Storm damage

[wincrasher]

Last week we had a severe thunderstorm with golf ball size hail. It did a number on my neighborhood - damaging cars and houses. Really across the whole northern part of our county. Surprised nobody got killed by this stuff since it came on so suddenly.

Luckily my car was at the airport and is undamaged. My house didn't fare as well. The insurance adjuster was out today - gutters and downspouts destroyed, most of the vinyl siding damaged, some of the trim. Half the roof for sure, he may total the whole roof. So now I'm waiting on him to figure it all up and propose a settlement. Hopefully I won't have to fight with them.

I did have a contractor come out to give me a price on replacing the vinyl with concrete fiberboard (hardiplank). My neighbors who have this stuff had no siding damages. I was highly surprised that the vinyl broke up so easy - some houses look like they had a drive by shooting! Contractor said the vinyl I have is the best you can get, but it still failed. Also surprising, with all the damage, no broken windows. Why would a window not break, yet bendable plastic would shatter?

I hated the vinyl since I bought the house. This is a good opportunity to get rid of it, provided the number is not too crazy.

[sylviaB]

Too bad to hear that. but I think, it would be hard for you to get rid of it or sold it since it was damaged by storm.

[kork13]

The problem with vinyl siding it that the sun (UV light, specifically) causes it to become brittle over time. How old is your home? That might be a factor.

[wincrasher]

I suspected that UV was the problem. But the house is only 2-3 years old. I'll be glad to be rid of it.

Supposedly, you don't have to paint the concrete board very often. My neighbor suggested that I insist on good paint, but I have no idea what to ask for.

The front of my house is brick. So everything still looks great from the street. Too bad the hail didn't come from that angle.

[henrywilliams]

Well I think you should see if there is any chance of repair and if not sold it as it is damages by storm so better not to waste much money.

[Gary Barzel]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

I suspected that UV was the problem. But the house is only 2-3 years old.

Vinyl is known to be less durable than wood and masonry, and strong winds have been known to get underneath the sheets of vinyl sidings and in some cases rip it off the wall. They have come out recently with stronger vinyl sidings that are sealed and more durable and are supposed to withstand winds of up to 100 mph.

[irmanator]

I suspect that the poster is refering to getting rid of the vinyl siding not the house.