We’re heading into Pennsylvania’s stormiest season. With hail and fallen trees at the top of our crew’s repair schedule, it’s a good time to talk about impact damage on your vinyl siding. And how spotting that damage early? Can keep your home safe from other dangers.

We often get calls from homeowners who know they have some damage on their siding. But how do you know if it’s bad enough to make a repair call- or an insurance claim.

Before we dive in, I have to tell you a little story that inspired this article today from my friend Pastor Davis. 

The Vinyl Siding Vs. The Aspiring Baseball Player

When Bill Davis was young he dreamed of becoming the next big league baseball star. 

Baseball was all he could think about- and begged his parents to get him equipment to help him practice. He’d earmark newspaper ads for baseball gloves, shoes, and bats. But what he wanted most? Was one of these practice poles so he could spend hours perfecting his swing without relying on a friend or parent to toss the ball. 

So you can imagine his excitement when on his 10th birthday- he got one. 

The problem? Well, back then batting pole design was a bit different. It didn’t have a string attached to the ball. It was a simple pole, weighted at the bottom, that you’d balance a baseball on and hit across the yard. 

His parents understood the risks of Bill’s ambition. 

Wisely, they told him to only practice in the back yard…and never aim toward the neighbor’s house. The last thing they wanted was a knock on the door about some broken windows. 

But Bill was smart, too. His goal was to work up a mighty, home-run worthy swing and he knew that ball was going to fly through the air like a rocket. 

He reasoned that instead of hitting the ball far off into the field behind the house, it made much more sense to spend less time chasing it and more time practicing. He needed somewhere he could hit the ball where it wouldn’t break windows- and would bounce right back. 

Walking around his family home he found the perfect spot. The side of the house was a large expanse of vinyl siding with just one small window for a guest bath at the top. Here, he could hit the ball as hard as he could, as much as he wanted, and never have to chase after it. 

You can imagine his parent’s surprise when they came home to discover their home’s vinyl siding pockmarked in baseball dents! 

It turns out? One boy’s enthusiasm cost them a large insurance claim! 

You might not have a young Babe Ruth at your home, but the morale of the story is that impact damage happens. 

Trees, golf balls, hail…all of these things can put a dent in your home’s armor, and put your home at risk. 

In this article, I’m going to 

• show you photos of vinyl siding damage so you can compare them to what you have on your own home 
• give you a great list of resources on why strong siding makes a difference
• And introduce you to our amazing, Made in America vinyl siding provider, PlyGem

What Does Vinyl Siding Damage Look Like?

It’s easy to identify a dozen baseball-sized dents in the side of your house. 

But other times, homeowners are left to wonder…

“Is this little crack worth worrying about?”

“Should I wait until there’s more damage to have this looked at?”

“Is there damage I can’t see?”

I want to put your mind at ease. 

At Martin Roofing & Siding, we’re not here to upsell you on something you don’t need. I want to equip you with the right information to know when you should call in a pro…and when you’re looking at cosmetic damage. 

Let’s look at three types of damage and when you should have your home evaluated.

#1: Discoloration and Fading

Noticed discoloration? Here’s how to know if it’s a risk to your home’s exterior, or just its aesthetic. 

Does your siding look like this? 

No need for concern. The exposure to sunlight often leads to discoloration. It’s an annoying issue to run into, but not a real cause for concern. 

Noticed green stains? 

Oftentimes this is just a result of algae growth. Although not an ideal issue, it’s a simple DIY fix for most homes. With a bucket of water, bleach, and a scrub brush? Your discoloration can be solved in an afternoon. 

But if your siding looks like this? 

There’s a problem. Notice the red tint? This coloration is caused from water leaking from your roof. The chemicals and tannins mixed with the sheathing create this shade. If you notice this staining, it’s time to call a professional. 

With roofing damage like this, your siding may still be ok. But you’ll need to have the roofing issue fixed and have an expert check to make sure the vinyl hasn’t been compromised. 

#2: Siding Dents, Without Cracks or Breaks

Bad news- Your siding is dented. 

Good news- If there aren’t cracks or breaks, your problem is only cosmetic. 

Here’s a great example of damaged, but salvageable siding: 

Notice how shallow the damage is. Although not the most attractive look, if your siding is dented? This is the best case scenario.

But what if the damage has broken through your siding?

#3: Impact Damages That Have Broken Through Your Siding

If your siding dents look like this: 

Call a professional immediately. Deep dents can cause: 

• Water damage to your interior 
• Insect and critter infestation 
• And higher utility bills

Why? These deeper dents have created an access point. Whether it’s excess rainwater, or a mama bird looking for the right nook, this breakage offers the perfect spot for unwanted problems. 

In most cases, if caught early enough, only the damaged boards will need to be replaced. That means addressing the damage sooner rather than later can save you thousands on repairs. 

So, now you know whether or not you need to call a professional to come take a look at your home. But why does catching damage early matter when it comes to protecting your biggest asset? 

Great question. 

Vinyl Siding: Your Home’s Armor.

When most people think of protecting their home, they think of the roof first.

And that’s a great place to start! Your roof is extremely important when it comes to protecting your home from wind, rain, snow, and sun. 

But in the battle against the weather, the roof is only your helmet. 

Think of a medieval knight. Of course, protecting the head is the most important part when it comes to fighting against the weather. But the body matters, too. Your home’s vinyl siding protects the body of your home. So while it may not get the most wear and tear? It’s still critical in making sure your most valuable asset stands strong against the seasons.

We’ve talked extensively on how water can damage your foundation, your framing, and even the health of your indoor air quality. 

When you have a “chink” in your armor- like dents, cracks, and damages? You’re making a pathway for moisture to take hold. 

Want to understand how your home’s vinyl siding works to protect the value and safety of your structure? I recommend these three articles:

5 Ways to Stormproof Your Home

Rain or shine, rest assured your house is the strongest on the block. In this article, we take a look at five ways to strengthen your home, with a look at the best exterior upgrades for maximum protection. Plus, learn why we recommend PlyGem’s Quest Siding for your vinyl siding replacement. 

Choose Vinyl Siding Colors Like a Pro

Choosing new vinyl siding is an exciting process, but with so many colors to choose from? It’s a challenge! This article walks you through the best color choices for your home based on location, lighting, and style preferences. 

Ask Vern: Should I Switch to Vinyl Siding?

Wondering if the switch to vinyl is the right choice for your home? In this article, my husband Vern answers this question from a homeowner. Ready to learn why we love and recommend vinyl siding? This article is for you. 

Already have vinyl siding on your home? This article also walks you through different styles of vinyl for future replacements, return on investment stats, and an in-depth explanation of GAF’s visualization software.

At Martin Roofing & Siding? We’re passionate about protecting homeowners. Not only do we install vinyl siding professionally, we’ve chosen a supplier who makes a product that can stand up against the worst Schuylkill County weather: PlyGem. 

PlyGem: The Best Vinyl Choice For Pennsylvania Homeowners

American made and designed with durability at the forefront of every product. What’s not to love about PlyGem? 

PlyGem’s Mastic Quest siding is our favorite to install, due to its high wind resistances, multiple color options, and low maintenance. Standard vinyl siding can withstand wind speeds of up to 110 mph. But Quest siding? It can withstand up to 190 mph! 

It’s also the best line of defense against hail (or 10 year old baseball fanatics!) Their hang-tough technology adds extra impact resistance. 

With PlyGem’s siding, you can rest easy, knowing your home is protected with the strongest siding in the industry. 

Can Your Vinyl Siding Stand Up To A Baseball? 

You can’t stop hail storms, or direct sunlight on your siding. Or little boys eager to play in the big leagues. 

But you can prevent future damage to your siding.  

If it’s time to boost your home’s durability, to prepare for future accidents, we’re here to help. We pride ourselves on installing beautiful and strong siding. If it’s time for an upgrade, our team is happy to help. 

Noticed signs of impact damage? We’re happy to help assess the damage and make the best plan moving forward. 

Your home protects your greatest asset- your family. Make sure it’s ready for anything life throws its way. Give us a call at 570-345-0436 and get on our schedule.

The post A Homeowner’s Guide to Vinyl Siding Damage appeared first on Martin Roofing & Siding.