Aluminum siding is the type of siding most easily damaged by hail with the damage appearing as indentations as you can see in this photo.
Hail damage aluminum siding.
With high winds small hail can be detrimental to siding.
Gutters are also susceptible to hail damage.
Roofing made from soft metals such as aluminum and copper typically show dents that indicate the size of the individual hailstones.
When siding has been subjected to a torrent of hailstones the damage will generally show in the form of tiny indents.
The water on the siding will reflect any damage that is present.
Matching undamaged vinyl or metal siding coverage.
The bottom line is the best way to spot hail damage on aluminum siding is to have a trained professional inspect it with the tools of the trade knowledge and experience needed to make an educated determination.
A storm with strong winds flying debris or hail can cause siding to become dented cracked broken or even to be ripped off the house completely.
Oxidation marks are often what is left on aluminum siding after a damaging storm.
Light hailstorms that leave a roof unscathed can be quite damaging to siding particularly aluminum siding.
Hail falls like icy bullets from the sky and damages roofs and walls on contact.
My client s house was damaged by hail the siding is no longer made and can t be matched.
Excerpted from independent insurance agents of iowa iowa agent newsletter june 23 2014.
On siding made of wood vinyl or aluminum the impact marks will usually just puncture the surface.
What to do if you have damage to your siding from hail.
Soaking the siding with a hose will make the damage more apparent so if possible spray it before you photograph it.
Aluminum hail damage tends to be easier to spot but any material can show chipped paint spots from hail.
While many homeowners will seek out solutions washing off the oxidation others will paint over it.
How should this loss be settled.
The client has replacement coverage on the home and the carrier does not believe they have to replace all the siding to match.
To make it a little bit easier to check out you can spray the siding with a hose.
If your house s siding is damaged it can no longer protect your home from the weather and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
For example if wind or hail damages one side of your home or if a tornado blows through and tears siding from part of your home you ll be covered for the damage and be able to replace the missing siding with its match.