Your house's siding is a key part of your home's exterior. Certain types of siding can be very durable and hardly require any maintenance, but that doesn't mean you should be asleep at the wheel as a homeowner when a big storm is about to come through. Even the most durable siding out there can suffer exterior storm damage if you're not careful. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will either keep your siding in good shape or help you restore it to form after something goes sideways.
Be Aware of Debris or Possible Falling Objects
Sometimes when damage is caused to siding during a storm, it's not the storm itself that does the deed but something that the storm sent flying. For example, never let heavy debris like a tree branch linger on your roof. During a storm, that branch or other debris could get lifted up and then come crashing down at an angle that impacts your house's exterior on its way to the ground. Keep trees near your house trimmed so you don't have to deal with an overgrown branch impacting your siding. If any of your gutters appear to be swaying in the wind or are otherwise not completely secure, get a professional to fix the problem before one pokes a hole in your siding.
Always Check for Mold or Structural Water Damage After a Flood
If your home is in an area that is sometimes prone to flooding, you should get into the habit of inspecting the underside of your siding after any incident that leads to standing water. You can peel back to your siding in a few spots and check behind it for signs of mildew or mold growth. If you discover any, it's probably best to let a professional handle it so you don't expose yourself or your family to a potential health hazard.
Switch to a Siding Type That Is More Durable
If you frequently deal with issues with your exterior siding, it might be time to consider something that is more weatherproof. Vinyl siding in particular is well known for being weather resistant and standing up to Mother Nature. Vinyl siding requires very little maintenance once it's in place, although you'll still want to check for signs of water damage or mold underneath after a flooding incident.
Your house exterior's siding is designed to last for many years, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Contact a siding expert today if you need a repair or if you want to install a more durable house exterior.
For more information about siding, contact a company like Select Exteriors.