The combination of strong winds, snow, rain-snow mixture, and cold/fluctuating temperatures can take its toll on siding. With all of the rough weather the Lower Mainland has been experiencing these past few weeks and more winter storms heading our way, now that there’s a sunny day or two in the forecast check your siding for storm damage.
Why You Should Check the Siding
Whether your home is clad with cedar siding, aluminum siding or vinyl siding, if it becomes damaged, its ability to protect your house from the elements is compromised. While any type of quality siding is designed to weather a number of climatic conditions, even two or three consecutive days of rough weather can be enough to do some harm.
You will want to see if any damage has been done and then identify the type of damage and its extent. For example, a small dent in aluminum siding can wait for spring but a house missing a section of cedar shingles should be repaired as soon as possible. Especially if the siding hasn’t been inspected for six or more months before the winter storms hit the Lower Mainland, previously undetected holes or cracks could be made worse.
Be Safe
Before heading outside to check the siding to make sure your home’s exterior is still in good shape, be safe. Wait until conditions are right. Look out for icy patches; avoid setting up the ladder on uneven ground; and dress warmly and limit the time you’ll be working outdoors.
What You’ll be Looking For
Winter storms damage siding in different ways. Look for small holes, cracks in vinyl siding or cedar siding, dents in aluminum siding, and loose/missing siding panels or cedar shingles. To decrease the time you’ll spend on a ladder, use binoculars to examine the siding of your house under the roofline. Also check for raised nail heads, the first sign of loose panels.
Lower gauges of aluminum siding are more susceptible to becoming dented. While denting might seem like just a matter of aesthetics, dents in aluminum siding can interfere with the continuous space behind siding panels that allow for air flow and water to drain if it does penetrate the cladding.
Check for gaps. Missing siding sections, cracks, and holes are particularly concerning since they can allow moisture in behind the siding. Moisture build-up contributes to rot (wood siding) and mold growth (any kind of siding). Gaps in siding make your home less energy-efficient, letting cold air in and warm air out.
