How to Find the Best House Painting Service to Repair Damage to Your Home’s Exterior

There are many factors that can cause damage to your home’s exterior. Weather, pests, or neglected maintenance can all take their toll. You may need to repair your home urgently if the siding has come loose due to a storm. Or maybe you need to address some wear and tear before you have your exterior painted. When you think about who to hire, your go-to might be a carpenter or a general contractor. However, only a house painting service can ensure it looks like it never happened with a professional paint job. 

By the same token, hiring a painting contractor to paint over rotted wood rot and making it look pretty isn’t the answer either. A cosmetic shortcut leaves your home vulnerable to more damage–and more costly repairs.

An experienced residential painter should be able to tackle damage to your home’s exterior (or interior) by repairing trim or siding, or expertly patching the drywall, so that your fix is not merely functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. 

Weather + Water + Wood: Types of Exterior Home Damage

The exterior of your home is its armor, ideally protecting everything else from the elements. The Memphis area gets its share of sun and rain–in fact, more than the U.S. average. Over time, even the best first line of defense will have some battle scars and require some repairs or updates. 

And when it comes to water damage, what seems like a small issue can become a big issue when left untreated. For example, if the caulk around your home’s trim is compromised, water gets in. That moisture can cause wood decay. And pests like termites feast on rotting wood. Before you know it your house is a destination buffet for a host of uninvited guests.

Let’s look at some of the ways that your home’s exterior can take a beating and may require some TLC.

1. Compromised Caulk

Caulk is a flexible sealant, closing gaps and seams at windows, doors, columns, and siding. It keeps the heat in (helping with energy efficiency) while keeping water and bugs out. However, over time, exposure can cause caulk to lose its effectiveness when it cracks, shrinks, or hardens. Deteriorating caulk can be a sign that your paint likely needs a refresh too. (If you missed it, check out “Is it Time to Repaint Your House? Look for These 5 Signs.”

Paint should never be used to seal holes in the trim around your house. It will crack as the gaps expand and contract with temperature shifts, allowing moisture to creep in. A professional house painting service will take the time to prime any wood (or wood-based surface) before sealing it with caulk for better adhesion.

2. Rotted Wood

Wood rot is typically caused by leaks, mold, and mildew. When wood stays damp, fungi grow. That fungi feed off cells in the wood, which break down the fibers and reduce the strength of the wood. 

If you take some time to thoroughly inspect the trim around your house you’ll likely find signs of rotting wood. Keep an eye out for these clues along wood sills, fascia, or soffits (the trim and overhang between your home and roofline), and at the base of support columns:

• Cracks or holes
• Staining or discoloration
• Bubbling, blistering, or flaking paint (These can also be signs of termite damage.)

Remember that without a ladder, you may not be able to get a complete perspective on any damage to the exterior of your home. This is why a professional who can access some of the more challenging areas is necessary.

3. Pesky Pests

Carpenter ants, some varieties of beetles, and termites don’t cause wood decay, however, they are attracted to wood that has been softened. (Which is another reason why you shouldn’t ignore rotting wood! See above.)

Termites can cause thousands of dollars worth of structural damage to your home as they feed on cellulose, a primary component of wood, day and night.

According to familyhandyman.com some telltale signs you might have a termite infestation include

• mud tubes on your home’s foundation walls
• swarmers (winged termites flying in groups)
• termite droppings

If you determine that you have a pest infestation it’s important to contact an exterminator before proceeding with repairs. If your home has sustained significant damage to the inside or outside, contact a company that specializes in structural repairs.

An experienced residential painter should be able to tackle damage to your home’s exterior (or interior) by repairing trim or siding, or expertly patching the drywall, so that your fix is not merely functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. 

Finding the Best House Painting Service for Repairs

Not every residential painting contractor will have the experience and expertise to repair damage or wear to your home. If you’re having the exterior painted, hire a painting service that has carpenters on their team to do the necessary repair work to ensure a beautiful finish that not only lasts but also protects your home. 

Here are some helpful tips for finding a contractor that’s trustworthy and qualified.

• Ask about their carpentry experience and get references. When it comes to wood repair there are things you can see and what you can’t. Make sure that your contractor is qualified to address repairs that may be more complex than initially imagined.
• Ask for pictures. If a contractor says you have damage to the soffits that you can’t see, ask for photographic proof.
• Ask for a detailed description of the repairs, how they will be done, and what materials they will use. If they are replacing rotting wood, discuss alternatives that may better withstand the elements such as PVC boards, which can give the appearance of wood with greater durability. SmartSide siding and trim is a hybrid of wood and manufactured materials that can withstand temperature fluctuations and moisture.

Riggins Painting: Trusted Memphis Painters from Start to Finish

Paint is just the beginning for the expert craftsmen at Riggins Painting. We serve residential and commercial clients in the Greater Memphis area (including Cordova, Barlett, Germantown, and Collierville) through stunning interior and exterior transformations with paint, trim repair, faux finishes, power washing, and window cleaning. You can easily schedule an estimate online. We look forward to discussing your project with you soon.