Home Exterior Repairs for Residential Homeowners in Northwest Oregon
It's inevitable that at some point, your home will need repairs. The exterior of your home is constantly exposed to the elements, and over time, this can take its toll. Things to look for on your home cracks or holes in the siding, water damage, rotting wood, and insect infestation.
If you're noticing any of these problems, it's important to act quickly. The sooner you repair the damage, the less extensive and expensive the repairs will be.
1. Why Repair Your Home Exterior?
It can be easy to ignore damage to your home exterior, especially if it's not causing any immediate problems. However, even small amounts of damage can quickly escalate into major repairs if left unaddressed. For example, here in the Pacific Northwest we have a lot of wet weather. If your siding has any cracks or holes, water can get in and cause even more damage.
In addition, your home may be susceptible to other types of damage depending on the materials it's made of.
2. Who Repairs Home Exteriors?
As a homeowner, you may opt to address a damaged section of siding on your own. However, we recommend calling in a professional for any repairs that are more than skin deep. Even if you're comfortable making cosmetic repairs, it's important to have a professional inspect the damage to ensure that there isn't any hidden damage that could cause problems later on.
There are also a number of different types of professionals who offer repair work. Some contractors offer a wide range of work for various home projects, but who may not be experts in any one area. Others specialize in specific types of repair work, such as siding repair or roofing.
When it comes to choosing a professional, it's important to do your research and find someone who has experience with the specific type of damage you're dealing with. In addition, be sure to read reviews and check references before hiring anyone.
3. What Kinds of Repairs Does My Home Exterior Need?
The type of repair work your home needs will depend on the type of damage that has occurred. For example, if you have cracked or chipped paint, you'll need to repaint the affected area. If you have more extensive damage, such as holes in the siding, you may need to replace the damaged sections.
4. What Are Some Signs That Your Home Exterior is Damaged and Needs Repair?
There are several signs that your home exterior may be damaged and in need of repair, including:
- Cracks or holes in the siding - You'll be able to see these visually. They may be small at first, but if left unaddressed, they can quickly grow larger.
- Water damage - This can often be spotted by discoloration on the siding or peeling paint.
- Rotting wood - Wood that is rotting will often look soft or spongy and may be discolored.
- Insect infestation - If you see insects, such as termites, carpenter bees, or powderpost beetles, it's a sign that your home is susceptible to infestation.
- Musky smell - Sometimes is the most difficult sign that there are problems inside your walls because it is not visible, but could be the most serious sign that water is getting into the structure of your home.
5. Exterior Damage May Not Always Be Seen From the Outside of Your Home
It may sound obvious, but it's important to remember that just because you can't see damage from the outside doesn't mean there isn't any. For example, if your home has stucco siding, cracks or holes in the stucco may not be visible from the street.
That's why it's important to pay attention to signs of potential damage you may notice from the inside of your home, such as cracks in the walls or ceilings, water stains, or smells. If you see any of these signs, it's a good idea to call in a professional for an inspection.
6. Time is Of the Essence When it Comes to Potential Damage
No matter what type of exterior damage you're dealing with, it's important to address it as soon as possible. The sooner you take care of the problem, the less damage it will cause and the less expensive the repair will be.
If you're not sure how to handle the repairs yourself, or if the damage is extensive, we recommend calling in our team to help assess the damage and provide you with a plan of action to get your home back in tip-top shape.