How to Prepare Your Siding for a Storm

Here’s in Pennsylvania, we’re lucky that we don’t usually have to endure hurricane-force storms. We do, however, get our fair share of regular thunderstorms and snowy weather. 

When homeowners talk to our team about replacing their siding or stucco with James Hardie Siding, they often ask us about storm preparation and if there’s anything they need to do to prep their siding for an incoming storm. 

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to your siding before a storm and how James Hardie Siding compares to other types when it comes to stormy weather. 

Storm Prep for James Hardie Siding

We’ll let you in on a little secret. If you have James Hardie fiber cement siding on your home already, there’s not much you need to do before a storm. 

Because of its durable nature, it’s not prone to the normal wear and tear that other siding materials succumb to over time. This means it’s less likely that your home will be exposed to damage, even during harsh weather.

Storm Prep for Non-James Hardie Siding

If you don’t already have James Hardie Siding, on the other hand, there’s some preparation required. That’s because other types of siding don’t fare as well when exposed to the elements.

So, in that case, the best thing you can do before a storm rolls in is to thoroughly inspect your siding by following these steps:

Visual Inspection

Take time to walk around your home, looking over the siding from top to bottom. You’ll want to watch out for holes, cracks, and loose boards, as the majority of damage from storms is a result of water seeping into the siding, causing damage to the structure and foundation of your home. 

Take Photos

As you make note of any areas of concern, so you know what needs to be fixed, it’s not a bad idea to take photos. If your home suffers more damage during the storm, it could be helpful to have photos to compare the new damage against. 

Taking photos of problem areas can also help you remember which parts of the house to check for water damage once the storm passes.

Make Repairs

If you find small cracks or holes, you can seal them with a simple trip to a local hardware store. By proactively sealing cracks, you can help prevent the headache – and expense – of water damage during a storm. 

However, during your inspection, you may notice broken siding that requires more than a quick fix. In that case, do your best to cover exposed areas to prevent water damage. And remember, some preparation is definitely better than nothing. 

How Do Different Types of Siding Hold Up to Stormy Weather?

You already know that with James Hardie Siding, you don’t have to worry much about storm preparation. But, just how does it compare to other types of siding? We’ve got you covered.

Wood Siding

While wood siding is a popular option due to its cozy, rustic charm, it’s also susceptible to rot and decay. And, if it’s installed without a water barrier wrap underneath it, there’s no way for water to escape after a storm. 

This can lead to serious water damage and could result in your home needing a full siding replacement. 

Vinyl Siding

Compared to wood, vinyl siding is more durable and can even withstand winds up to 110 mph. However, if it’s not installed correctly, it can be prone to buckling. 

So, when a storm rolls in, the siding can pull away from the side of the house, leaving your home exposed to rain and wind. 

Stucco Siding

As an extremely porous material, stucco siding is prone to water damage and rot, even in the best of weather conditions. Sometimes, the damage isn’t too severe, and repairing the stucco is possible. 

However, more often than not, full stucco remediation is needed, where the material is completely removed from your home, a Water Resistive Barrier is installed, and new siding is put in place on top of that. 

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

Simply put, James Hardie Siding is in a class of its own. Fiber cement siding is the most durable siding option on the market. 

Not only is it resistant to moisture and rot, but it doesn’t swell, buckle, or crack due to changes in the weather like other siding does. Whether rain, blizzards, or hail storms come your way, James Hardie Siding can withstand it, as it’s specifically formulated to hold up against weather extremes. 

Choosing the Right Siding Material for Your Home

Do you want to have to worry about storm preparation and potential damage, or are you ready to have the peace of mind that comes along with James Hardie Siding?

Request a free consultation with our team to learn about our fiber cement siding options. Then, by the time the next storm rolls in, you won’t have to worry about how your home will handle it.