Signs of Winter Storm Damage to Your Siding

Chicago’s winters can be harsh, with heavy snow, strong winds, and wildly fluctuating temperatures impacting residents and buildings alike. Your siding is your home’s first line of defense, but winter storms can cause significant damage, compromising both its integrity and your home’s safety.

At Berg Home Improvements, we’ve been helping homeowners in the Chicagoland area protect their properties with exterior upgrades for over 50 years, and we know what to look for after an intense storm comes through. If you’ve noticed your siding looks different after a recent winter blast, here are some signs of damage you shouldn’t ignore:

• Cracked or broken panels
• Warped or buckling sections
• Loose or missing siding planks
• Dents from hail or debris

Knowing how this damage happens and when to call a professional can help you evaluate and prepare your home.

What Winter Storms Do to Your Siding

Winter weather brings together moisture, wind and freezing temperatures to create a perfect opportunity for siding damage. Understanding these effects can help you spot problems early.

Cracks and Breaks From Freezing Temperatures

Vinyl and wood siding can become brittle in extreme cold. When moisture seeps into small cracks and then freezes, it expands. This freeze-thaw cycle can turn minor flaws into significant cracks and breaks. A sudden impact from hail or windblown debris even has the potential to shatter a cold, brittle siding panel, leaving your home’s structure exposed to the elements.

Warping From Moisture and Wind

Moisture from snow, ice and freezing rain is your siding’s enemy. If water gets behind the panels, it can cause them to warp, buckle or pull away from the house. Strong winter winds can lift improperly installed or older siding, creating gaps where even more moisture can enter. This can lead to rot, mold growth and structural damage that you might not see until it’s a major problem.

Loose Siding and Dents

Powerful wind gusts can tear siding panels right off your home, especially if they are already loose. Ice dams on your roof can also cause issues if they result in icicles; when they fall, they can dent or puncture your siding. These openings not only look bad aesthetically but also create entry points for pests and water.

When to Schedule a Siding Repair or Replacement

Minor issues like a single loose panel or a small crack can often be repaired without too much trouble. However, if you see widespread damage, such as multiple cracked panels, significant warping or large sections of missing siding, it might be time for full siding replacement. Delaying repairs (except where necessitated by weather conditions) can lead to more expensive problems down the line, including damage to your home’s insulation and frame.

An experienced contractor can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action. Their professional inspection ensures that the visible issues are fixed and any hidden ones are uncovered and addressed.

Protect Your Home With Berg Home Improvements

Don’t let winter storm damage compromise your home’s efficiency or appearance. Berg Home Improvements has provided high-quality siding installation and repair services to communities across the Chicagoland area for decades, and we offer the same for your home. Our family-owned business is built on quality work, great customer service and transparent pricing to give you peace of mind.

If you suspect your siding has been damaged and want a professional opinion, contact us today to schedule an inspection. We’ll help you protect your investment in winter and beyond.