As this weekend’s storms indicated, we’ve entered tornado season here in the Twin Cities area. The weather service has confirmed that four tornadoes – rated EF1 or EF2 – blew through the southern metro around Cottage Grove and Hastings, moving into western Wisconsin, where substantial damage resulted. Straight line winds and a possible tornado were reported in the Afton/Woodbury area as well as parts of Isanti County around Braham and Ogilvie. One thing to keep in mind following a tornado is that even if you see no damage, you may have some issues with your siding. So if you live in any parts of Minnesota or western Wisconsin that were affected, it’s a good idea to go out and check your home’s exterior, especially siding. (You’ll want to give your roof a check as well, because those same winds could have lifted sections of your roofing).
Siding Damage Caused by High WindsTornadoes are common in the Midwest, but the winds that accompany these storms can take other forms. High winds called straight-line winds are updrafts and downdrafts that come along with thunderstorms. The force of these winds may come close to a tornado, but there is one difference. Debris is scattered in a circular pattern from tornadoes, while debris is pushed in the direction of the wind when a straight-line wind is the culprit.
Both tornadoes and straight-line winds can damage siding in the same way: the force of the wind can lift siding sections away from the wall of the house. The force of a tornado passing by may cause damage to your siding, even if your home remains intact. In some cases the siding sections are ripped off, while in other cases the siding will settle back down and you may not notice it right away. But regardless, what happens is a lifted siding section can damage the underlying tongue and groove structure that the siding is attached to. That attachment is necessary for water to be kept out, and once that is compromised, water can get underneath the siding. Rot and mold will eventually develop. And those winds may also cause cracks that will only get worse.
If you see signs that your siding was damaged, we urge you to get it professionally inspected right away. Ignoring problems in your siding will only postpone the repairs, but in all likelihood will mean further deterioration and more expense to correct the problem. Please contact us today for a free inspection and quote. We offer siding repair and replacement in the greater Twin Cities metro area, including western Wisconsin communities. We are a licensed Minnesota siding contractor.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
