Everything You Need to Know About Hail Damage to Siding

Siding Hail Damage: An Introduction

When most people think of hail damage, they picture torn-up shingles or dented car hoods.

But your siding is also on the front lines when it comes to receiving hail damage.

Your roof might take the brunt of the storm. But your siding often absorbs the worst of it. Silently cracking, chipping, and warping under the surface.

Not all damage will be obvious; some issues may not be visible right away and can lead to moisture buildup, insulation issues, or even mold behind your walls.

In this blog, we’re going to break down hail-damaged siding, the warning signs to look for, including both obvious damage and hidden problems, and why a quick inspection could save you thousands.

1. Why Siding Gets Damaged in a Hailstorm 

Hail doesn’t have to be the size of a baseball to wreck your siding. That’s because wind damage is another major risk during hailstorms, as strong gusts can drive hailstones into your home with greater force.

Both large hailstones and small hailstones can cause potential damage to your siding, especially when propelled by high winds. Even small hailstones can leave impact marks or cracks, while large hailstones may dent or puncture siding materials.

Here’s why siding often takes a hit: After a storm, it’s important to inspect all sides of your house, since hail and wind can affect different areas depending on the storm’s direction and intensity.

Different Materials 

Not all siding is created equal (obviously). Some siding is more durable than others when it comes to being impact-resistant, while others might be better with energy efficiency.

• Vinyl siding can crack or chip on impact.
• Wood siding may split or lose paint, exposing it to moisture.
• Aluminum Siding might dent and lose its protective coating.
• Engineered wood siding is known for its durability and impact resistance, making it a long-lasting option compared to traditional siding materials.

Other Reasons for Siding Damage

Repeated exposure to harsh elements, especially severe storms, can also have a lasting effect on your siding.

One or two storms usually won’t wreck your siding (unless the hailstones are huge). But the wear and tear of enduring multiple storms every year, particularly when severe storms are involved, is definitely enough to cause problems.

Also, with the wind, your siding will be taking direct shots from hail. The faster the wind, the higher the chance of damage.

Just because your siding is still attached to your home doesn’t mean it is unharmed.

2. Signs of Siding Hail Damage

Hail damage isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it can be a shattered panel, which is dramatic. After a storm, it’s important to spot hail and spot hail damage as soon as possible to prevent further issues.

But other times it can be a subtle crack that quietly invites moisture into your walls. The longer this kind of damage goes unnoticed, the worse and more expensive it gets. Spotting hail damage can be difficult for the untrained eye, as some signs are subtle and easy to miss.

Here’s what to look for when you’re checking for damage:

• Cracks and splits: Especially common in vinyl siding. These may be hairline fractures or full splits where the panel flexed on impact.
• Chips or holes: Small circular dents or punctures where hailstones struck the siding directly.
• Warping or buckling: Impact can distort the shape of your siding, causing it to bend, ripple, or pull away from the wall.
• Paint loss or discoloration: Chipped paint or faded spots, especially on metal or wood siding, are signs of impact and potential coating failure.
• Moisture stains inside the home: If water damage appears on your interior walls, it may be coming through compromised siding.
• Dents in metal siding: Hail often leaves visible dimples in aluminum and steel siding, which can be hard to spot without proper lighting.
• Vinyl siding hail damage and vinyl siding damage: Look for cracks, chips, warping, or gouges in vinyl siding, especially if the siding is older, as aging vinyl becomes more susceptible to hail damage. Hailstone size can affect the severity of the damage siding, and sometimes the signs are only visible up close.

Damage isn’t always visible from the ground. A professional inspection helps catch things your eyes might’ve missed.

Here at Eagle Crest, we offer free inspections, so if you feel like your home might’ve been damaged in a recent storm, don’t hesitate to reach out.

3. Documenting the Damage

After a hail storm, one of the most important steps you can take is to thoroughly document any damage to your siding and roofing. This isn’t just about having proof for your insurance company—it’s about making sure you understand the full extent of the damage so you can plan the necessary repairs.

Start by walking around your home and taking clear, close-up photos of any visible damage to your vinyl siding, wood siding, or aluminum siding. Look for cracks, dents, chips, or even missing shingles on your roof. Don’t forget to check your roofing materials, including asphalt shingles and wood shingles, as hail can wreak havoc on these areas too.

Make detailed notes about each spot you find: What type of siding material is affected? How big is the damaged area? Where is it located on your house? If you notice any missing shingles or cracks, jot down their size and position. It’s also smart to record the date of the hail storm, the estimated size of the hail, and the wind speed if you know it—these details can help your insurance company assess your claim more accurately.

Don’t overlook other areas that might have taken a hit, like gutters, downspouts, or trim. The more thorough your documentation, the better prepared you’ll be when it’s time to talk to your insurance agent or an experienced contractor about repairs.

By taking the time to document everything, you’ll have a better sense of the extent of the damage and be ready to move forward with repairs or a potential insurance claim.

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4. What Can Happen if You Wait Too Long 

You’re probably thinking, it’s just a crack or a small dent, right? Nothing too serious.

Actually, ignoring siding hail damage is one of the most expensive decisions a homeowner can make. Waiting can allow extensive damage to develop, which may require more costly repairs or even full replacement.

Here’s what can happen when damage is left unchecked:

• Moisture gets in – cracked or chipped siding opens the door for water intrusion. Once moisture gets behind your walls, it can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot, which are not cheap to fix.
• Insulation takes a hit – Damaged siding can affect your home’s energy efficiency. Cold drafts in winter and heat intrusion in summer drive up your energy bills without you realizing why.
• Hidden structural issues – Over time, water and weather exposure behind compromised siding from neglected hail damage can weaken the framing of your home, leading to structural damage. Even if the damage is not immediately visible, functional damage can occur, reducing the lifespan of your siding and requiring repairs to prevent further deterioration.
• Reduced home value – Whether you’re thinking about selling or refinancing, visible siding damage can tank curb appeal and lower appraisals.

What looks like a small cosmetic issue today could cost thousands tomorrow.

5. Repair Vs. Replace

Now that the hail has struck the next question becomes… Can it be fixed or does it all have to go? The answer depends on a few key factors, like the type of siding, the extent of the damage, and how quickly you act.

Here are some things to know:

• Spot Repairs: If damage is minimal and confined to a few panels, spot repairs might be the fastest, most cost-effective solution. This is especially common with vinyl siding where a panel or two can be swapped out.
• Full Panel Replacement: In cases of widespread damage, full panel or wall replacement may be necessary. This is often true with older siding where hail impacts have weakened the entire surface over time. When full replacement is needed, your homeowners insurance policy may help cover the cost of replacement siding, depending on your coverage and any relevant endorsements.
• Matching Existing Siding: This is where things get tricky. If your current siding has faded or is no longer manufactured, a perfect match may not be possible. That’s when many homeowners opt to upgrade the entire wall or switch to a more durable material.
• Upgrade to Hail-Resistant Siding: Tired of repeating this process every storm season? Consider upgrading to impact-resistant options like fiber cement or LP SmartSide. These materials are specifically designed to hold up against severe weather and some even come with insurance discounts.

When deciding between repair and replacement, it’s important to consider the overall costs involved. Labor costs can be a significant part of the expense, especially for complex projects or when skilled workers are required. The total costs will also depend on the size of your home, the materials used, and the extent of the damage.

We know this can be a lot of information to take in. That’s why we’re willing to give you a free professional inspection of your current siding.

And we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons so you’re confident in the decision you make for your home’s future.

Feel free to reach out to us here at Eagle Crest, and we can answer any questions you might have.

6. Different Kinds of Siding

Different types of siding handle hail storms differently. Some materials can take a beating and bounce back, while others won’t be able to stand taking a beating, especially when exposed to larger hailstones.

If you’re considering repairs or a full replacement, here’s how the most common siding types stack up in storm conditions:

Vinyl Siding

• Pros: Affordable, low-maintenance, easy to replace individual panels
• Cons: Brittle in cold temps, prone to cracking and chipping from hail
• Hail Performance: Moderate. Can survive light hail but cracks easily under heavier impact, particularly from larger hailstones.

Aluminum Siding

• Pros: Lightweight, fire-resistant, won’t rust
• Cons: Easily dented, paint can chip off
• Hail Performance: Poor. Hail often leaves visible dents that are hard to fix without full panel replacement, and larger hailstones can cause even more severe denting.

Fiber Cement (e.g., hardie Board)

• Pros: Highly durable, resistant to rot, fire, and insects
• Cons: More expensive, heavier, requires professional installation.
• Hail Performance: Excellent. Holds up extremely well even in large hailstorms, but even fiber cement can show damage if struck by larger hailstones.

Engineered Wood (e.g., LP SmartSide)

• Pros: Tougher than traditional wood, treated to resist moisture and pests
• Cons: Still vulnerable to impact if not properly installed
• Hail Performance: Good. More resilient than vinyl or aluminum, especially with SmartGuard protection, but larger hailstones can still cause dents or cracks.

Wood Siding

• Pros: Natural look, can be painted or stained
• Cons: High maintenance, vulnerable to moisture
• Hail Performance: Low. Can split, crack, or lose paint, especially if aged or untreated, and larger hailstones increase the risk of severe damage.

Thinking about upgrading? Materials like fiber cement or engineered wood offer long-term protection against Colorado’s brutal storm season and can even improve your home’s value. For roofing materials, keep in mind that hail can also damage the fiberglass mat beneath shingles, which may compromise your roof’s integrity if the mat becomes exposed or shattered.

7. Insurance Factors 

If your siding took a hit during a hailstorm or other severe weather event, your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover it, especially if the storm damage is properly documented and reported. Insurance companies play a key role in assessing and covering storm damage, but coverage does depend on your policy.

Time limitations do exist, and documentation is more important than homeowners realize.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Proof of Damage: Insurers want documentation. Photos, inspection reports, and dated storm data help strengthen your claim and speed up the approval process. Insurance companies may require detailed documentation of storm damage for claims to be approved.
• Full Coverage Might Depend on Matching Materials: If your siding can’t be matched exactly, some policies will cover the cost to replace an entire wall. Not all policies will offer this, but it’s worth checking.
• Your Contractor Can Help: A reputable local contractor can walk your property with the adjuster, help explain the damage, and make sure nothing is overlooked. That alone can make a big difference in your payout.

It’s always better to have a professional inspection done before you call your insurance company. You’ll be better prepared for the claim process, and if you use a local contractor for an inspection. They can be there when the adjuster walks your home making the process much smoother.

8. Preventing Future Damage

While you can’t control when the next hail storm will hit, you can take steps to make sure your home is better protected when it does. Preventing future hail damage starts with choosing the right materials and staying on top of regular maintenance.

Consider upgrading to impact resistant siding materials like fiber cement siding or steel siding. These options are specifically engineered to withstand the force of hail impact and can dramatically reduce the risk of damage from hail. If you’re already repairing or replacing siding, now is the perfect time to invest in these super resistant materials for a longer lifespan and fewer worries down the road.

Regularly inspect your siding and roofing systems for any cracks, chips, or other signs of wear. Promptly repairing even small issues can prevent further damage and keep your home’s exterior strong against the next storm. Don’t forget to check for damage from hail on your roof as well, missing shingles or cracked asphalt shingles can lead to water damage and costly repairs if left unaddressed.

Trimming back trees and shrubs near your house can also help minimize the risk of branches causing siding damage during high winds. For extra protection, consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows to shield your home from wind-borne debris.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to consult with a siding professional or experienced contractor. They can assess your home’s vulnerability, recommend the best siding material for your area, and help you create a plan to address hail damage before it becomes a bigger problem.

Conclusion 

Hail damage to siding isn’t always loud or obvious, but it’s never harmless. Whether it’s a small crack or a warped panel, the longer it goes unchecked, the more it can cost you in repairs.

If you’ve been through a recent storm or even if your siding hasn’t been inspected in years, it’s worth taking a closer look. For the best visibility, try inspecting your siding in the late afternoon, when the lighting can help you spot damage more easily. Because when it comes to hail, what you don’t see is often what ends up doing the most damage.

If you need a second opinion, schedule a free siding inspection with Eagle Crest today and get your peace of mind before the next storm hits.