Taking care of your siding is key to maintaining the value and structural health of your home. After a Kansas storm rolls through, it’s especially important to check your siding for damage that can be cause by hail, wind, and debris like fallen tree branches. Siding might not be something you think about often, but it plays a big role in protecting your home from moisture, pests, and costly damage.
The good news? You don’t need to be a contractor to spot the warning signs.
At American Roofing & Construction, we want homeowners to feel confident when assessing their siding. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you know what signs of siding damage to look for and save yourself the headache of unexpected damage.
Why Visual Siding Inspections Matter
Doing a quick visual check of your siding can save you money and stress down the road. Cracks, warping, or loose panels might look harmless at first, but they can let in water, bugs, or cold air, causing bigger issues inside your home.
Regular inspections help you catch these problems early, before they turn into expensive repairs. Think of them as an easy way to protect your home’s value and keep it looking its best.
What Tools Do You Need?
Doing a home siding inspection doesn’t require any specific tools. To make performing a home siding inspection easier, we recommend you have:
- A flashlight to better see shaded spots.
- A phone or camera to take picture and keep track of changes over time.
- Pen and paper to take notes.
- Blue painter’s tape to mark trouble spots without damaging you home exterior.
Step-by-Step Siding Damage Checklist for Homeowners
Whether you’re inspecting for siding damage after a storm or doing seasonal maintenance, this simple step-by-step checklist will help you make sure your siding is in top shape.
1. Walk Around the Entire Home
Start the inspection by slowly walking around your home in daylight, taking time to look closely at all sides. Pay attention to corners, areas under eaves, and anywhere the the siding material meets trim or windows. This helps you get a full view and catch any damage you might otherwise miss.
2. Look for Cracks, Gaps and Holes
Check for any obvious cracks, chips, or small holes in the siding. These are common after strong Kansas storms and tend to pop up after high winds and hail. Even small openings can let in moisture or pests, which can cause bigger problems behind the walls. Make note of any damaged spots so you can keep an eye on them or schedule a repair.
3. Spot Warped, Buckled, or Bulging Panels
If any siding panels appear bowed out, rippled, or not laying flat, that could mean moisture has made its way behind the siding. Warping is often a red flag for hidden water damage or poor installation and shouldn’t be ignored.
If you see consistent warping around your home, it’s best to call a contractor as soon as possible. Left unaddressed, those warped panels could create extensive foundational damage and wind up costing you thousands in repairs.
4. Check for Discoloration, Mold, and Mildew
Keep an eye out for patches of discoloration, especially in areas of your house that don’t get a lot of sunlight. If you see discolored patches on your home that are green, black, or brown in color, especially if these patches look fuzzy or slimy, this could be a sign of mold or mildew.
Typically, mold and mildew grow as a result of moisture getting trapped behind your home’s siding. This indicates a major problem that must be addressed promptly. If you see signs of mold or mildew, call a professional right away.
5. Look for Loose or missing Panels
During your inspection, press gently on a few panels. None of the panels should wiggle, shift, or feel loose. Missing panels are easy to spot, but even slightly loose ones can let in wind and water. Windstorms are common in Wichita, and loose siding can quickly turn into missing siding during the next one.
6. Inspect Caulking and Seams
After looking for loose siding panels, check all the joints and seams where your siding meets the windows, doors, and rim of your home. Look for cracked, brittle, or missing caulking and spots where seams appear dry or flaky. Areas where caulking is weak or missing are prime locations for leaks, and these spots must be re-caulked promptly to keep water out.
7. Tap siding Panels Gently
Pick a few panels and give them a light tap with your knuckles. You’ll want to hear a solid “thunk” sound. If the panels sounds hollow or feels soft or spongy, that could be a sign of rot or water damage beneath the surface. This can be a common problem with natural wood siding and fiber cement siding, and typically requires professional siding replacement.
8. Look for Signs Indoors, Too
Sometimes, siding damage shows up indoors before it’s visible outside. Look closely along your interior walls for signs like peeling paint, soft drywall, bubbling wallpaper, and musty smells. These could be clues that moisture is sneaking in through a problem spot in your siding.
What to Do If Your Spot Siding Damage
If you spot siding damage during your inspections, don’t panic. Identifying problems early give you the chance to make repairs right away and prevent more expensive problems in the future.
Here’s what to do after identifying siding damage:
- Take clear photos of any damage for your records or insurance purposes.
- Make notes on the location and type of damage.
- Keep an eye on the area for any worsening signs over the next few days.
- Seal small gaps or cracks with exterior caulk as a temporary fix, if safe to do so.
- Contact a local siding professional for a full inspection and repair estimate.
- Check your homeowner’s insurance to see if the damage is covered.
Visit our other article “A Complete Guide to Siding for Wichita Homeowners,” for more information on materials, maintenance and elements to consider during siding installation.
Stay Ahead of Siding Damage With American Roofing
Keeping your home’s siding in great shape doesn’t have to be complicated. By performing regular home siding inspections, you can spot siding damage before it lead to costly repairs. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a Wichita storm or just staying on top of seasonal maintenance, regular siding checks are one of the smartest things you can do to maintain the integrity and value of your home.
If you notice cracks, warping, or signs of moisture, don’t wait. The team at American Roofing & Construction is here to help with expert siding inspections, repairs, and full replacements tailored to Kansas homes.
Contact us today to schedule your free siding inspection in Wichita!