One of the weakest parts of your home is the siding, which protects you from strong winds, snow, and other things that could damage it. Planning your next steps after storm damage can help you save time, reduce stress, and cut costs. Taking action immediately can prevent issues from worsening and give you a greater chance of receiving insurance.
When storms hit Minnesota, they can happen quickly and cause much damage. Today, we’ll discuss what every person should do after a storm and what to expect throughout the siding repair or replacement process.
Step 1: Assess Visible Siding Damage Right Away
After severe weather passes and it’s safe to go outside, begin a post-storm siding inspection to identify any visible damage. Walk carefully around your home and take detailed photos or videos of any affected areas. These will be essential for both your insurance claim and contractor assessment.
What Should You Look For?
Your first step is to document everything with photos or videos. These will be helpful during insurance and contractor discussions.
- Siding panels with holes, cracks, or dents
- Warping or buckling of materials
- Missing or loose panels
- Water stains or moisture buildup near seams
- Paint or finish stripping from hail
Even minor dents or missing fasteners can allow moisture to enter your home’s structure. That moisture can lead to mold, rot, or insulation damage if left alone.
Step 2: Schedule a Professional Siding Inspection
Hidden damage can be easy to overlook. That’s why a certified siding contractor should perform a full inspection, especially if the storm brought hail or flying debris.
Why Inspections Are So Important
Storms can compromise the integrity of your home’s siding, potentially leading to water damage and increased energy costs. Regular inspections help identify hidden issues early and ensure your home’s exterior remains protective and aesthetically pleasing.
- Professionals can spot impact points that homeowners may miss.
- A complete inspection includes areas around windows, doors, soffits, and fascia.
- Your contractor will evaluate the extent of the damage and whether repairs are possible or if complete replacement is needed.
A trusted local contractor like Advantage Construction will also check behind the siding for signs of trapped moisture, compromised barriers, or internal wall issues.
Step 3: Review a Detailed Damage Report
After the inspection, you should get a clear and honest list of what was found.
What is in a Siding Damage Report?
A siding damage report is a detailed document that outlines the condition of a building’s exterior siding. Property owners need this report to identify vulnerabilities, prioritize repairs, and maintain home value. It can also aid insurance claims and sales by revealing property condition.
- Photographs of all problem areas
- An assessment of repairability vs. full replacement
- Notes on age, wear, and siding type
- Material and labor estimates
- Recommendations for next steps
A full report ensures you’re not guessing about the extent of the damage. It also makes it easier to move forward with insurance claims.
Step 4: Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Your homeowners’ insurance may cover many siding repairs following storm events, provided the damage is properly documented and linked to a specific weather event.
How Does Insurance Factor Into Storm Repairs?
Homeowners need to know how insurance affects storm repairs to siding. If your siding is damaged by something your insurance covers, your insurance can help pay for the repair or replacement. This can lessen your financial burden.
- Your contractor can help you determine when to file a claim and provide proof of storm-related damage.
- Some providers send out adjusters, while others accept third-party inspection reports.
- If your siding is aged, outdated, or mismatched, insurance may only cover the damaged side; you may be responsible for replacing the rest.
Working with an experienced contractor who understands the claims process makes a big difference. At Advantage Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of Minnesota homeowners navigate siding claims from start to finish.
Step 5: Decide to Repair or Replace
Not all storm damage requires a full siding replacement. Depending on the extent and location of the damage, repairs may be possible and cost-effective.
When is Siding Repair a Good Option?
- Damage is confined to one or two panels
- The existing siding product is still available
- There’s no water intrusion or hidden structural damage
- You want to maintain your home’s original appearance
When do we recommend a Full Siding Replacement?
- Damage spans multiple areas or entire walls
- Your siding is outdated or discontinued
- There’s evidence of water intrusion, mold, or rot
- Repairs would result in visible mismatches
Modern siding options provide better sealing, insulation, and impact resistance. Upgrading to newer materials like LP SmartSide or insulated vinyl gives you better protection moving forward. Choosing replacement over repair can also boost energy efficiency and long-term weather resilience.
Professional Siding Contractor vs. DIY: Which Brings More Value?
Some homeowners wonder if they can fix their siding after a storm. You can do some minor repairs yourself, but if the damage from wind, hail, or debris is bad enough, you need to call in an expert.
Why DIY Siding Repairs Can Be Risky
Attempting to fix storm damage without the right tools or knowledge could:
- Cover up hidden water damage or rot
- Void your manufacturer’s warranty
- Cause mismatched or poorly sealed panels
- Lead to repeat damage in the next storm
DIY fixes are often short-term patches that don’t provide long-lasting protection, especially in Minnesota’s extreme weather.
Why Hire a Professional Siding Contractor
There are several reasons to replace siding after a storm, including protecting your home’s structure, maintaining its curb appeal, and enhancing its energy efficiency. A professional siding contractor has the trained eye to spot both visible and hidden damage, ensuring no issue goes unnoticed. At Advantage Construction, we go a step further:
- We provide a complete damage inspection and report
- We work with your insurance provider to streamline claims
- We ensure your siding is restored to code with top-tier materials
- We help you choose options that improve your home’s energy efficiency
Hiring a trusted local contractor ensures your home is fully protected and restored, not just patched.
Start Your Siding Replacement Before the Next Storm Hits
Storms don’t wait, and neither should you. If you suspect siding damage, the best thing you can do is take action right away. At Advantage Construction, we’ve seen every kind of siding issue caused by Minnesota’s unpredictable weather. From your first inspection to dealing with your insurance company and completing your repairs or replacement, we’re with you every step of the way.
Contact Advantage Construction today for a free siding inspection and damage assessment. As one of Minnesota’s top-rated contractors, we provide fast response times, experienced crews, and storm-tested siding options that give you lasting confidence in your home’s exterior.
