As a homeowner, you likely take pride in every aspect of it: Landscaping, façade, picturesque front door and windows, a white picket fence. But in addition to all the things which make your home a reflection of who you are, there’s also a list of items that require regular upkeep and the occasional repair.

In order to keep your home’s value, structural soundness, and curb appeal, it’s important to be aware of which repairs are essential.

Most Common Exterior Home Repairs

1. Siding Cleaning and Repair

Siding serves several purposes: It makes your home look beautiful, it promotes energy efficiency, and keeps external moisture away. But much like everything else, they don’t last forever. Depending on their material, they could last anywhere between 20 and 40 years. If you’re not sure whether you have to repair it yet, keep an eye out for the following signs: Water stains, cracks on the surface, sagging paneling, bubbling or peeling exterior paint, or mold.

2. Roof Cleaning and Repair

Depending on the materials used for your roof, its lifespan could be between 20 to 30 years. If you haven’t been keeping track of it, conduct regular inspections for signs it’s time for repairs or replacement. These include standing water on top of your roof, water leaks, water stains on your ceiling, mold growth, or missing shingles. If you have an attic, go up there and see if there’s any sunlight filtering through. Bring a flashlight or lantern along to check for any water marks.

3. Gutters

Maintaining your gutters should be at the top of your list. While they compose a small portion of your home, keeping water at bay is essential to prevent mold, rotting wood, leaks, and bug infestations. Every three months, use a spade to clean debris stuck in your gutters and hose them down afterwards. If they have any cracks, are sagging or rusted, it’s time to repair or replace them.

4. Window frames

Window frames are often overlooked. Generally speaking, they could last between 20 and 40 years, depending on the materials. However, there are many variables that could shorten that time frame, such as pressure washing, environmental factors, condensation, or poor installation. When they are damaged, your home will become drafty and your energy bills will increase. Inspect them once a year for any of the following signs they need to be repaired: It feels drafty around the windows, it’s difficult to open or close the windows, there are cracks on the panes or frames, water leaks when it rains, or there is condensation between the panes.

5. Peeling Paint

Keeping your home freshly painted ensures its curb appeal while preventing moisture from seeping into your home’s structure. However, before simply hiring painters to do the job, inspect your home’s surface for moisture damage. If it already exists, you want to take care of it before painting over it and possibly ending up with a mold or structural problem later.

6. Cracks on the Driveway

Cracked concrete poses a safety hazard for you, your family and visitors, and decreases your property’s value. It can be caused by excess water evaporating, extreme temperatures, or the passage of time. You should have cracks repaired as soon as you notice them, to avoid expansion and a more costly repair job.

Get a Free Quote Today!

Preserve your home’s structural integrity and save money long-term by letting us help you. At Allied, Siding and Windows, we’ve been proudly serving Houston, Austin and Dallas for over 30 years. Let us inspect your home and conduct a comprehensive exterior repairs assessment. Contact us for more information about our services or stop by one of our showrooms!