Post-Storm Checklist: When to Repair or Replace Gutters and Siding

After a heavy snow, ice storm, or wind off Lake Superior, your home’s exterior takes the hit first. Gutters and siding protect against water intrusion, so catching storm damage early keeps your Duluth-area home safe and dry. Advanced Home Solutions provides gutter cleaning, gutter installation, and siding repair or replacement across Hermantown, Proctor, Esko, Cloquet, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, and Grand Marais. Use this post-storm checklist to decide when a repair is enough—and when a full replacement makes long-term sense.

Quick post-storm actions for North Shore homeowners

Safety and documentation come first. Then prioritize temporary measures to prevent further damage until a pro can assess.

• Walk the perimeter from the ground; look for loose downspouts, sagging gutters, and detached hangers.
• Photograph dents, cracks, missing gutter sections, bent fascia, and siding chips or holes (especially after hail).
• Check for ice dams at the eaves and icicles over walkways; note any water stains on ceilings or exterior walls.
• Ensure downspouts discharge 4–6 feet from the foundation; add extensions if water pools near the house.
• Clear small debris at gutter outlets by hand; avoid ladders and roofs if surfaces are icy.
• Call a professional for safe ice removal, emergency sealing, or tarping if active leaks are present.

People also ask: How do I know if my gutters need repair or replacement?

Start with function. If gutters still drain, a repair may suffice. You likely need replacement if you see:

• Chronic overflow in normal rain or melt, even after gutter cleaning
• Seam separation, repeated leaks at the same joints, or widespread corrosion
• Persistent sagging or improper pitch causing standing water
• Crushed or torn sections from sliding snow or fallen branches
• Frequent freeze-ups due to undersized downspouts or poor layout
• Aluminum gutters are often the best value in Minnesota: lightweight, rust-resistant, and sturdy with proper hangers.

For historic or coastal-influenced aesthetics, copper can be a long-lasting upgrade. Our team can also suggest leaf protection that won’t choke soffit ventilation.

Siding damage: when a patch works vs. full replacement

Vinyl siding can crack in deep cold and from hail; steel siding can dent; engineered wood (LP siding) resists impact but relies on intact paint and flashing.

Consider a targeted repair if:

• Damage is limited to 10% or less of a wall face
• Cracks or holes don’t penetrate the weather barrier
• Color match is feasible for vinyl, or panels fall at natural break points

Plan for replacement when:

• You see widespread hail pitting, thermal warping, or multiple cracked panels
• Moisture found its way behind siding, indicated by bubbling paint, soft sheathing, or musty odors
• Existing siding is near the end of its service life and color matching is impractical
• Flashing around windows/doors and house wrap were compromised, risking ongoing leaks

Minnesota details that matter in winter repairs

• Ice and wind: We verify intact flashing at corners, windows, and doors to prevent wind-driven snow from entering the wall assembly.
• Freeze–thaw cycles: Proper backer rod, sealant, and drip caps stop water from settling in joints and refreezing.
• Attic and eaves: Balanced ridge-to-soffit ventilation and attic insulation (R-49 to R-60) reduce ice dams that can overwhelm gutters and back up under siding.
• Water drainage: Correct gutter pitch and large-capacity downspouts help manage sudden melts after a polar cold snap.

Budget-savvy options and upgrades

• Gutter tune-up: Refasten hangers, reseal seams, and add extensions for immediate performance gains.
• Smart replacements: Seamless aluminum gutters paired with oversized downspouts improve cold-weather flow.
• Siding choices: LP siding offers impact resistance and a refined look; steel siding provides excellent durability; vinyl siding remains a cost-effective, low-maintenance option.

Insurance and documentation for storm damage

Storm damage is often insurance-eligible. We provide thorough inspections, photos, and itemized estimates to support claims. Our team coordinates with adjusters, prioritizes weatherproofing, and schedules work around winter conditions to keep your home protected during the process.

Your local partner for winter repairs that last

Advanced Home Solutions brings a welcoming, detail-first approach to storm damage, gutter services, and siding installation. We understand Duluth hills, lakeshore winds, and North Shore snowfall patterns—so every recommendation is tailored to how your home actually faces winter.

Schedule your post-storm inspection today

Protect your home with a complete gutter and siding assessment from Advanced Home Solutions. Request your appointment at https://www.advancedhomesolutionsmn.com/. We’ll identify repair vs. replacement opportunities, handle urgent fixes, and help with insurance documentation—so you can move into the new year with confidence and a dry, secure home.