Wind and cold drive siding care here
Sioux Falls siding faces some of the hardest weather in the country. During the May 12, 2022 derecho, straight-line winds of 50 to 70 mph were widespread across the region, with smaller areas of 80 to 100 mph. Winters bring about 75 freeze-thaw cycles a year and a 50-year frost depth of 102 inches. Vinyl becomes brittle in the cold; trim and caulk joints open and close with the temperature. This checklist follows the year.
Spring (April and May)
- Walk the house after the snow is gone. Look for cracked, loose or missing pieces, especially on the north and west walls.
- Check caulk around windows, doors and trim, and replace any that has cracked over the winter.
- Wash the siding gently, without high pressure.
Summer (June through August): storm season
- After each severe storm, look for blown-off panels, cracks from flying debris and dents from hail.
- Photograph damage and contact your insurer if repairs are significant.
- Cover openings quickly. Exposed sheathing soaks up rain fast.
Fall (September and October)
- Fix damage before winter. Cold vinyl cracks easily, so repairs are best done in mild weather.
- Clean gutters so overflow and ice do not run down the walls.
- Seal gaps where mice could enter.
Winter (November through March)
- Avoid hitting siding with snow blowers, shovels and ice chunks; cold vinyl shatters.
- Watch for ice dams at the eaves. Water from ice dams often runs down inside the walls.
- Look for frost or stains inside on exterior walls, a sign of air or water leaks.
The city's flat permit fee
The City of Sioux Falls charges a flat $40 permit fee for residential re-shingling and residing, along with window replacements (sashes only). Ask your contractor whether your siding job qualifies for the flat fee and whether the permit is included in the quote.
The license to ask for
In Sioux Falls, contractors doing shingling, siding, or window and door replacement with no structural changes on one- and two-family homes and townhomes need the city's Residential Roofing & Repair license, which also takes an exam. Ask for the license number and check it with the city before work starts. After big storms, many out-of-town crews arrive; the city license is your first filter.
Comparing quotes
Ask for the siding product and thickness, insulation board if any, the water-resistive barrier, window and door flashing, trim and disposal in writing.
Keep records
Keep product name, color and install date. Matching a few storm-damaged panels is far easier with that information.