The strong, unpredictable winds that sweep across Illinois can be a homeowner’s nightmare. One moment, your siding looks pristine; the next, you’re looking at loose panels, cracks, or even missing sections. As you assess the damage, a critical question arises: will my homeowner’s insurance cover a full siding replacement, or am I only looking at a patch job?
The short answer is: it depends, but for many Illinois homeowners, a full siding replacement for wind damage is absolutely within reach, especially with the right approach and the advocacy of an experienced contractor like Seidel Exterior Group.
Understanding the nuances of your policy, the types of coverage, and specific Illinois precedents can make all the difference in turning a partial repair into a complete restoration.
Understanding Your Homeowner’s Policy: ACV vs. RCV for siding
Before diving into the specifics of wind damage, it’s crucial to understand a fundamental aspect of your homeowner’s insurance policy:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) Policy: If you have an ACV policy, your insurance company will pay for the depreciated value of your damaged siding. This means they will calculate the cost of new siding and then subtract an amount for wear and tear, age, and obsolescence. You’ll receive a lower initial payout, and you’ll be responsible for the difference between that depreciated value and the cost of new siding.
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) Policy: This is the gold standard for homeowners and what most standard HO-3 policies offer for dwelling coverage. With an RCV policy, your insurer will pay the cost to replace the damaged property with new materials of “like kind and quality” without deducting for depreciation.Typically, you’ll receive an initial ACV payment, and then once the repairs are completed and confirmed, the withheld depreciation (known as “recoverable depreciation”) is paid out. This means your out-of-pocket expense is usually limited to your deductible.
For siding replacement due to wind damage, an RCV policy is vastly superior. It ensures you can restore your home without significant out-of-pocket costs beyond your deductible. Always check your policy’s declarations page to confirm whether you have ACV or RCV coverage for your dwelling.
Wind Damage to Siding: What’s Typically Covered?
Standard homeowner’s insurance policies (HO-3) generally cover sudden and accidental damage caused by windstorms. This includes:
- Missing Siding Panels: Strong gusts can literally rip siding panels off your home.
- Cracked or Broken Siding: Wind-driven debris (branches, outdoor furniture, etc.) can impact siding, causing cracks or breaks.
- Warped or Loosened Siding: Persistent wind pressure can cause vinyl siding to warp or fasteners to loosen, compromising its integrity.
- Wind-Driven Rain/Snow Damage: If wind damage creates an opening in your siding (or roof), allowing rain or snow to enter your home and cause interior damage (e.g., to drywall, insulation), this is typically covered as well.
What’s generally not covered:
- Wear and Tear: Siding that has simply deteriorated due to age or lack of maintenance.
- Pre-existing Damage: Damage that was present before your current policy or before the specific wind event you’re claiming.
- Cosmetic Damage Exclusions: This is a growing concern. Some policies include a “cosmetic loss exclusion” (CLE) which states that if the damage only affects the appearance (e.g., minor scuffs or discoloration) but doesn’t compromise the functional integrity of the siding, it may not be covered. This can be a point of contention and often requires expert assessment and advocacy.
The “Matching” Dilemma: Why a Full Siding Replacement Might Be Necessary
Even if only a section of your siding is damaged by wind, you might face a significant problem: matching. Siding, especially if it’s a few years old, can be impossible to match perfectly due to:
- Fading: Over time, exposure to sunlight causes siding to fade, making new panels stand out.
- Discontinuation: Manufacturers frequently discontinue specific colors, styles, or even entire product lines.
- Dye Lot Variations: Even with the same color, slight variations in dye lots can make new panels look noticeably different.
This “matching” issue is where a partial repair can leave your Illinois home looking “zebra-striped” or patchy, significantly diminishing its curb appeal and potentially its value.
Crucially, Illinois law and court precedents often lean in favor of the homeowner when it comes to matching.While specific policy language always dictates, rulings in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Illinois) have indicated that if repairing only the damaged section results in an aesthetic mismatch that compromises the overall appearance of the building, the insurer may be obligated to replace all the siding on that elevation, or even the entire home, to restore it to its pre-loss uniform appearance. The key here is the interpretation that “damage” can include aesthetic harm to the entire property, not just functional damage to individual panels.
This is a powerful point that a knowledgeable contractor can leverage during the claim process.
Why Seidel Exterior Group is Your Essential Partner in Siding Claims
Navigating the complexities of wind damage, policy language, ACV vs. RCV, and the “matching” issue can be overwhelming for any Illinois homeowner. This is precisely why partnering with Seidel Exterior Group is not just a convenience, but a strategic advantage. We act as your dedicated advocate, ensuring you secure the full coverage necessary for a complete and aesthetically pleasing siding replacement.
Here’s how our expertise makes a difference:
- Forensic-Level Damage Assessment:
- Beyond the Obvious: Our trained professionals go beyond visually inspecting for missing panels. We look for subtle signs of wind damage such as loosened fasteners, warped panels, hidden cracks, and even granular damage on accompanying roof components that indicate the force of the wind.
- Thorough Documentation: We meticulously photograph and document every instance of damage, including angles that highlight the extent and severity, creating an undeniable record for your insurer.
- Uncovering Hidden Issues: We’re skilled at identifying collateral damage (e.g., to gutters, trim, windows) that further supports the intensity of the wind event and strengthens your overall claim.
- Expertise in Illinois Building Codes & Policy Interpretation:
- Code Compliance: We understand current Illinois building codes and how they may necessitate a full siding replacement or specific upgrades during the repair process. For instance, if your existing siding doesn’t meet current wind load requirements, a full replacement might be mandated.
- Understanding “Matching”: We are well-versed in the “matching” precedents in Illinois and leverage this knowledge when discussing your claim with the insurance adjuster. We’ll argue for a full replacement of affected elevations (or the entire home) if a perfect match is impossible, citing both aesthetic impact and relevant legal interpretations.
- ACV vs. RCV Guidance: We clearly explain the implications of your policy type (ACV vs. RCV) and guide you on how to maximize your recoverable depreciation under an RCV policy.
- Precise Xactimate Estimating and Negotiation:
- Industry-Standard Software: We use Xactimate, the same software favored by insurance companies, to create highly detailed, itemized estimates. This “speaks their language,” minimizing disputes and speeding up the claims process.
- Justifying Every Line Item: Our estimates include all necessary labor, materials (ensuring like kind and quality), permits, and any required code upgrades. We clearly justify why each item is essential for a complete, high-quality restoration.
- Proactive Negotiation: We actively engage with your insurance adjuster, presenting our findings, estimates, and legal rationale (especially regarding matching). We can participate in joint inspections to point out damage directly and advocate for your full coverage. We are prepared to submit comprehensive supplemental claims if the initial offer is insufficient.
- Quality Materials and Workmanship for Lasting Protection:
- Beyond the Claim: Our goal is not just to get your claim paid, but to ensure your home is fully protected. We use durable, high-quality siding materials that are built to withstand Illinois’ harsh weather conditions, providing superior protection and enhancing your home’s curb appeal for years to come.
- Professional Installation: Our experienced and certified crews ensure that your new siding is installed correctly, adhering to manufacturer specifications and local building codes, preventing future issues.
Don’t Settle for Less: Get Your Full Siding Replacement
Wind damage to siding can be more than just a cosmetic flaw; it can compromise your home’s energy efficiency, structural integrity, and overall value. For Illinois homeowners, getting a full siding replacement covered by insurance is a critical aspect of proper restoration.
If your home has sustained wind damage to its siding, don’t assume your insurance will only cover a partial repair. Contact Seidel Exterior Group today for a free, no-obligation comprehensive inspection. We’ll assess the full extent of the damage, navigate the complexities of your insurance policy, and act as your dedicated advocate to ensure you receive the complete coverage you deserve for a seamless, high-quality siding replacement. Let us help you turn wind-damaged siding into a renewed, beautiful, and fully protected home.
