If your area has just been hit by a severe storm, it is very likely your siding has sustained storm damage along with your roof and, therefore, may require repair. Here’s an overview of how to handle storm-damaged siding.

Repair vs. Replace

Once you have ascertained your family’s safety and have made appointments with your contractor and insurance provider, take a few minutes to assess the condition of your siding. While you’re not expected to perform siding repairs, and your insurance will likely cover its cost, knowing the condition of your siding can help you manage your expectations. Most types of siding is easy to repair, thanks to snap-on components and standard profiles, though an exact match may be difficult to achieve if the existing siding is a discontinued product. In such cases, the siding will need to be painted.

Replacement becomes a requirement if the siding is badly damaged. Chances are other parts of the exterior wall, such as the sheathing and moisture barrier, may be damaged as well. Siding contractors typically strip part or all of the exterior cladding – that is, the siding – before repairs can be performed. If your siding is past its expected service life, then think of storm repairs as an opportunity to get new siding.

Filing Insurance Claims

Make it a point to review your homeowners’ insurance policy, paying particular attention to provisions that relate to replacing discontinued products. Your insurance adjuster will discuss options with your siding contractor with regards to repair and replacement. This is an essential step if your house is clad with old siding as a partial replacement may not be an ideal option, especially if the available options would result in an uneven look.

At the end of the consultation, your insurance adjuster will gather all required documentation, including the siding repair estimate provided by your siding contractor. Processing may take as much as two weeks. The first check will cover the down payment while another check will cover the rest of the estimated cost, after deductibles.

Exterior Building Solutions is your leading provider of roofing and siding services, including emergency roof repair. Give us a call at (314) 470-8783, or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO.