A Homeowner’s Guide to Siding Repair & Replacement Claims in The Triangle
Your home’s siding is like a shield, protecting it from whatever the North Carolina weather throws its way. But what happens when that shield gets cracked, warped, or torn off? If you’re a homeowner in Raleigh, Durham, or anywhere else in NC, you’ve probably wondered if your homeowners insurance will cover the costs for siding repair or a full siding replacement.
The answer? It’s complicated. Figuring out what your policy covers is the first step. Typically, insurance covers unexpected, accidental damage.
In this guide, we’ll break down when homeowners insurance covers siding damage and walk you through the process of filing a claim if you ever need to.
When does homeowners insurance cover siding?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include dwelling coverage, which protects the structure of your home, including its siding. The critical factor is the cause of the damage. If your siding is damaged by a “covered peril”, an event your policy specifically covers, you can likely file a successful claim.
If you’re wondering, “Does homeowners insurance cover siding?” then common covered perils you want to be aware of include:
- Extreme Weather: In North Carolina, this is a major concern. Damage from high winds, hail, and falling trees during a storm is typically covered.
- Fire and Smoke: If a fire damages your siding, your policy should cover the cost of repair or replacement.
- Vandalism: Intentional damage to your property by others is usually considered a covered event.
- Impact from Vehicles or Aircraft: While less common, damage from a vehicle or falling object is also generally covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover siding repair?
Yes, if the damage to your siding is caused by a covered peril and is minor enough to be repaired, your insurance company will typically cover the cost of siding repair. This usually applies when only a section of the siding needs to be fixed rather than the entire structure.
Does homeowners insurance cover siding replacement?
Similarly, if the damage to your siding is extensive and caused by a covered peril, your homeowners insurance should cover the cost of siding replacement. This often happens after severe storms or fires, where the siding is too compromised for simple repairs, necessitating a complete replacement of a section or all of the home’s siding.
When does homeowners insurance not cover siding?
While policies offer broad protection, there are specific situations where they won’t cover damage. Knowing these exclusions can save you the time and frustration of filing a denied claim. So, when does homeowners insurance cover siding, and when does it not?
Your policy will likely not cover:
- Wear and Tear: Siding naturally degrades over time due to sun exposure and weather. Insurance does not cover gradual deterioration, fading, or cosmetic issues.
- Lack of Maintenance: If your siding damage is a result of neglect, such as failing to clean it or address minor issues before they worsen, your claim will probably be denied.
- Pest Infestations: Damage caused by termites, birds, or other pests is often excluded from standard policies.
- Flooding: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage from rising water or floods. Flood insurance must be purchased separately.
If you have a popular and durable option like James Hardie siding, it’s built to withstand many of these issues, but it’s still crucial to understand your policy’s limits.
Navigating Siding Claims for Partial Damage
A common issue in the Raleigh-Durham area is partial siding damage. For example, what if a storm only damages one side of your house? Does your insurance pay to replace all the siding to ensure a perfect match? The answer can be complicated.
Most policies state they will only pay to repair or replace the damaged portion with materials of “like kind and quality.” If your existing siding is older, the original product may be discontinued, making a perfect match impossible. In this scenario, the insurance company is only obligated to pay for the damaged section, which could leave you with mismatched siding. Some policies may offer endorsements for an additional cost that ensure a match, so it’s vital to review your coverage with your agent. This is a key area to understand when asking, “Does homeowners insurance cover siding completely?”
Selecting The Best Siding for Your Repair or Replacement
When it’s time to consider your home’s siding options, James Hardie siding is a popular and reliable choice due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Products like Hardie board siding and Hardie plank siding are known for their resistance to weather, fire, and pests, providing long-term value and peace of mind. Be sure to compare styles, colors, and warranties to ensure the siding you select complements your home and meets your needs effectively.
Choose The Right Siding Contractor in Raleigh-Durham
If you find yourself needing siding replacement or repairs, whether through an insurance claim or as a home upgrade, choosing the right contractor is essential. You need a team with integrity, a commitment to quality, and the experience to help streamline the often complicated claims process.
Make your siding project easy by choosing our experienced team at Robert Gordon Services. We pride ourselves on our honesty and meticulous work. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Remodeler and President’s Club Winner, we have the highest credentials for installing Hardie Plank siding and Hardie Board siding. We serve homeowners throughout Wake, Durham, and Orange counties to restore their homes with professional, high-quality siding repair and replacement.
If your home’s siding has been damaged, contact us today for an honest assessment and a quality installation that will protect your home for years to come.
