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Texas weather is anything but predictable. One day it’s sunny and calm, and the next, you’re dealing with a hailstorm that feels like it came straight out of a disaster movie. These severe storms don’t just leave your car dented—they can wreak havoc on your siding, too. And if you have vinyl siding, you might be in for even more trouble.
Vinyl siding, while affordable and low-maintenance, is quite vulnerable to hail damage. It can crack, dent, or even puncture it, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage and looking worse for wear. But even if you don’t have vinyl, hail can still do a number on other siding materials, especially if they’re not built to handle extreme weather.
That’s why choosing the right siding is so important. In this article, we’ll dive into why hailstorms are such a headache for siding (especially vinyl) and what you can do to make sure your home stays safe and stylish, no matter what the Texas skies throw at it.
Hailstorms in Texas: A Real Threat to Your Siding
The Lone Star State is located in “Hail Alley,” a region stretching from Texas to Wyoming, that sees some of the most frequent and intense hailstorms in the country. These storms bring golf ball-sized (or even softball-sized) hailstones that are a serious hazard to anything in their path.
When those storms come rolling through, they can:
- Crack or puncture vinyl siding, leaving your home exposed to water damage.
- Dent aluminum or steel siding, ruining its smooth appearance.
- Chip or split wood siding, creating openings for moisture and pests.
Even if the damage seems minor at first, small cracks or dents can lead to bigger problems over time, like water leaks, mold growth, or structural issues. And let’s not forget the hit your home’s curb appeal takes when your siding looks like it’s been through a war zone.
Texas Hailstorms by the Numbers
Texas isn’t just prone to hailstorms—it vies with Colorado for “hail capital of the U.S.”
- Texas consistently ranks as one of the top states for hail-related insurance claims. In 2023 alone, hailstorms caused over $1 billion in property damage across the state.
- The largest hailstone ever recorded in Texas fell in Hondo in 2021, measuring a whopping 6.4 inches in diameter—about the size of a grapefruit.
- Cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio are particularly vulnerable, with Dallas and San Antonio experiencing 30-40 hail days a year.
Notable Hailstorms
- 2016 San Antonio Hailstorm: This storm dropped hailstones as large as 4.5 inches, causing widespread damage to roofs, siding, and vehicles. Repair costs topped $1.4 billion.
- 2019 Dallas Hailstorm: Hailstones up to 3 inches in diameter pummeled the area, leaving behind a trail of shattered windows, dented cars, and battered siding.
Why Vinyl Siding Struggles Against Hail Damage
Vinyl siding is popular because it’s affordable and low-maintenance. But when it comes to hailstorms, vinyl has a big Achilles’ heel: it just doesn’t hold up well against impact.
Material Weakness
- Cracks and Breaks on Impact: Vinyl siding is made from PVC, a type of plastic that’s lightweight but not necessarily tough. When hail hits, the force can cause it to crack, split, or even shatter, especially if the hailstones are large or traveling at high speeds.
- Brittleness Over Time: Texas weather doesn’t just bring hail—it also brings extreme temperature swings. Over time, these fluctuations can make vinyl siding more brittle, reducing its ability to absorb impacts.
Aesthetic Concerns
- Visible Damage: Hail doesn’t just damage your siding—it can also ruin your home’s appearance. Cracks, chips, and dents are hard to miss, and they can make your home look worn and neglected.
- Lower Curb Appeal and Value: Damaged siding doesn’t do your curb appeal any favors. If you’re planning to sell, hail-damaged vinyl siding could be a red flag for potential buyers.
The upshot is this: vinyl siding might be a budget-friendly option, but it’s not the best choice if you live in a hail-prone area like Texas. If you live here, it’s worth investing in siding that can stand up to the abuse.
After all, your home’s exterior is its first line of defense. Why not make it as tough as Texas itself?
Better Siding Options to Withstand Texas Hailstorms
Luckily, there are better options out there that can stand up to the abuse.
Fiber Cement Siding
- Superior Durability and Impact Resistance: Fiber cement siding is made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, making it one of the toughest siding materials on the market. It’s designed to resist cracking, chipping, and other damage from hail, even in extreme weather conditions.
- Resistant to Cracking and Chipping: Unlike vinyl, fiber cement doesn’t become brittle over time. It can take a beating from hailstones without showing significant damage, keeping your home protected and looking great.
- Bonus: It’s also has a Class A fire rating (the highest available for building materials) and is pest-proof, making it a smart all-around choice for Texas homeowners.
Engineered Wood Siding
- Stronger Than Vinyl: Engineered wood siding is made from wood fibers and resin, giving it more strength and durability than traditional vinyl. It’s better equipped to handle hail impacts without cracking or denting.
- Wood-Like Appearance with Added Durability: If you love the look of real wood but want something tougher, engineered wood siding is a great compromise. It offers the same warm, natural aesthetic but with better resistance to moisture, pests, and—yes—hail.
- Bonus: It’s lighter and easier to install than fiber cement, making it a practical choice for homeowners who want durability without the added weight.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to protecting your home from Texas hailstorms, not all siding is created equal. Fiber cement and engineered wood are excellent options that offer superior durability and impact resistance compared to vinyl. While they may come with a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings on repairs and replacements make them worth the investment.
If you're ready to protect your home before the next hailstorm rolls in, contact us. Our design consultants offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you get the siding that's right for your home.