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Siding · Often claimable

Hail dents on one elevation

Siding is claimable hail damage, and it is frequently left out when only the roof is inspected. West and south elevations take the most. Make sure the walls are on the claim.

Quick answerDents, chips or cracks concentrated on one or two sides of the house after a storm are the classic sign of hail. Hail is driven by wind, so the walls facing the storm take the hits, most often the west and south. Siding damage is claimable, but it is frequently omitted when the inspection only covers the roof. Document it and ask for every elevation to be inspected.

Roofs get the attention after a hailstorm. Walls get a glance from the driveway. That’s how siding damage gets missed, and once a claim is settled, adding to it is harder than including it the first time.

1Why the damage is on one side

  • Storm direction. Hail falls at an angle in wind. The elevations facing the storm get hit; the sheltered sides often look untouched.
  • Material. Aluminum dents. Vinyl cracks or punctures, especially when it’s cold or the vinyl is old. Wood and fiber cement chip or split.
  • Exposure. Walls with no trees, porches or neighbors to shield them take the most.

2How to check and document it

  1. Walk every side of the houseLook at the siding in low, raking light, early or late in the day. Dents show up as shadows.
  2. Check the soft metals tooDents in gutters, downspouts, vents, AC fins and window wraps on the same side support the claim.
  3. Photograph itTake wide shots of each elevation and close-ups with a coin or tape measure for scale. Note the storm date.
  4. Ask for the walls to be inspectedWhen the adjuster or contractor comes, ask that every elevation of siding be included, not just the roof.

3Fixing it

Do it yourself

  • Document the damage right away
  • Tape over any punctures to keep water out
  • Read your policy for claim deadlines

Hire a pro

  • Inspect all elevations and write up the damage
  • Check whether matching panels are available
  • Check the housewrap behind cracked or punctured panels
  • Replace panels so the wall stays weathertight

Matching is the hard part. If the profile or color is discontinued, a few panels can turn into a whole wall. Ask the contractor to confirm a match before work is scheduled, and get it in writing.

4What drives the cost

The number of damaged elevations, the siding material, whether matching panels exist, the wall height, and any damage to the wrap or sheathing behind. Get the scope written per elevation so you can compare it with the adjuster’s estimate.

Siding cost

Hail on the walls as well as the roof?

Talk to a siding contractor who will inspect every elevation and write it up.

877-360-4657

5Questions

Is cosmetic hail denting covered?

It depends on your policy. Some cover cosmetic damage and some exclude it. Read the policy or ask your agent before you assume either way.

The roof claim is already settled. Can I add the siding?

Sometimes. Contact your insurer promptly with photos and the storm date. Waiting makes it harder.

Why is only one side damaged?

Hail is driven by wind, so the sides facing the storm take the hits. That pattern is normal.

Written by Jaylan Jones. I Like To Exterior Services earns a referral fee when a call connects to a contractor. See our business-model disclosure.

877-360-4657