Signs Summer Storms Damaged Your Siding

Walk the perimeter and read the whole wall

Circle your house slowly and look at the siding from a few angles, including with the sun low so shadows reveal dents and dimples. Pay closest attention to the sides that faced the storm — usually the ones where wind and rain hit hardest.

• Cracks, holes, or chips, especially the size and shape of hailstones.
• Dents and dimples that show up in raking light.
• Panels that are loose, buckled, pulled away from the wall, or missing entirely.
• Faded or "chalky" spots on vinyl where the surface was blasted by hail.
• Damaged caulk and trim around windows, doors, and corners.

What to look for by siding type

• Vinyl: cracks and holes (vinyl gets brittle in cold and can shatter from hail), plus panels knocked loose from their locking channel by wind.
• Fiber cement: chips and cracks, and damage to the painted surface that will let moisture in if not sealed.
• Wood: splits, gouges, and lifted or missing boards; watch for exposed bare wood that will rot if left open.
• Aluminum and metal: dents and dimpling, which are cosmetic but a clear signal the storm was strong enough to have hit the roof too.

Why even "minor" siding damage matters

Siding is a water-management system, not just a look. A cracked panel or a failed seal lets wind-driven rain reach the moisture barrier and sheathing behind it. That hidden water is what leads to rot, mold, and swollen framing — problems that cost many times more than the siding repair would have. Catching a crack now is far cheaper than replacing a wall section next year.

• Check inside too: look at the walls and ceilings on storm-facing sides for fresh stains or damp spots.
• Photograph every crack, dent, and loose panel with a dated camera for your insurance file.
• Do not seal or replace anything before documenting it, in case you file a claim.