Though we could be hit by hail at any time of the year in North Texas, April and May are when hailstorms are usually the most active and at their peak in terms of size and intensity. Sure, pea to dime-sized hail here and there is nothing to worry about. But when we start seeing quarter-sized, golf balls, and even baseball-sized hail combined with heavy rain and high winds, it is time to take a closer look at your entire property when the skies settle and the sun comes out. We say “entire property” because many homeowners are trained to immediately look for damage on their roofs, gutters, downspouts, and windows. While true, don’t forget to look for hail damage on your siding, too.
Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior and siding. This is especially true for older siding that already showed signs of wear and tear before the storm, and it is equally as true for newer siding—depending on the type of siding and the severity of the storm. That’s right; your siding may be built to last, but Mother Nature enjoys testing those theories. If your area has recently experienced a hailstorm, inspecting your siding is important. Even minor damage can lead to many hidden problems you might not notice until it is too late.
Siding Materials Don’t Always Withstand Repeated Hail Damage
At Siding & More we pride ourselves on recommending and installing the best siding materials on the market. This is why we only sell vinyl siding. For starters, it looks great and offers unmatched versatility in terms of colors and textures to choose from. More importantly, it is incredibly durable. When installed correctly, vinyl siding can last as long as 40 years. That said, repeated hail damage can be a problem for any siding material.
According to an article in the Dallas Morning News last May, the National Weather Service recorded over 1,332 hail, wind, and tornado events in Texas up to that point in 2024. There were 108 reports on May 28 alone. A follow-up report in June stated that there were 706 hailstorms and that those numbers may increase this year due to climate change. Hail season in North Texas typically runs from March to June, with April and May being the most active months. This is when the ingredients for severe weather in Texas come together most often. These ingredients include a warm, humid, and unstable atmosphere, and weather disturbances like cold fronts and low atmospheric pressure.
With all that said, it is important to survey your siding and note any noticeable damage. Here are ways to spot hail damage on siding.
8 Steps To Spot Hail Damage On Siding
1. Cracks, dents, and holes
Many people assume hail falls straight down. In reality, it can also be wind-driven and hit your house sideways and at an angle. As a result, it can leave behind noticeable dents, cracks, holes, and even chipped areas on the material that runs horizontally or vertically across the surface. These should be easy to spot as you walk around your home. Depending on the extent of the damage, these cracks could range from fine hairline splits to gaps or holes where pieces of the materials have chipped off, leaving jagged and uneven edges.
2. Warped appearance
Besides leaving visible marks, repeated hail damage can weaken areas of your siding that are already damaged or weren’t installed correctly. For instance, you may notice areas that don’t lie as flat as others. Some areas may have taken on a wavy appearance, or perhaps the siding is cupping inward or bulging outward from the home. This is because the siding has warped to the point where moisture has gotten behind it. Warping in very minor areas might be repairable. In other areas, the entire section may need to be replaced.
3. Bubbles underneath the siding
Similar to the warped and wavy appearance, you may also notice bubbles forming underneath the siding as you walk around your home to inspect possible hail damage. This means the structural integrity of your siding has been compromised due to moisture and water seeping between the planks.
4. Loose or missing siding panels
This could be because of harsh weather conditions or improper installation. In either case, siding repair or replacement is necessary if you have loose or missing panels.
5. Rot
Vinyl siding doesn’t rot, but wood does, and it can be a real problem with hail damage. Obvious signs of rotten wood include a decayed appearance, discolored patches, texture changes, and wood that easily breaks apart or crumbles. In some sections, there may be deep grooves and holes.
6. Fading
Vinyl siding and other alternatives can fade and discolor over time, especially with repeated hail damage. As you walk around your property, take one of inconsistencies in color and texture from one section to the next. This is one of the least worrisome issues with hail damage, but it certainly needs to not be ignored.
7. Issues inside the home
Often, siding repair or replacement concerns due to hail damage stem from issues you see inside the home rather than on the siding itself. Perhaps you are noticing peeling paint on the living room walls. There could also be mold or mildew forming on the walls or a considerable spike in energy costs. Damaged siding allows heat or cool air to escape your home rather than easily protecting everything.
8. Visible mold or mildew growth
If you notice visible growth on the siding surface, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup, you should strongly consider siding repairs such as cleaning and treatment to address underlying moisture sources and regrowth. In many cases, it may be necessary to do a full siding replacement.
How Do I Repair or Fix My Vinyl Siding?
After finding visible signs of hail damage on your siding, you may feel the urge to get on the side of your house and make the repairs yourself. If you are willing and have done this work before with great results, then we applaud you. That said, it is highly recommended that a professional siding expert take a look.
There are several advantages to hiring a professional siding contractor:
- Accurate evaluations of the extent of the damage
- The ability to determine if repairs or replacement are necessary
- Access to the right materials
- Expertise in performing repairs quickly and efficiently
- Safety considerations
Easily Replace Siding Hail Damage with Siding & More
It is frustrating when hailstorms hit North Texas and cause damage to your property. This can include the obvious areas like your roof, gutters, and windows. But as we have learned in this article, hail damage can also wreak havoc on your siding.
If your siding is new and has been installed correctly with the best materials possible, you might be able to avoid significant damage and may only need minor touchups. However, you may need a closer look if your siding is older or shows signs of wear and tear.
Whether planning a few minor repairs or considering upgrading your current siding after hail damage, vinyl siding offers a winning combination of style, performance, value, and overall sustainability that other siding materials can’t quite match. At the end of the day, you want your home to look its absolute best without having to worry about the constant upkeep and cost that comes with it. To that end, you may consider vinyl siding as your next major update.
At Siding & More, we offer various vinyl siding options tailored to withstand the Texas climate. Investing in high-quality vinyl siding for your Dallas home provides a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing exterior. For the best results, opt for UV-resistant options like those from Ply Gem, ensuring your home stays protected and beautiful for decades. With nearly 40 years of experience in the Dallas area, Siding & More is one of the best siding contractors around.
Contact us today for a consultation and to discover how we can enhance your home’s exterior. To get started, call 972-636-3513 or contact us for a free estimate with the form below.
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Siding and More Construction Company serves the North Texas area including these cities in the Greater Dallas metroplex and more: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Canton, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Irving, Terrell, Royse City and nearby areas.
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