Storms in Kansas City often leave homeowners dealing with costly exterior repairs. Choosing the right siding for hail damage is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and avoid repeat fixes. Durable siding materials reduce the chance of cracks, mismatched panels, and unexpected expenses.
At Fairway Exteriors, we guide homeowners in selecting options that provide lasting strength and value. Our focus is on proven products designed to withstand severe weather and safeguard your investment over time.
Why Hail Damage is a Real Problem in Kansas City
Kansas City has seen a sharp increase in strong storms over the past decade. Hailstones ranging from small marbles to ping-pong balls can tear through neighborhoods, leaving a trail of battered exteriors in their wake. It’s no surprise that many homeowners are asking for the best siding for hail damage so they can minimize repairs and insurance headaches.
What Siding Materials Offer the Best Hail Protection?
Masonry Products: Brick and Fiber Cement Lead the Way
The best siding for hail damage starts with masonry products. Brick is a classic choice and has long been praised for its strength and ability to withstand extreme impacts. For many Kansas City homeowners, the most practical upgrade is James Hardie fiber cement siding. This material contains about 90% cement and sand, resulting in a dense, durable structure that resists damage from heavy hail.
Key Takeaway: Both brick and James Hardie fiber cement siding are top performers for homes facing severe storms, offering unmatched durability.
Insurance Endorsements and Real-World Savings
A little-known benefit of installing James Hardie fiber cement is that many insurance companies, including major names like State Farm and Allstate, treat it as a masonry product. That means you may qualify for a full masonry discount on your homeowner’s policy. Although the discount is often around $100 per year, it’s more than just a financial benefit; it’s a strong third-party endorsement for the product’s impact resistance. Insurance companies rarely offer discounts unless a product truly reduces their risk.
Key Takeaway: When your insurance company gives a discount for using James Hardie fiber cement, it’s proof that the product can be trusted against hail and storm damage.
Why Vinyl Siding Falls Short Against Hail
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for its affordability, but it has serious limitations when it comes to hail. Even moderate hail can cause vinyl to crack, break, or develop holes that look like Swiss cheese. One of the biggest problems with vinyl is what happens after a storm: if you need repairs, your insurance company will often only cover the damaged side of your house. That leads to mismatched siding, since even a ten-year-old panel will have faded and won’t match new materials. In some cases, the original siding has even been discontinued, creating more headaches and out-of-pocket expenses for the homeowner.
Hidden Costs of Partial Replacement
If you have vinyl siding and your house gets hit by hail, you could end up with two walls of fresh siding and two that look older or a different color. To get your house looking right again, you may need to pay out-of-pocket to replace the rest of the siding, an expense most people don’t expect.
Key Takeaway: Vinyl siding can leave you with unexpected costs and mismatched repairs after a hailstorm, making it a less reliable choice for storm-prone areas.
Why James Hardie Fiber Cement Is the Best Siding for Hail Damage
Superior Impact Resistance and Long-Term Durability
James Hardie fiber cement siding stands out for its ability to withstand hail. It is warranted against hail damage and is proven to resist impacts that would destroy vinyl. If a severe storm does hit, you may only need to repaint or touch up the boards rather than replace entire walls. This can save you time, money, and the hassle of trying to match faded materials.
Insurance and Maintenance Advantages
With James Hardie fiber cement, not only do you get a stronger product, but you also avoid many of the insurance and maintenance headaches that come with other siding types. You can feel confident knowing that major insurance companies recognize your siding as one of the most reliable options for protecting your home.
Key Takeaway: James Hardie fiber cement is the best siding for hail damage because it offers superior strength, lower long-term costs, and recognized insurance benefits.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home with the Right Siding
Choosing the best siding for hail damage comes down to protecting your home for the long run. Masonry products like brick and James Hardie fiber cement set the standard for durability in Kansas City’s storm-prone climate. If you’re ready to upgrade your home and prevent the headaches that come with hail repairs, our team at Fairway Exteriors is here to help you choose the best solution for your project.
Ready to upgrade your home’s protection? Contact Fairway Exteriors today for an expert consultation on the best siding for hail damage and get the peace of mind your home deserves.
