When our team at 101 Roofers received an urgent call from a Rogers, MN, homeowner, we knew we were facing a unique situation. A vehicle fire had caused significant damage to a portion of their home’s exterior siding, creating not just a repair challenge but also presenting a common issue in the restoration process: discontinued combustible materials.
The fire damage had scorched and melted sections of the siding on one side of the home. While the structural damage was limited compared to what we often see with natural disasters, the aesthetic impact was significant. The homeowner naturally wanted their home restored to its original condition, maintaining the uniform appearance they had enjoyed before this catastrophic event.
The Discontinued Product Dilemma
Upon assessment, our team of skilled technicians discovered that the specific siding material used on the home had been discontinued by the manufacturer. While not extremely common in the United States, this scenario occurs more frequently with homes over 20 years old, where siding styles have evolved or been phased out in favor of newer, more efficient materials that meet updated building codes.
This presented a classic siding renovation challenge: how to match existing materials when exact replacements are no longer available. For property owners, this situation can be particularly stressful following an already traumatic event like a fire, adding complexity to the insurance claim process.
Insurance to the Rescue
Fortunately, this story has a positive outcome. As the first step in the siding renovation recovery process, the homeowner contacted their insurance agent to file a claim. Because the original siding material was no longer available, the homeowner’s insurance company approved a complete siding replacement for the entire home. This comprehensive solution avoided the patchwork appearance that would have resulted from mixing new and old materials, even if they were similar in style and color.
The insurance company’s decision highlights an important consideration for homeowners: sometimes, a partial replacement simply isn’t viable when dealing with discontinued products. In such cases, a full replacement may be the only way to maintain the home’s aesthetic integrity and value, providing peace of mind that their homeowners insurance policy truly protects their investment.
Documentation: A Simple Step That Makes All the Difference
This case underscores one of our standard recommendations at 101 Roofers: documentation for insurance purposes is crucial. We advise all property owners to keep a sample piece of their siding (or roof shingles) in a safe place, such as mounted on a garage wall. This simple practice provides an immediate reference for the exact product and manufacturer used, whether for the current homeowner or future buyers.
When our team completes a siding renovation or roofing project, we make this sample provision a standard part of our service. Having this reference available can significantly streamline the process of matching materials in case of future property damage or when planning a siding renovation to the home, especially when working with insurance adjusters to determine replacement costs.
Preventative Maintenance: Beyond Aesthetics
The Rogers case also reminds us of the importance of regular siding maintenance. We recommend annual washing of siding to prevent issues like mold growth from moisture accumulation or water leaks. Regular cleaning also reduces potential fire hazards by removing debris that could become fuel for a fire.
While maintenance couldn’t have prevented damage from the vehicle fire in this case, routine care ensures that siding remains in optimal condition and may help minimize the extent of the damage when unforeseen incidents occur. This is particularly important in areas prone to severe weather, heavy winds, or heavy rains that can cause additional damage to already compromised materials.
The Silver Lining: A Fresh New Look
What began as an unfortunate car accident ultimately resulted in a complete exterior transformation for this Rogers home. The siding renovation not only restored the home’s appearance to pre-damage condition but actually enhanced it with updated materials that offer improved durability and energy efficiency, upgrading from older vinyl gutters and single-pane windows to more resilient options.
This case demonstrates how even challenging situations can lead to unexpected improvements when handled properly by professionals with decades of experience working together with insurance companies to provide efficient services during the restoration process.
Lessons for Property Owners
From this siding renovation project, we’ve gathered several valuable takeaways for both residential and commercial properties:
- Keep samples of exterior materials like siding and shingles for future reference as the best way to document personal property
- Understand your home insurance or business & home policy coverage for exterior damage, particularly regarding matching requirements for affected areas
- Maintain your siding with annual cleaning to extend its life and reduce potential health risks from mold remediation needs
- When facing partial replacement after smoke damage or fire damage, consider the cost of repairs versus the long-term benefits of complete restoration
- Have an escape route and emergency plan in place in the event of an emergency like garage fires or severe storms
At 101 Roofers, we’re committed to helping homeowners navigate these unexpected challenges with solutions that protect both the function and appearance of your home. Whether you’re dealing with a total loss claim or considering a planned renovation, our restoration teams bring the expertise needed to achieve optimal results and return your property to its original condition. Call us today to set up a free quote for your next exterior project.
