Areas of the Home That Can Show Damage

Siding is your home's first line of defense against harsh weather to safeguard both your foundation and what's inside. Knowing that siding protection is important, we've done a deep dive into some of the most common weather hazards and the areas of your home that are the most susceptible to damage so you can be better prepared before the next storm.

Wind

When winds approach 55-63 mph, considerable structural damage can begin to occur. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, doors, windows, roofs and garages are the four areas most impacted from wind damage. Typically, the architectural details that “stick out” from the primary profile of the home (like roofs) are most at risk. This includes corners, trim and gables. Windows and doors receive damage as they are entry points into the home (largely of glass) and garages due to their large surface area.

Flying debris can take a toll on your home’s siding, and extreme wind can even cause pieces to break off entirely. It’s important to understand how different types of siding stand up to wind. A good place to start is researching their relation to building codes. For example, LP^® SmartSide^® Trim & Siding exceeds the strict requirements of the Texas Department of Insurance on the type of siding to be installed in the wind-prone Gulf Coast region—a great indicator of its strength. Additionally, LP SmartSide products have been tested to withstand wind gusts up to 200 mph.

Rain

Wind damage can allow water to enter your home, compromising its protective layers. Additionally, wind can drive rain horizontally into siding gaps. Water that penetrates the housewrap or defensive barriers can create conditions that generate mold and mildew, which in turn can cause fungal decay.

Flashing is an aluminum strip used to deflect water, protecting the upper edge of siding and trim. Because flashing is a critical defense against rain, severe damage can occur if it is failing (due to factors like metal deterioration, poor installation and high winds) or missing altogether. Failing flashing can be hard to spot, but a first indicator is often the appearance of mold or peeling wallpaper inside the house. If you notice it’s time to replace siding damaged by improper flashing, consider an option like engineered wood. LP SmartSide Trim & Siding, for example, is treated to the core with its proprietary SmartGuard^® process, which allows it to withstand wet conditions  when properly installed.

Hail

In 2018, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported 4,611 major hailstorms. If you live in areas frequented by hailstorms, particularly in one of the top five states with the most hail damage, siding protection is critical. Look for damage indicators such as holes or dents. LP SmartSide siding can offer better hail protection compared to other options like fiber cement and vinyl siding. Specifically, it can withstand 1.75-inch hail at 81 mph.

No matter the type of weather you may be up against, there’s one common theme—selecting products that focus on durability. If you’ve spotted siding damage after extreme wind, rain or hail, read up on LP SmartSide Trim & Siding and how it can help protect against the elements.