How Hurricanes Affect Siding and Windows in Coastal South Carolina
When Hurricane Ian skirted the South Carolina coast, Myrtle Beach saw wind gusts topping 85 mph—and plenty of damage left behind. Even homes that avoided flooding weren’t spared: cracked siding, blown-out windows, and soaked walls were standard across the region.
If you live along the coast, you know storms like these are part of life. But when was the last time you looked at your siding or windows and thought, “Would this hold up in a Category 2 storm?”.
Let’s review the real risks of hurricane season and how you can better prepare your home against damage.
What Damage Can Hurricanes Cause to Your Siding
During a storm, your siding isn’t just there for looks; it’s the armor your home relies on. But even that armor can break down under pressure.
Here’s what often happens to home exteriors in hurricanes:
Wind will disturb loose panels, especially in older vinyl, and rip them away from the walls
Flying debris (such as tree limbs, roof shingles, outdoor furniture, etc.) can crack or puncture through siding
Water can leak behind weak spots, leading to rot, mold, and interior wall damage
Vinyl siding is especially vulnerable, which is why many homeowners along the coast are turning to fiber cement siding (like James Hardie®) for added durability and peace of mind. Fiber cement siding is engineered to resist wind, moisture, and impact, making it far more reliable during hurricane conditions.
Windows Are Often the First to Fail in Severe Storms
While your windows may look solid, they are often your home’s weakest point during coastal storms. Between pressure changes and wind-driven rain, homeowners commonly see:
Shattered glass from flying debris
Failed seals that allow moisture to seep in
Leaks around the frame due to deteriorated caulking or flashing
If your windows are foggy, drafty, or hard to open, they may already be compromised, putting your home at risk before the first storm arrives. It’s best to invest in replacement windows or reinforce frames before hurricane season to ward off future damage.
At Contract Exteriors, we install OKNA Impact Windows—explicitly engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris. These high-performance windows offer the protection coastal homes need, without sacrificing style or energy efficiency.
You Don’t Have to Face This Hurricane Season Alone
At Contract Exteriors, we’ve weathered many hurricane seasons and, as a result, helped thousands of homeowners along the South Carolina coast strengthen their homes.
If your siding or windows are aging, cracked, or showing signs of wear, now is the time to explore your options. A well-timed replacement can save you from major repairs down the road. From James Hardie siding installations to storm-ready window replacements, we don’t just sell upgrades—we build peace of mind. Schedule your siding or window consultation today.
Outstanding Reviews
Brooks was my contractor on the project. He was awesome! He was there with me every step of the way! Eugenia was very helpful in the office and assisted me in getting the HOA approval. Jason explained the warranty process and even brought me a cake!
Everyone we came in contact with was very cooperative and easy to work with. It was a pleasant experience from the first online chat. They listened to us and helped solve any issues we were concerned about
Wow, this company goes above and beyond. From the very first reach out to the very last interaction once the job was completed. Everything was done first class. The quality of work, the constant communication and level of service was like nothing I’ve ever experienced with any contractor. I priced out a couple different contractors compared to contractor exteriors and I will tell you I would have paid more just to have this experience with them. I had Jonathan as my project manager and he was exceptional.
Very happy with our new Timbetech front porch deck and steps with AZEK facia and risers. Everyone at CE was responsive and very professional explaining every step in detail! We have several homeowners in our community who have already asked for contact info info. Jonathan is a very good project manager and ensured we were satisfied with the quality, cleanliness, and appearance of our new front porch! Thank you!
In choosing a company to replace our deck, we researched and decided to use Contract Exteriors. We definitely made the right choice. We are very pleased with the results. Special thanks to Brooks, our Project Manager, who kept us updated and informed everyday.
Contract Exteriors did a great job for me. The entire group was very responsive, and my deck project turned out fantastic. My project, as all projects, had some surprises that were handled professionally and promptly. Randy, Brooks, and the office staff were great throughout the process. They proactively kept me informed on the status of the project. I never had to call twice to get a question answered or ask for an accommodation.
We couldn't be happier with contract exteriors and the job they did. Our beach house looks brand new with the new Hardie board and white trim. EVERYONE was friendly, well mannered, professional, and was always ready to answer any questions that we had. Miguel and his crew did an excellent job. Brooks the project manager was wonderful, and also Chad who helped us from the very beginning, also the girls in the office. We would not hesitate to use them again.
This company did an amazing job on my siding project. From start to finish they were very professional, helpful, and on time. Eugenia clearly communicated the whole process to me before they even started the project and Brooks was always available to answer my questions. He even came and ensured the cleanup was perfect and finished up the exterior lighting. Even after the project was finished this company ensured communicated to ensure everything was perfect. Super pleased. Thank you!
Everything about this group was extremely professional. Renovations can be challenging but they carefully made sure that their products and our original structures fit together seamlessly. We are truly looking forward to our new elegant deck that will be essentially maintenance free for many, many years. We will definitely use this company for future projects.
Matt Kuzdrall made our whole experience of purchasing two new roofs for our buildings at the Children's Recovery Center so easy. Matt was professional and had all the answers to any questions we had. He has followed up since our new roofs have been installed to make sure everything is still great. Matt is awesome and I would recommend him to anyone I know looking for a new roof.
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