Homeowning comes with its own set of roadblocks. A perpetual issue is distinguishing when you need to replace the exterior of your home, and to what extent. When the time comes, the best course of action would be to seek the help of a professional. Homeowners can, however, sometimes take matters into their own hands. Below is a timeline for maintaining or replacing three common home exteriors.
Typically, the lifespans of home exteriors can be lengthened with routine maintenance. A good example of this is siding. Depending on the material, siding could be repainted to reverse fading thanks to harsh weather conditions, or deteriorated sections can be replaced altogether due to water and insect damage. To fully understand when siding needs replacement, it’s important to know which material it is comprised of and when it was installed.
Vinyl, a very common siding material, can withstand 30 to 40 years of wear and tear. Stronger options, such as stucco and steel can last longer than 40 years while fiber cement lasts the longest at over 100 years. Wood, a natural material, can only last about 20 to 40 years depending on upkeep. Replacement may be necessary sooner if there are indications of any condensation buildup, mold, or excessive wear. If moisture is finding its way into your home, this is also a sign for replacement.
When it comes to garage doors, it’s usually contingent on the material, but a typical garage door could survive for 15-30 years. Other factors affecting longevity include harsh weather conditions and frequent usage among others. Homeowners can extend the life expectancy of their garage doors by replacing different parts as you go, such as rollers and weather seals, and properly maintaining specific components with lubricant. It’s a good idea to invest in quality replacement parts and, if replacing the entire door, to choose a reputable company with top of the line craftsmanship.
Another exterior that requires upkeep are the gutters. If the gutters become dilapidated, the water supposed to be moving away from the home’s foundation could wind up leading to damaged soffit, fascia and other exterior wall components. Because of this, gutters should be cleaned twice a year depending on climate and other weather factors. While cleaning, watch for any punctures, rust, sagging or splitting. These signs could let you know that it’s time for a replacement. Depending on the material, vinyl, steel and aluminum gutters can go 20 years without needing replacement. Copper gutters, however, can survive longer than 50 years.
Before committing to any home improvement projects, be sure to go over the fine print of the homeowner’s insurance policy and seek council from professionals. For more information on replacing these home exteriors as well as the lifespans for others, please see the accompanying resource.
Guide created by CMB Garage Doors
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