Is it easy to replace vinyl siding torn off from a hurricane?

Leah Allen
by Leah Allen

I have no man help, no insurance on my old home, and very little money after Hurricane Michael in Panama City. I'm pretty handy, but have never done vinyl siding. Is that something an older woman could accomplish alone?

Day after - what a difference 24 hours can make:(

  5 answers
  • Ellis Ellis on Mar 03, 2019

    This looks like a pretty big job--I'm so sorry. Have you looked into a low-interest disaster recover loan from the government? There are several disaster assistance programs, but my parents got a loan from the SBA (US Small Business Administration), which allows you to borrow a significant amount at very low interest. For that, and other programs, do a search for "disaster recovery assistance." Hurricane Michael is one of the declared disasters listed.

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    • Ellis Ellis on Mar 18, 2020

      I'm so sorry. That is a really tough break. The only other suggestion I can think of is to hire an insurance adjuster to make sure you get the proper value of your home/belongings. I know absolutely nothing about how it works, but I knew someone who used one when his home was struck by disaster. Apparently, they're licensed by your state and know how to deal with insurance companies.

  • Seth Seth on Mar 03, 2019

    Leah,

    Have you checked into disaster relief in your area. There may be local or federal funds available for people in your situation. Yes, you could do it, but only if you are comfortable on a ladder and scaffolding and have someone to help . If you have a trade school near you, you might get them to help as a public service project. Your local senior center may also have some ideas about volunteers to help. Be wary of scam artists who will say they can fix it for cheap and then take advantage of people in need.

    • Leah Allen Leah Allen on Mar 15, 2020

      Hey Seth, omg, you're so right - I've already gotten scammed by several, so now I don't trust hardly anyone:( Good idea about senior center. Never thought of the trade school. No one around here wants to give estimates, so they have a better chance of ripping people off:( The men off CL and Thumbtac have been a disaster. Thank you!


  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Mar 03, 2019

    It isn’t different but that is a lot of work and fairly high up. Reach out to local churches and organizations. We are in Birmingham and have had multiple groups go down to P C to help with these type situations. Carpenters for Christ and the church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints are 2 that pop into mind. They did half the work in a local rebuild after the 2011 tornadoes.

    • Leah Allen Leah Allen on Mar 15, 2020

      Hello neighbor! Thanks for responding. Haven't tried either of these, but certainly will give them a shout out. Great ideas!

  • Shirley Hearn Shirley Hearn on Mar 03, 2019

    Have you gotten any help at all? I too was hit hard by Hurricane Michael. Right after the storm there were lots of volunteers in the area but I don't hear much about them any more. We seem to be forgotten. You might reach out to local church groups. They were also involved right after the storm. On Facebook there are a couple of groups that offer assistance. One is Jackson County Hurricane Relief and another this is Jackson County Florida Strong. Both groups have been offering assistance and information and it's not just for Jackson County.


    • Leah Allen Leah Allen on Mar 15, 2020

      Thanks Shirley, no haven't thought of help from another county. You're so right about Bay County being just forgotten about. As far as that slogan, "850 strong," I've yet to see evidence of that. All talk; we're NOT strong here and I can't increase my meds (anxiety/depression) any further; they're not helping anyway:(

  • Shirley Hearn Shirley Hearn on Mar 03, 2019

    Leah, this is something I found on Facebook Jackson County Florida Strong. The group offers help and resources for people who have damage from Hurricane Michael: "Hi, friends. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to your local church. Simply go to the lead pastor and let him/her know what you need from them. The church has a duty to God to assist anyone in need and there are plenty of able bodied people sitting in pews that can help. Many members have heavy equipment and useful power tools."

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    • Leah Allen Leah Allen on Mar 15, 2020

      Thanks, super idea. I hate asking for help, but I'm just desperate. I have no fencing anymore to protect me from transients. Called police after two stalking transients who set up camp behind my house near the alley and in return, the police called Code Enforcement to me! I can't win and feel so vulnerable and just am at my age living alone right behind the Greyhound Bus Station! It's like my back yard is a beacon for vagrants and transients! I put a notice on FB for help and have gotten some responses. God Bless all of you trying to help!