What to Expect When Restoring Your Home's Outer Beauty

Revitalizing Your Home's First Impression

Exterior home restoration brings your property back to life by repairing or replacing damaged components like siding, roofing, windows, doors, and paint. Here's what you need to know:

Common Exterior Restoration Projects:

• Siding replacement - $7 to $13 per square foot on average
• Exterior painting - $1,000 to $3,000 for a typical one-story home
• Window replacement - Around $4,917 for 5-10 windows
• Roof replacement - National average of $6,600
• Door upgrades - Varies by material and style
• Soffit, fascia, and gutter work - Protects against water damage

Key Benefits:

• Improved curb appeal and property value
• Improved energy efficiency
• Better protection against weather and moisture
• Reduced maintenance costs long-term
• Peace of mind after storm damage

The outside of your home makes a first impression. Whether you're dealing with hail damage from Colorado's weather, peeling paint, or simply want a fresh look, exterior restoration addresses both aesthetic concerns and structural protection.

Proper maintenance is the most cost-effective way to extend a building's life. For homeowners, this means addressing small problems before they become expensive emergencies. Deferred maintenance accelerates deterioration, turning minor cracks into costly structural damage.

I'm Barry Goers, and my work in the construction industry has shown me how proper exterior restoration transforms properties. The key is understanding both immediate needs and long-term maintenance.

Spotting the Telltale Signs: When Does Your Exterior Need Help?

Colorado's intense sun, hailstorms, and temperature swings take a toll on your home's exterior. Recognizing the signs of wear early can save you significant time and money.

Look for these indicators that your home needs exterior home restoration:

• Water stains: Dark streaks under windows or near the roofline.
• Wood rot: Soft, spongy, or discolored wood on trim or siding.
• Cracked masonry: Deteriorated mortar or cracked bricks/stones.
• Fading or peeling paint: A sign that your home's protective layer is failing.
• Warped siding: Siding that is bowing or pulling away from the house.
• Missing shingles: Exposes your roof deck to water and potential leaks.
• Drafty windows: Compromised seals that impact energy efficiency.
• High energy bills: A sudden spike can indicate failing insulation, windows, or doors.
• Storm damage: Dents from hail or missing components from wind require immediate assessment.

Obvious Damage vs. Subtle Deterioration

Some damage is obvious, like holes from hail or missing siding after a storm, requiring immediate attention. However, many problems start subtly. Look for chalking paint (a powdery residue), minor cracks in siding, gaps in caulk around windows, or loose fascia panels. Addressing these subtle signs proactively is always more cost-effective than waiting for major damage to occur.

The Impact of Weather on Your Home's Exterior

Colorado's climate directly impacts your home's exterior:

• UV exposure: High altitude and sun accelerate paint fading and make materials like vinyl brittle.
• Freeze-thaw cycles: Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, worsening damage to masonry, wood, and concrete.
• Hail impact: A major threat in Colorado, hail can dent, crack, and puncture roofs, siding, and windows. As storm restoration specialists, we are experts in assessing and repairing hail damage.
• High winds: Strong winds can lift shingles, tear off siding, and cause impact damage from debris.
• Moisture penetration: Intense rain or snow, especially when combined with existing damage, can lead to rot, mold, and insulation issues.

Key Exterior Home Restoration Projects and Their Costs

When it comes to exterior home restoration, a wide array of projects can transform your home's appearance, improve its protection, and boost its value.

Here are some of the most common projects we undertake:

• Siding replacement
• Window and door replacement
• Roof repair and replacement
• Exterior painting
• Deck and patio restoration
• Soffit and fascia repair
• Gutter installation and repair

Siding Replacement: A Fresh Façade

Siding is your home's protective skin. Replacing it is a significant exterior home restoration project with a dramatic impact. We offer various materials:

• Vinyl siding: An affordable, low-maintenance option available in many colors. It resists moisture but can warp in extreme heat and may crack from impacts in very cold weather.
• Fiber cement siding: Highly durable, it mimics wood or masonry with less maintenance. It's impact- and fire-resistant, making it an excellent choice for Colorado's hail and fire risks.
• Wood siding: Provides a classic, natural look but requires high maintenance (painting/staining) and is vulnerable to insects and water damage.
• Metal siding: Lightweight, durable, and fire-resistant, metal is a strong choice for Colorado's climate, holding up well against hail and wind without needing paint.

Siding replacement costs vary by home size, material, and labor. The national average for siding ranges from about $7 to $13 per square foot. Vinyl is typically the most affordable, while materials like fiber cement and wood have higher upfront costs but offer different benefits.

Exterior Painting: More Than Just Color

A fresh coat of paint protects your home from the elements. Exterior home restoration often includes painting, which is more than just rolling on color.

• Paint preparation: Proper preparation is the most crucial step. It involves thorough cleaning, scraping loose paint, sanding, patching cracks, and priming. For homes built before 1978, we recommend testing for lead paint before any surface disturbance using an EPA-recognized lead test kit.
• Paint types: Modern acrylic latex paint is generally the best choice for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to fading and peeling.
• Painting costs: The average cost to paint a one-story home (500-1,500 sq. ft.) typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Addressing peeling and blistering: These issues are often caused by moisture or poor preparation. We fix them by thoroughly scraping, sanding, priming, and repainting.

For an in-depth look at this process, check out How To Paint Your Home’s Exterior.

Window & Door Upgrades for Efficiency and Style

Upgrading windows and doors is a smart exterior home restoration investment for energy efficiency and aesthetics.

• Window replacement costs: Costs depend on the type, number, and condition of existing windows. The national average cost to replace between five and 10 windows is $4,917. Costs per window can range from $300 to over $1,000 for high-efficiency models.
• Material options: Vinyl frames are low-maintenance and excellent insulators. Wood frames offer a classic look but require more upkeep.
• Energy efficiency: Upgrading to double- or triple-pane windows can significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce noise.

Roofing: Your Home's First Line of Defense

Your roof is the most critical element of your home's exterior. For us, roofing is a cornerstone of exterior home restoration.

• Roof replacement costs: The average homeowner spends an average of $6,600 on a new roof, though costs vary by material and complexity. Metal roofs can range from $5,100 to $22,000.
• Material options:
  • Asphalt shingles: The most popular choice due to affordability and versatility.
  • Metal roofing: Extremely durable, fire-resistant, and excellent against hail and high winds.
• Storm damage assessment: As specialists in storm restoration, we are adept at assessing damage from hail and wind and can work with your insurance adjuster to ensure your roof is properly restored.

For more information on the various roofing solutions we offer, please visit our services page.

Planning Your Project: Timing, Prep, and Professional Help

Starting an exterior home restoration project can feel daunting, but with careful planning, it becomes a smooth and rewarding process. We guide you every step of the way.

When planning your project, consider the timeline, budget, and any necessary permits, which we handle to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Preparing Your Home for Restoration Work

Proper preparation is key to a successful exterior home restoration. Our process includes:

• Cleaning surfaces: We power wash surfaces to remove dirt, mildew, and debris before new materials are applied.
• Making repairs: We address minor issues like cracks, dents, or rotted wood before starting the main project. For painting, this includes scraping any loose paint.
• Protecting your property: We safeguard landscaping, cover outdoor furniture, and ensure clear, safe pathways for our crews.
• Test for lead paint in older homes: For homes built before 1978, it's crucial to test for lead paint before disturbing surfaces. We recommend using an EPA-recognized lead test kit. If lead is present, we follow strict EPA guidelines for safe handling.

DIY vs. Professional Exterior Home Restoration

While some smaller tasks can be DIY, exterior home restoration often involves risks and complexities best left to professionals. Working at heights requires strict adherence to ladder safety guidelines, and handling potential lead paint requires special precautions.

Beyond safety, professionals ensure correct installation, adherence to building codes, and access to high-quality materials. As storm restoration specialists, we also handle the complexities of insurance claims, acting as your single point of contact to coordinate with adjusters and other trades. This is a significant benefit for Colorado homeowners dealing with storm damage. We always recommend checking a contractor's BBB rating for peace of mind.

The Best Time of Year for Restoration in Colorado

Timing your exterior home restoration project is vital in Colorado.

• Ideal conditions: The best results are achieved in mild temperatures (typically 50°F to 85°F) with low humidity and no rain in the forecast.
• Best seasons: Late spring, summer, and early fall generally offer the most favorable weather windows. We work with you to schedule projects during the best time for your specific location, whether in Denver, Colorado Springs, or surrounding communities.

Ensuring Longevity: Materials, Warranties, and Maintenance

An investment in exterior home restoration should stand the test of time. We focus on selecting the right materials, providing robust warranties, and guiding you on long-term maintenance.

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Climate

Materials must withstand Colorado's sun, hail, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles.

• Vinyl siding: Pros: Affordable and low-maintenance. Cons: Can warp in extreme heat and may crack from cold-weather impacts.
• Wood siding: Pros: Classic, natural look. Cons: High maintenance and vulnerable to rot, insects, and fire.
• Fiber cement siding: Pros: Extremely durable, impact- and fire-resistant, low maintenance. Cons: Higher upfront cost than vinyl.
• Asphalt shingles: The most popular choice for roofing due to cost-effectiveness, offering good wind and fire resistance.
• Metal roofing: Pros: Extremely durable, fire-resistant, and excellent against hail and high winds. Cons: Higher upfront cost.

We help you weigh aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost to find the perfect fit.

Understanding the exterior home restoration process and Warranties

We stand behind our work. Understanding the warranties that protect your exterior home restoration is crucial.

• Workmanship warranty: We offer a 24-month workmanship warranty on all services.
• Manufacturer warranties: The materials we install are backed by their manufacturers. As a GAF Master Elite Certified contractor, we offer some of the best shingle and warranty options in the industry, including:
  • GOLD PLEDGE WARRANTY: Offers 25 years of labor and material coverage.
  • SILVER PLEDGE WARRANTY: Provides 10 years of labor and material coverage.

These warranties offer peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Long-Term Maintenance for Your Restored Exterior

After your restoration, ongoing care preserves its beauty and function. As the National Park Service notes, "Proper maintenance is the most cost effective method of extending the life of a building."

We recommend:

• Annual inspections: A yearly professional check-up (and after major storms) can catch minor issues before they become costly repairs.
• Routine cleaning: Gently wash siding and windows. Keep soffit vents clear to ensure proper attic ventilation.
• Gutter maintenance: Regularly clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water overflow, which can damage your fascia, soffits, and foundation.
• Touch-up painting: Address small paint chips or peels promptly to prevent moisture intrusion.
• Trim vegetation: Keep branches away from your roof and siding to prevent damage.

Following these steps will significantly extend the life of your restored exterior.

Conclusion: Investing in Your Home's Future and Beauty

Choosing to undertake exterior home restoration is more than just a home improvement project; it's an investment in your property's longevity, aesthetic appeal, and overall value. From enhancing curb appeal and boosting property value to improving energy efficiency and providing superior protection against Colorado's challenging weather, the benefits are clear and lasting.

We've seen how revitalizing your home's exterior can truly make you fall in love with your home all over again. By addressing issues like hail damage, peeling paint, or outdated siding, you're not just fixing problems; you're actively safeguarding your biggest asset. This proactive approach prevents small issues from becoming expensive emergencies, offering you significant peace of mind.

At Alta Roofing, we pride ourselves on being your trusted partner for comprehensive exterior home restoration in Colorado. Our expertise extends beyond just roofing; we handle siding, windows, gutters, and all aspects of your home's outer shell. As storm damage specialists, we excel at navigating the complexities of insurance claims, acting as your single point of contact and coordinating all necessary trades. We're here to make the restoration process as smooth and stress-free as possible for homeowners across Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and all our service areas.

Ready to transform your home and protect your investment? Explore our exterior restoration services today. Let us help you ensure your home's outer beauty reflects the care and quality within.