail have struck is always essential. Some homeowners feel a false sense of security because vinyl siding is such a durable material. Though vinyl siding has great resistance properties, mother nature can pack a punch that no building material can weather unscathed. In addition, some storm damage may be invisible immediately after a storm, so keeping an eye out for symptoms of vinyl siding damage, such as leaks, is also important.

How to self-evaluate vinyl siding post-storm

After a storm, most people think about getting outside to do the activities they had to put off during the heavy weather. However, before heading out for a bike ride or starting up the lawn mower, take a few minutes to assess your siding. Damage can be detected by sight or touch. Also, be sure to look at it from various angles. Often, damage is visible only from a certain perspective. Checking with different eye lines, looking both vertically and horizontally and in sunshine as well as shade help bring the damage into view.

What to look for

Storm damage tends to cause several specific types of damage to vinyl siding. Look for dents, which often appear in an arc or semi-circle. Chips also occur with great frequency, causing small pieces of paneling or paint to go missing. Cracks are most often seen running horizontally along damaged panels. Lower-level panels are particularly susceptible to punctures.
Storms are not the only danger to siding. Over time, wear and tear can eventually causes it to fail. Storm damage may require repair, while other, less sudden forms of damage may require replacement. Here are the important things to look for:

Deterioration and aging

Vinyl siding suffers from solar weathering when it begins to deteriorate. Signs of damage are likely to include wavy, warped or uneven spots. As it further deteriorates, it may buckle or shift and gaps may form. Vinyl siding in this condition must be replaced.

Nail failures

Rusty nails indicate water damage that can leave streaks down the siding. Missing nails indicate an immediate repair or replacement is needed. The siding may fall off or be blown away in a storm.

Seams and caulk

Siding is caulked at all seams and joints. As it ages, caulk shrinks, cracks or wears away. If the caulk is still strong, the siding appears seamless. If seams have shifted or boards are uneven, the siding is in the process of failing.

Rot or mold

If moisture enters through your siding, it needs repair or replacement. Often, when this occurs, homeowners see mold on their interior drywall or smell something musty.

Water stains

Discoloration or streaking on the siding indicates water stains. Signs of water runoff that start and stop rapidly may indicate water is breaching the siding and may damage the home’s interior.

Vinyl siding is a great choice because it eliminates much of the danger of moisture damage and is impervious to termites. Paint also lasts a lifetime on vinyl siding, saving time and money in the future. Storms, however, can damage vinyl siding severely. Also, there is always the problem of deterioration over time. By routinely inspecting vinyl siding for signs of damage, you can make needed repairs before the problem spreads and becomes more severe. With your vinyl siding properly maintained, you can be the envy of the neighborhood.

If you see any signs of damage or deterioration on your vinyl siding, contact a professional siding repair service right away. Often, a replacement can be avoided in repairs are done promptly.

180 Contractors has helped countless residents throughout Michigan with vinyl siding repair and installation. We only work with the highest quality manufacturers that are engineered to withstand and protect against extreme weather conditions. You can count on exceptional workmanship from a professional team whose work will stand the test of time! Our Michigan based home improvement company specializes in roof installation and repair, new window installation, siding, home insulation and more! Call us today for a Free on-site estimate and to learn more about our services.

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