Wilmington is a charming coastal town filled with history, great food, and local boutiques. Every year, countless visitors make their way to the area to enjoy the beach and riverwalk. For locals, it can sometimes feel like paradise on earth, but unfortunately, being so close to the coast means that the area is also susceptible to severe weather. It wasn’t long ago that Hurricane Florence left its mark on the town.
The severe weather can cause quite a bit of damage to homes, especially the exteriors. The siding, roofs, doors, and windows can all get broken when hurricanes and tropical storms sweep the area. When siding sustains damage, it leaves the home vulnerable to the elements, and a homeowner can quickly find themselves with a bigger problem—water-damaged siding. In this guide, Pride Restoration of NC, Inc. provides locals with more information on signs of water damage in their siding and how to prevent it.
Causes of Storm Damage to Siding
Every storm is different. Some have strong winds, while others are more likely to cause flooding. As a result, the cause of damage to the siding can look very different each time severe weather comes through the area.
Though the area is more susceptible to hurricanes, tropical storms, and thunderstorms can also cause significant damage. The following are just a few of the culprits for most siding damage:
- Wind: When hurricanes rip through, they can bring wind gusts over 100 mph. This can easily rip the siding off a home.
- Heavy Rain: If rain is heavy enough and the siding is in poor condition already, water can end up on the wrong side and cause further damage to the siding.
- Hail: The size of hail can vary from small pellets to softball-size. Either way, enough hail can leave holes and cracks of all sizes in the siding.
Signs of Water-Damaged Siding
Some homeowners overlook water-damaged siding when they are dealing with other storm damage. However, it’s important to look for the following indicators of water damage so that the issues can be addressed quickly.
Mold or Mildew Growth
If a homeowner spots mold or fungus growing on their siding, that is a clear sign of water damage. It only takes 24 hours for mold to start growing, but it could take some time for homeowners to spot it. Others might notice a mildew smell before they see the mold growing through. All of these are signs that siding water damage has occurred.
Cracked or Warped Panels
Many homeowners check their siding for cracks after a storm because they are easy to spot right away. However, water can also start to cause warped panels if it gets behind the siding. Homeowners might even notice bubbles or bulges. Some moisture can become so severe that it causes siding boards to fall off!
Increased Energy Costs
A few homes will experience an increase in energy costs after storms damage their siding. They may initially assume the change was caused by warmer weather, but water-soaked siding can actually make cooling bills more expensive.
Stains on Interior Walls
Since most homeowners spend more time inside their homes than outside, they may notice signs of water damage from the interior first. If the walls are showing signs of stains, cracked paint, or peeling, it could be caused by weakened siding panels on the exterior.
How to Prevent Water-Damaged Siding After a Storm
Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to let their property succumb to these signs of damage. There are several things that can be done to prevent water-damaged siding in the first place. To start, homeowners should always invest in high-quality siding. In the Wilmington area, it is especially important to choose durable siding materials that can withstand hurricanes and tropical storms.
Homeowners should also invest in professional installations. While it might be tempting to cut costs with a DIY siding installation, this can leave the home vulnerable to damage.
Finally, one of the most important things a homeowner can do to prevent water-damaged siding is to hire a restoration company after storms occur. A team of professional contractors can inspect a home and complete the necessary repairs to mitigate further damage.
Contact a Professional Restoration Crew to Help with Storm Damage Siding Repairs
Wilmington homeowners don’t have to look far to find a company that can help with storm damage repairs. Pride Restoration of NC, Inc. is available 24/7 to help prevent water damage to siding and home interiors. Customers can call or submit an online form to get in contact with the crew today!
