Storm Damage to Siding: Repairs and Insurance

How much wind is vinyl built for?

Siding certified through the Vinyl Siding Institute program is tested to the ASTM D3679 standard, and the Institute says products meeting it withstand winds of 110 mph or more.¹ Panels that were nailed too tight, or are old and brittle, can still crack or blow off in lower winds, so the condition and install matter as much as the rating.

Why storms matter here

NOAA's state climate summary estimates that about 43 tornadoes touched down in Alabama per year between 1895 and 2019, mostly in spring and fall, and that the state takes a direct hurricane hit roughly once every 6 years on average.² Calhoun County is far from the coast, but strong thunderstorm and tornado winds are the realistic test for siding here, which is why fastening and panel condition deserve a look after any big blow.

What to check once it's safe

• Cracked, holed or missing panels, especially on the side the storm came from.
• Panels that have popped loose at the bottom lock and flap in the wind.
• Dents or chips in fiber cement boards and breaks in the paint.
• Water stains inside on walls behind damaged areas.

Take wide and close photos with something for scale, and keep any pieces that came off.

What repairs cost

HomeGuide's ranges: vinyl siding repair $2 to $4 per square foot, about $200 to $400 for 100 square feet; one replacement panel $8 to $60; fiber cement repair $4 to $12 per square foot.³ Large damaged areas are often redone with new siding at $4 to $12 per square foot for vinyl.³

Insurance: what Alabama's regulator tells homeowners

• Get your own estimates. The Alabama Department of Insurance says the adjuster's summary is based on what they observed, and that policyholders must get their own estimates from reputable contractors to negotiate; it suggests at least two.⁴
• Replacement cost is often paid in two steps. Most replacement-cost policies first pay actual cash value, then the rest once repairs or rebuilding are under way.⁴
• When the gap is large. The Department can step in when an insurer's offer is far from accepted industry repair rates, though it typically doesn't negotiate settlement details.⁴

HomeGuide notes that policies generally cover siding damaged by severe weather or fire, not sun fading or ordinary wear, and that some policies include matching coverage so new panels don't clash with the rest of the house.³ Read your own policy or ask your agent; we can't tell you what yours covers.

Matching old panels

Older colors may be discontinued. HomeGuide suggests moving a panel from a hidden wall to the visible spot and putting the new panel where it won't be seen.³