Siding Storm Damage in Louisiana — Inspection, Documentation, Pricing, and Insurance Guide

Gulf Coast weather is hard on cladding. After a wind or hail event, a quick but methodical siding inspection helps you prevent water intrusion and submit a stronger insurance claim. This guide from Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) explains what to check, how to photograph it, which items appear in estimates, when repair vs. replacement makes sense, and the typical price ranges Louisiana homeowners can expect.

Yard / Perimeter Checklist (Pre-Claim)

Before zooming into walls, capture context. Insurers often ask for these items to confirm storm direction and intensity.

Downed tree limbs or blown objects that align with strike marks on siding.
Furniture, grills, or panels displaced by wind; note where they started and where they ended up.
Chips or granules on walkways and patios indicating impact.
Fence and shed damage that corroborates wind direction.

Wrap-up: One wide photo per elevation plus two yard context photos make later close-ups easier to validate.

Quick Safety Notes

Storms can leave hidden hazards. Take a slow lap first and only then begin documentation.

Avoid energized equipment, leaning power masts, and loose meter bases.
Watch for loose soffits or corner posts that could drop while you’re photographing.
Wear gloves — vinyl shards and fiber-cement chips are sharp.

Wrap-up: If you see structural movement or exposed wiring, call the utility or a licensed pro before continuing.

Typical Siding Damage — Vinyl vs. Fiber-Cement (Hardie)

Knowing material-specific failure modes helps you photograph and describe issues accurately.

Vinyl Siding (PVC)

Wind: unlocked laps, loosened starter strips, blown-off courses, cracked J-channels and corner posts.
Hail: round/elliptical fractures or punctures; oxidation scuffed away leaving lighter “pock” marks.
Age/Brittleness: cold cracks at nail slots, fastener pull-through, heat distortion that becomes stress-prone in wind.

Fiber-Cement (e.g., James Hardie)

Impact: edge chipping at butt joints, localized spalling, hairline paint film cracking.
Fasteners: over-driven nails causing micro-cracks or visible head fractures.
Water paths: missing or failed flashing at penetrations where wind-driven rain gets behind the cladding.

Wrap-up: Note location by elevation (N, S, E, W), course count from grade or a window sill, and the nearest opening — that speeds estimating.

Photo Angles Adjusters Prefer

Consistent angles strengthen your claim package and reduce back-and-forth.

Context: one square-on elevation shot per wall.
Mid-range: 8–12 ft away at ~45° to reveal laps and shadow lines.
Close-ups: fill the frame with the defect; include a ruler or coin for scale.
Raking light: shoot along the wall to highlight lifted laps or buckling.
File naming: wide → mid → close per location (e.g., “East-wall A1, A2, A3”).

Wrap-up: A wide→mid→close sequence lets reviewers match each close-up to its elevation without guesswork.

How to Document for an Insurance Claim

A tidy, shareable packet speeds review and approvals.

Cover note: storm date, type (wind or hail), address, one-paragraph summary.
Photo set: albums per elevation in the wide→mid→close sequence.
Damage map: mark elevations with numbered callouts matching photo IDs.
Contractor estimate: materials, quantities, and match feasibility (discontinued profiles, dye-lot, color fade).
Optional exhibits: brief video walk-through; receipts for emergency protection.

Wrap-up: Keep everything digital — one folder or link for your adjuster is best.

Typical Pricing in Southeast Louisiana (2025)

These ballpark ranges help with planning. Final pricing depends on access, profile, color availability, height, and scope. Insurance approvals are case-by-case.

No-obligation visual inspection: often $0 (fees may apply for emergency call-outs; typically credited toward repairs).
Emergency stabilization (poly wrap, re-secure laps, cap open corners): $200–$450 per affected area.
Detach & reset fixtures (light blocks, vents, hose bib blocks): $75–$180 each.
Vinyl spot repair (up to ~10 LF, matching profile available): $250–$600.
Replace one elevation in vinyl (≈10 squares ≈ 1,000 sq ft): about $6.50–$11.50/sq ft installed ($6,500–$11,500).
Fiber-cement spot repair (panel replacement + paint blend): $400–$900 per location.
Fiber-cement replacement (James Hardie-type): roughly $9.50–$16.00/sq ft installed, depending on profile and paint.
Moisture-intrusion corrections at penetrations (flash & seal): typically $250–$600 each.

Wrap-up: If profiles are discontinued or color fade is heavy, full elevation replacement can be the most economical way to restore a uniform look.

Working With the Adjuster

Collaboration on site yields better outcomes.

Be available for the visit and, if possible, have your contractor present.
Walk the property clockwise to mirror your photo sequence.
Discuss match feasibility early — discontinued profiles and color fade often drive scope.
For roof-adjacent wall issues at eaves and returns, review our Southshore Roof Perimeter Playbook.

Wrap-up: Agreeing on evidence during the visit reduces supplements and delays.

Temporary Protection

Prevent secondary damage while the claim is in motion.

Re-secure loose laps; cap open corners; poly-cover exposed sheathing.
Detach/reset loose light blocks and trim with proper flashing as soon as feasible.
Coordinate with roof edge and gutter work so trades don’t overlap.

Wrap-up: Quick stabilization is inexpensive compared to interior repairs from water intrusion.

Helpful SHIC Resources

These related guides go deeper on storm workflows and roof-to-wall details.

Wrap-up: Use these with your photo set to explain cause, scope, and prevention to your adjuster.

FAQ — Siding Storm Damage, Hail, and Claims in Louisiana

How do I tell real hail damage from normal wear?

Hail leaves directional, consistent impacts with clean edges; on vinyl, oxidation is often scuffed off, showing lighter “pocks.” Normal wear shows random fading and superficial abrasions without impact centers.

Will insurance cover siding after wind or hail?

Many wind/hail policies cover sudden, direct physical loss when you document it with clear photos and a professional estimate. Coverage terms, deductibles, and scopes vary by policy and carrier.

Do I need to replace the whole house if only one wall is damaged?

Not always. If a uniform appearance is achievable with available profiles and colors, targeted repair may be approved. If profiles are discontinued or color fade is significant, full elevation replacement is often warranted.

Vinyl vs. Hardie — which handles hail better?

Fiber-cement generally resists small hail better than vinyl but can chip at edges under larger impacts. Choice depends on risk tolerance, appearance, maintenance, and budget.

How fast should I file the claim?

As soon as practical. Early filing preserves evidence and helps prevent secondary water damage. Begin temporary protection immediately where materials are exposed.

Can SHIC help with documentation for my claim?

Yes — we can organize photos, create a clear scope, and meet your adjuster on site to review match feasibility and storm direction evidence.

If your home shows siding storm damage or hail damage siding Louisiana and you need help building an insurance claim siding package, our team can document, estimate, and restore your exterior. Call (800) 880-8990 or email info@southernhomeimprovement.com for a no-obligation inspection. LA License 81801; MS License R07326.