When you think about storm damage, your mind probably goes straight to your roof. That makes sense—it's the most obvious target for hail and wind. But here's what most Lubbock homeowners don't realize until it's too late: your siding and gutters are just as vulnerable to Texas storms, and damage to these systems can be just as costly as roof damage—sometimes more.
We've seen it countless times at America's General Contractors. A homeowner calls us about roof damage after a hailstorm, and during our inspection, we discover their siding is riddled with impact cracks and their gutters are so dented they're no longer channeling water properly. The result? Water is being directed straight into their foundation, their walls are absorbing moisture, and they're facing thousands in potential structural damage—all because they didn't realize their siding and gutters were compromised.
Here's the good news: if you're dealing with storm damage, your homeowners insurance typically covers siding and gutter replacement along with your roof. But you need to know what to look for, understand how these systems protect your home, and document everything properly to get full coverage.
This guide explains why siding and gutters are critical components of your home's storm protection system, how to identify damage, what replacement costs in Lubbock, and how to maximize your insurance claim to get complete restoration—not just a patched roof with damaged siding and gutters left behind.
Why Siding and Gutters Matter More Than You Think
Your Home's Complete Weather Barrier System
Your roof, siding, and gutters work together as an integrated protection system:
How the System Works
- Roof: Sheds water away from your home's interior
- Gutters: Collect and channel that water away from your foundation
- Siding: Creates a weather-tight envelope protecting walls and insulation
When one component fails, the others can't compensate. You might have a perfect roof, but if your gutters are crushed and overflowing, water pours down your siding, seeps behind it, and eventually finds its way into your walls, insulation, and foundation.
The Texas Storm Reality
Lubbock's location in "Hail Alley" means:
- Multiple severe storms annually with large hail
- High winds (60+ mph) that drive rain horizontally into siding
- Extreme temperature swings causing expansion and contraction
- Intense UV exposure that degrades materials faster
Your siding and gutters face the same brutal conditions as your roof—they just don't get the same attention.
The Hidden Costs of Damaged Siding and Gutters
When siding and gutters fail, damage spreads:
Foundation Problems
- Damaged gutters dump water directly next to your foundation
- Soil saturation causes foundation shifting and cracking
- Foundation repairs: $3,000-$15,000+
Water Intrusion
- Cracked siding allows water behind your walls
- Insulation becomes saturated and loses effectiveness
- Mold growth develops in wall cavities
- Interior water damage and remediation: $2,000-$10,000+
Structural Wood Rot
- Water penetrating behind siding rots wall sheathing
- Window and door frames deteriorate
- Structural repairs: $5,000-$20,000+
Energy Efficiency Loss
- Damaged siding creates air leaks
- Wet insulation loses 50-75% of its R-value
- Monthly energy bills increase $50-$150
- Annual cost: $600-$1,800 in wasted energy
Example Cost: You skip $8,000 in siding and gutter replacement after a storm. Over the next two years, you face $4,500 in foundation repairs, $3,200 in mold remediation, and $1,400 in extra energy costs. Total: $9,100—more than the replacement would have cost, plus you still need to replace the siding and gutters.
Identifying Storm Damage to Siding and Gutters
Hail Damage Signs on Siding
After a Lubbock hailstorm, inspect your siding for these indicators:
Vinyl Siding Damage
- Impact cracks: Circular or spider-web cracks where hail struck
- Holes or punctures: From large hail (golf ball size or bigger)
- Dents: Visible indentations in the vinyl surface
- Loosened panels: Hail impacts can break fasteners or connection points
- Chipped corners: Especially on edges and trim pieces
Fiber Cement Siding Damage
- Chips and gouges: Pieces knocked out by hail impacts
- Cracks: Running through boards from impact stress
- Surface pitting: Multiple impact marks creating rough texture
- Edge damage: Crumbling or missing material along board edges
Wood Siding Damage
- Dents and gouges: Visible divots from hail strikes
- Splintering: Wood fibers separated by impacts
- Paint damage: Chipped or cracked paint exposing bare wood
- Moisture absorption: Damaged areas soaking up water
Where to Look
Don't just check the side facing the storm:
- All four sides of your home (wind drives hail in multiple directions)
- Higher elevations (second story, gables)
- Areas around windows and doors
- Soffit and fascia boards
- Decorative trim and shutters
Gutter and Downspout Damage Indicators
Visible Dents
- Circular impact marks on gutter faces
- Dented or crushed downspouts
- Deformed gutter profiles affecting water flow
Functional Problems
- Water overflowing during rain (indicates improper slope or blockage from dents)
- Gutters pulling away from fascia boards
- Seams separating from impact stress
- Standing water in gutters between storms
End Cap and Corner Damage
- Separated end caps
- Split or damaged corner miters
- Visible gaps where water can escape
Downspout Issues
- Crushed or dented sections restricting flow
- Disconnected elbows and extensions
- Improper drainage away from foundation
Pro Tip: The size and density of dents in your gutters directly correlate with roof damage severity. If your gutters are heavily damaged, your roof almost certainly has significant hail impacts—even if you can't see them from the ground.
Siding Replacement Costs in Lubbock, TX
Average Pricing by Material Type
Siding replacement costs vary significantly based on material choice and home size:
Vinyl Siding (Most Common)
- Cost per square foot: $3.50-$7.00 installed
- Average home (1,500-2,500 sq ft): $7,000-$16,000
- Lifespan: 20-30 years
- Benefits: Low maintenance, variety of colors, impact-resistant options available
- Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, most Lubbock residential homes
Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie, etc.)
- Cost per square foot: $8.00-$12.00 installed
- Average home: $15,000-$28,000
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Benefits: Excellent durability, fire-resistant, holds paint well, withstands Texas weather
- Best for: Homeowners prioritizing longevity and premium appearance
Wood Siding
- Cost per square foot: $6.00-$10.00 installed
- Average home: $12,000-$23,000
- Lifespan: 20-40 years (with proper maintenance)
- Benefits: Natural beauty, traditional appearance
- Best for: Historic homes or homeowners wanting authentic wood look
Engineered Wood Siding
- Cost per square foot: $5.00-$8.00 installed
- Average home: $9,500-$18,500
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Benefits: Wood appearance at lower cost, more stable than natural wood
- Best for: Balance between vinyl and natural wood
What's Included in Professional Siding Replacement
A complete siding replacement includes:
Removal and Disposal
- Complete removal of existing damaged siding
- Proper disposal of old materials
- Protection of landscaping and property
Inspection and Repair
- Examination of wall sheathing for damage
- Replacement of any rotted or damaged sheathing
- Moisture barrier installation or replacement
- House wrap or vapor barrier upgrades
New Siding Installation
- Professional installation per manufacturer specifications
- Proper fastening and overlap techniques
- Expansion gaps for temperature changes
- Trim and corner pieces
Additional Components
- New or repaired soffit and fascia
- Ventilation systems
- Caulking and sealing
- Paint or finish (if applicable)
Gutter Replacement Costs in Lubbock, TX
Gutter System Pricing
Seamless Aluminum Gutters (Most Popular)
- Cost per linear foot: $8-$15 installed
- Average home (150-200 linear feet): $1,200-$3,000
- Lifespan: 20-30 years
- Benefits: No leaky seams, custom-fit on site, variety of colors
Vinyl Gutters
- Cost per linear foot: $3-$7 installed
- Average home: $450-$1,400
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Benefits: Budget-friendly, rust-proof
- Drawback: Can crack in extreme cold or become brittle with UV exposure
Steel Gutters
- Cost per linear foot: $9-$18 installed
- Average home: $1,350-$3,600
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Benefits: Very durable, handles heavy water flow
Copper Gutters (Premium)
- Cost per linear foot: $25-$40 installed
- Average home: $3,750-$8,000
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Benefits: Extremely durable, develops attractive patina, increases home value
Gutter Guards and Add-Ons
Gutter Guard Installation
- Cost per linear foot: $7-$15 (added to gutter cost)
- Benefits: Reduces cleaning needs, prevents clogs, extends gutter life
- Worth it in Lubbock?: Yes—especially if you have trees. West Texas wind carries debris significant distances.
Downspout Extensions
- Cost each: $50-$150
- Purpose: Direct water 6-10 feet from foundation
- Critical in Texas: Clay soil expansion/contraction causes foundation issues
Larger Capacity Gutters
- 6-inch gutters vs. standard 5-inch: Add $2-$4 per linear foot
- Worth it?: Yes for homes with steep roofs or large roof areas that collect lots of water
Insurance Claims for Siding and Gutter Damage
What Insurance Typically Covers
If storm damage affects your siding and gutters:
Covered Damage
- Hail impacts causing cracks, dents, or holes
- Wind damage that tears or loosens siding
- Storm-related impacts (tree branches, flying debris)
- Gutters damaged by same storm event that damaged roof
What You'll Pay
- Your deductible (typically $1,000-$5,000)
- Any upgrades beyond your policy coverage
- Separate decorative elements not covered by standard policies
Maximizing Your Claim
Document Everything
- Photograph all siding damage on all four sides of your home
- Capture close-up and wide-angle shots
- Document gutter dents, separation, and damage
- Note any water damage or staining near damaged areas
Comprehensive Assessment
Many homeowners only claim roof damage and miss covered siding and gutter damage. When you call America's General Contractors:
- We inspect ALL exterior surfaces, not just the roof
- We document siding damage insurance adjusters might miss
- We photograph gutter damage correlating with roof damage
- We meet with adjusters to ensure complete damage recognition
Real Example: Homeowner filed claim for $12,000 roof replacement. We documented siding damage on three sides of the home and gutter damage the adjuster initially missed. Final claim approval: $28,500 (roof + siding + gutters). Without comprehensive documentation, they would have left $16,500 on the table.
Common Insurance Claim Mistakes
Mistake #1: Only Claiming Roof Damage
If hail damaged your roof, it damaged your siding and gutters too. Always have all exterior components inspected and documented.
Mistake #2: Accepting Partial Siding Replacement
Adjusters sometimes approve only "damaged sections." This creates:
- Visible color mismatches (even "matching" siding fades differently)
- Warranty issues
- Reduced home value
Push for full-side replacement when one side has significant damage—most policies cover this under "matching" provisions.
Mistake #3: Not Documenting Pre-Existing Condition
Take photos of your home's exterior in good condition periodically. This proves damage resulted from the storm, not poor maintenance.
Choosing the Right Materials for Texas Weather
Best Siding Options for Lubbock Climate
Impact-Resistant Vinyl Siding
Look for:
- Thicker gauge (.044" or .046")
- Impact-resistant formulations
- UV-resistant pigments
- Lifetime limited warranties
Benefits for Texas: Withstands hail better, doesn't fade as quickly in intense sun, minimal maintenance.
Fiber Cement (James Hardie ColorPlus)
Benefits for Texas:
- Excellent hail resistance
- Won't warp or crack in temperature extremes
- Factory-finished options resist fading
- Fire-resistant (important in dry West Texas)
Premium Features Worth Considering
- Insulated siding: Adds R-value, reduces energy costs
- Thick-gauge materials: Better impact resistance
- Transferable warranties: Increase home value
Best Gutter Options for Lubbock
Seamless Aluminum Gutters
This is the sweet spot for most Lubbock homes:
- Custom-fabricated on-site for perfect fit
- No seams to leak
- .032 gauge aluminum resists denting reasonably well
- 20-30 year lifespan
Gutter Guards
Invest in quality gutter guards:
- Keep out leaves, twigs, and West Texas tumbleweeds
- Reduce maintenance dramatically
- Prevent water overflow during storms
- Pay for themselves by preventing foundation damage
Why Choose America's General Contractors
Complete Exterior Restoration
We don't just fix your roof and ignore the rest:
- Comprehensive storm damage assessment
- Roof, siding, and gutter expertise under one contractor
- Coordinated installation ensures proper integration
- Single point of contact simplifies the process
Insurance Claim Expertise
We maximize your claim value:
- Document all exterior damage, not just obvious problems
- Meet with adjusters to advocate for complete coverage
- Write supplement claims when hidden damage is discovered
- Help you understand your coverage and rights
Quality Materials and Installation
We use premium materials designed for Texas weather:
- Impact-resistant options for siding and gutters
- Certified installation teams
- Manufacturer warranties plus our workmanship guarantee
- Local suppliers ensuring quick project completion
Serving Lubbock and the South Plains
We're your neighbors:
- Based in Lubbock, serving surrounding communities
- Understand local weather challenges
- Quick response after storm events
- Reputation built on hundreds of satisfied customers
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace siding and gutters at the same time as my roof?
Absolutely, especially if storm damage affected all three. It's more efficient, ensures everything is properly integrated, and insurance typically covers everything damaged in the same storm event.
How long does siding and gutter replacement take?
Siding: 1-2 weeks depending on home size. Gutters: 1-2 days for most homes. When coordinated with roofing, the entire project typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Will new siding and gutters reduce my insurance premiums?
Impact-resistant siding can qualify for small discounts. The bigger benefit is reducing future claims by better protecting your home from storm damage.
Can I just replace the damaged sides of my house?
You can, but you'll face color matching issues. Most insurance policies have "matching" provisions requiring full-side replacement when damage is significant.
Do I need permits for siding and gutter replacement in Lubbock?
Typically yes for siding, generally no for gutters. We handle all permit requirements and inspections.
How do I know if my siding damage is from the recent storm or older?
This is where professional documentation matters. We assess damage characteristics, weathering patterns, and correlation with documented storm events to establish causation for insurance purposes.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Storm Damage Assessment
Don't leave thousands of dollars in insurance coverage on the table by only claiming roof damage. Your siding and gutters deserve the same attention—they're protecting your home's structure, foundation, and interior from water damage that can cost far more than the exterior components themselves.
Get Your Free Comprehensive Inspection:
✓ Complete roof, siding, and gutter assessment
✓ Professional photo documentation for insurance
✓ Written damage report and repair estimates
✓ Insurance claim guidance and support
✓ Material recommendations for Texas weather
✓ No obligation—honest assessment
Serving These Communities:
Lubbock, TX | Wolfforth, TX | Shallowater, TX | Slaton, TX | Levelland, TX | Littlefield, TX | Idalou, TX | New Deal, TX
Call America's General Contractors today for your free storm damage assessment. We inspect and document ALL exterior damage—not just your roof—ensuring you receive complete coverage and protection.
About America's General Contractors
America's General Contractors provides complete exterior restoration services including roofing, siding, and gutter replacement for Lubbock and South Plains homeowners. We specialize in storm damage claims, helping homeowners navigate insurance and receive full coverage for comprehensive repairs.