How to Prepare Your Siding for a Storm

Here in Pennsylvania, we’re lucky that we don’t usually have to endure hurricane-force storms. We do, however, get our fair share of regular thunderstorms and snowy weather. When homeowners talk to our team about replacing their siding or stucco with James Hardie Siding, they often ask us about storm preparation and if there’s anything they need to do to prep their siding for an incoming storm.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to your siding before a storm and which siding materials stand up best in stormy weather. 

How to Prepare Your James Hardie Siding for a Storm

We’ll let you in on a little secret. If you have James Hardie fiber cement siding on your home already, there’s not much you need to do before a storm. Because of its durable nature, it’s not prone to the normal wear and tear that other siding materials succumb to over time. This means it’s less likely that your home will be exposed to damage, even during harsh weather. So, just sit back, relax, and know that your James Hardie Siding will keep your home protected from high winds, thunderstorms, and heavy snowfall.

Storm Prep Tips for Other Types of Siding

If you don’t already have James Hardie Siding, there’s some preparation required before a storm. That’s because other types of siding don’t fare as well when exposed to the elements.

The best thing you can do for your siding before a storm rolls in is to follow these steps:

Visual Inspection

Take time to walk around your home, looking over the siding from top to bottom. You’ll want to watch out for holes, cracks, and loose boards, as the majority of damage from storms is a result of water seeping into the siding, causing damage to the structure and foundation of your home.

The first step in preparing your siding for a storm is to perform a thorough inspection of your siding. Walk around your home and examine each wall carefully, from top to bottom. Pay close attention to any visible issues. Look for:

• Loose Panels: Loose siding panels are vulnerable to strong winds, which can cause them to break or come off completely during a storm.
• Cracks and Holes: Small gaps or cracks can allow moisture to seep into your siding and cause more severe damage to the structure or foundation of your home over time.
• Rotting Wood: If you have wood siding, look for signs of rot. Areas with rotting wood are more likely to suffer from further damage when a storm hits.

Performing a detailed inspection helps you identify any weak points that need immediate attention and can provide peace of mind that you did everything you could to protect your home from damage.

Take Photos

Before a storm, it’s always a good idea to document the current condition of your siding. Taking photos of your home’s exterior can be extremely useful if you need to file an insurance claim for storm damage later on or if you need help figuring out if your home was affected in any way.

Make sure you capture clear images of each side of your home, including any existing damage. In this way, you can provide proof of the storm’s impact and potentially save you a headache with your insurance provider.

Replace Loose Siding

Loose siding panels are particularly susceptible to wind damage during severe weather. If you identify any loose siding during your inspection, be sure to contact a qualified professional to secure or replace it as needed. A siding contractor like MHX Designs will be able to masterfully replace damaged or warped panels with high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. We may recommend fiber cement siding, which is known for its durability and ability to withstand high winds, making it an excellent choice if you need to replace damaged areas.

Is a Storm on the Horizon? Try These Quick Fixes

Is a storm brewing in your town? In some cases, you may not have time to call a professional siding contractor to repair or replace your siding before a storm rolls in. The good news is that you can still take some proactive steps to safeguard your home’s siding from wind and water damage.

If you find small cracks or holes on your siding during your inspection, you can seal them with a simple trip to a local hardware store. Use a suitable sealant or filler for the type of siding you have. For example:

• For vinyl siding, use a vinyl repair kit, which will help you fill small holes and cracks.
• For wood siding, apply wood filler or caulk to seal cracks, and finish with paint to maintain aesthetic appeal.
• For fiber cement siding, repair holes or cracks with a cement-based filler to ensure its weather resistance is maintained.

By sealing these cracks, you can help prevent the headache — and expense — of water damage — such as rot or mold growth — during a storm.

If you notice broken siding that requires more than a quick fix, do your best to cover the exposed areas to prevent water damage. And remember, some preparation is definitely better than nothing.

How Do Different Types of Siding Hold Up to Stormy Weather?

You already know that with James Hardie Siding, you don’t have to worry much about storm preparation. But, just how does it compare to other types of siding? Here’s an overview of how each type of siding holds up against severe weather conditions:

Wood Siding

While wood siding is a popular option due to its cozy, rustic charm, it’s also susceptible to rot and decay. And, if it’s installed without a water barrier wrap underneath it, there’s no way for water to escape after a storm. This can lead to serious water damage and could result in your home needing a full siding replacement. 

Vinyl Siding

Compared to wood, vinyl siding is more durable and can even withstand winds up to 110 mph. However, if it’s not installed correctly, it can be prone to buckling. So, when a storm rolls in, the siding can pull away from the side of the house, leaving your home exposed to rain and wind. To help your vinyl siding survive a storm, make sure it is securely fastened and that any loose components are addressed.

Stucco Siding

As an extremely porous material, stucco siding is prone to water damage and rot, even in the best of weather conditions. Sometimes, the damage isn’t too severe, and repairing the stucco isn’t possible. More often than not, full stucco remediation is needed. Remediation involves completely removing the material from your home, installing a water resistive barrier, and placing new siding on top of that.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

Simply put, James Hardie Siding is in a class of its own. Fiber cement siding is the most durable siding option on the market. Not only is it resistant to moisture and rot, but it doesn’t swell, buckle, or crack due to changes in the weather like other siding does. Whether rain, blizzards, or hail storms come your way, fiber cement siding can withstand it, as it’s specifically formulated to hold up against extreme weather conditions.

Signs Your Home Already Has Storm Damage

Has a storm recently blown through your town? Your home’s siding may already be damaged! As you prepare for the next upcoming severe weather alert, make sure you keep any eye out for these signs of storm damage and get them addressed right away:

• Loose Panels and Missing Siding: Strong winds can loosen or tear off siding panels. If you notice missing sections, schedule repairs to restore the integrity of your home’s exterior.
• Dents and Impact Marks: Look for dents or marks left by flying debris. These are common with vinyl siding but can affect other materials as well.
• Cracks and Moisture Damage: Cracks can allow water to penetrate your siding, leading to mold growth or rot. Check for any moisture stains or mold on the interior walls, as these can indicate leaks from exterior damage.
• Rot and Warping: Wood siding is particularly vulnerable to rot if it’s been exposed to excessive moisture. Warping may also occur if your home’s exterior was subjected to intense winds or heavy rain.

Regular inspections are the key to properly preparing your siding for storms. When you can spot and address issues promptly, you maintain your home’s aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.

Protect Your Home With Durable Siding Materials

Taking proactive measures today can minimize potential storm damage and save you from costly repairs in the future. One of the best ways to prepare your home’s siding for severe weather events is to install durable siding materials. Specifically, you need James Hardie Siding. This type of fiber cement siding allows you to have peace of mind about your home’s integrity. 

Request a free consultation with our team to learn about our fiber cement siding options. Then, by the time the next storm rolls in, you won’t have to worry about how your home will handle it.