Following September thunderstorms across Western Washington, GotRot is sharing guidance on what homeowners should look for when checking siding for possible storm damage. The company explains why material, location, and the pattern of visible marks all matter, and cautions that a single dent or crack
-- GotRot Shares Siding Damage Guidance Following September Thunderstorms in Western Washington
The company is drawing attention to how storm impacts can appear differently across siding materials and why a single dent or crack does not establish hail damage.
SEATTLE, Wash., Sept. 29, 2026 — Following thunderstorms across Western Washington earlier this month, GotRot is sharing guidance on what homeowners should look for when checking siding for possible storm damage and why the material, location, and pattern of visible marks all matter.
On Sept. 5, the National Weather Service Seattle/Tacoma reported showers and thunderstorms across Western Washington and noted that small hail was possible with the strongest storms. That afternoon, a separate National Weather Service statement tracked a strong thunderstorm in northwestern Grays Harbor County with half-inch hail.
GotRot's newly published guide to hail damage in Western Washington focuses on distinguishing possible hail impacts from older wear and damage caused by other sources. The company says homeowners should look beyond a single mark and consider whether similar damage appears across surfaces that were exposed to the same storm.
“I would not call a single chipped panel or dent proof of hail,” said Mark Kovalevich, co-owner of GotRot. “The pattern matters, and so does the material you are looking at.”
Vinyl siding can crack or puncture after an impact, but the same type of damage can also come from a branch, lawn equipment, or another object striking the wall. A damaged vinyl panel does not automatically mean that the wall behind it has been affected. If the panel is the only damaged component and the material underneath is sound, a localized repair or panel replacement may be enough. Softness around the area, staining, or unusual movement can be reasons to look further before the exterior is closed again.
Aluminum siding tends to show impact differently. Hail can leave dents rather than the cracks or punctures often associated with vinyl, but a dent alone still does not establish what caused it. Older aluminum may have coating wear, oxidation, or localized corrosion that needs to be considered separately from recent storm damage.
Wood and fiber cement siding can respond differently again. Depending on the material and force of the impact, visible damage may include a chip, split, or crack. GotRot says the surrounding condition still matters because a damaged board does not by itself show whether water has reached the wall assembly or whether the damage is limited to the siding.
The company also cautions against assuming that every mark found after a storm was caused by hail. Wind can loosen siding, while branches and airborne debris may leave concentrated scrapes or punctures. Comparing several exposed areas of the property and checking local storm reports can provide more context before the cause or repair scope is determined.
Homeowners can document visible damage from safe locations, including wider views of affected walls and closer photographs of accessible marks. GotRot advises against climbing onto a roof to look for storm damage. If siding has been opened by an impact or a new leak is visible, the immediate concern is keeping additional water from entering until the affected area can be properly assessed.
GotRot's hail damage guidance is now available on the company's blog for homeowners throughout Western Washington.
About GotRot
GotRot is a Washington contractor specializing in dry rot repair and moisture-related building restoration. Founded in 2023, the company operates from locations in Everett and Woodinville and serves residential and commercial properties across Greater Seattle, the Eastside, and Snohomish County. GotRot provides dry rot inspection and repair, siding and deck repair, wood frame restoration, roof and water leak repair, window and door repair, and crawl space repair. The company is licensed and insured and backs its work with a 24-month warranty.
Contact Info:
Name: Mark Kovalevich
Email: Send Email
Organization: GotRot
Address: Western Washington
Phone: (206) 990-0303
Website: https://igotrot.com
Release ID: 89204562
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