Any home improvement project can benefit your home’s appearance, comfort, energy efficiency, and overall value. These investments need to be done at the right time to make the most out of these investments. Your roof, gutters, and siding are significant components of your home’s health.

The Roof

When your roof is damaged, it puts your home at risk. A compromised roof makes your home vulnerable to various dangers, specifically those related to water and moisture. While roofs are designed to withstand everyday exposure to the elements, they are not indestructible.

Typical roof systems last around 20 years, depending on the materials used and the maintenance carried out. If your roof has reached its recommended service life, it is probably time to start considering a roof replacement. The shingles on your roof can also indicate that it’s time for a replacement. Buckling and curling shingles indicate extreme damage. In addition, finding shingle granules in your gutters suggests that your shingle’s protective layer has worn off. Flashing serves as waterproofing material around joints and penetrations on your roof. When flashing material is compromised, your roof will leak, leading to further damage. Even the most minor perforation in roofing material can cause leaks, but if you’re looking at roof holes big enough to let sunlight through? You’re due for a replacement.

The Gutters

Your gutters help divert rainwater from building up on your roof. This drainage system is critical to your home’s health. However, while gutters are durable and protect your roof and foundation for several years, they can become damaged from storms, moisture problems, or heavy debris. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your gutters well-maintained. If your gutters crack, they are no longer doing their job. Inspecting your gutters and downspouts after a storm is crucial to ensure nothing needs repaired or replaced.

Furthermore, gutters are most vulnerable to leaks and separations at the seams where two sections meet. Stress on the seams can cause several issues to the exterior of your home. If you notice several stress spots on your gutter seams, you may want to consider seamless gutters. In addition, if you see bubbling or peeling paint on the exterior of your home, look at the nearest gutter. This is another telltale sign of inadequate gutter performance. Finally, if your gutters begin to pull away from your roof, they cannot correctly divert rainwater. Your gutters are meant to protect your roof and the exterior of your home. If your gutters can no longer perform their job, you need to consider a gutter replacement.

The Siding

Like your roof and gutters, siding is designed to last a long time, but not a lifetime. Your siding will inevitably accumulate damage over time, so it is vital to know when you should consider replacing it. The most common signs that your siding needs replaced are blistering, bubbling, chips, cracks, and dents that appear on your home’s exterior. Blistering and bubbling are typically the results of extreme heat and moisture. In addition, a big storm can lead to chips, dents, and cracks in your siding. If a large area of your home has been affected, you should consider a replacement.

It is also recommended to replace your siding when the finish and color have begun to fade. Aside from refreshing your home’s appearance, replacing your siding addresses structural issues, ensuring peak performance. In addition, siding is an essential component of a home’s thermal envelope. Without being fully functional, your home is more susceptible to unnecessary heat gain and loss, causing utility bills to rise.

The best way to spot signs of exterior damage is to work with professionals like HomeWise Roofing & Exteriors. We specialize in roofing, siding, gutters, and much more to ensure your home is at its best. We understand that any home improvement project is a big deal, and you need a provider that you can trust. We built our business on core, Midwest values with that in mind. You’ll find that we only work with long-lasting exterior home products with various styles to meet your needs. Contact us today to discuss your home’s exterior needs with a professional.