Exterior Siding and Trim: what a handyman does
Chicago-area winters swing wood through moisture and temperature change, and water finds the gaps. Enhaus caulks failed joints, replaces rotted trim boards and short runs of siding, and preps and paints the repair. Roof flashing, structural rot and full siding replacement belong to licensed or specialist contractors.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Replace rotted or split trim boards around windows, doors and corners
- Replace a few damaged siding boards or panels
- Re-caulk joints at trim, corners, windows, doors and pipe penetrations
- Scrape, sand and prime bare wood, then repaint repairs with two coats of exterior paint
- Re-fasten loose siding and trim boards
- Pull soil and mulch back so siding sits at least six inches above the ground
- Repair or replace rotted door and window casings and sills
- Re-hang loose gutters that splash water onto the siding
- Seal around hose bibs, vents and exterior light fixtures
Signs it is time to call
- Paint that peels, bubbles or rolls at board edges
- Caulk that is cracked or pulling away at trim, corners and windows
- Wood that feels soft or crumbles when pressed with a screwdriver
- Dark streaks or staining below window sills, or where gutters overflow
- Siding touching soil, or shrubs and vines pressed against the wall
What is not a handyman job
Roofing and roof flashing go to a licensed roofer, and Illinois advises verifying a roofer's IDFPR license number before you sign. Rot that has reached sheathing, studs or rim joists is structural. Full siding replacement, re-cladding, house wrap and window replacement are exterior remodeling for a siding or general contractor. Work that cannot be done safely from a ladder goes to a contractor with the right equipment.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We look at the exterior, press on suspect trim and joints, and tell you what we find before we repair anything.
- We agree on the scope of work before starting.
- We clean up and walk you through the finished work.
Common questions
Why does exterior paint peel on trim and siding?
Dunn-Edwards says peeling happens when wet wood expands and contracts with moisture and temperature change. Common causes are uncaulked joints, worn caulk, roof or wall leaks, plants close to the siding, painting damp wood and poor prep. Fix the moisture source first, or the new paint will fail the same way.
How long should wood dry after pressure washing?
Dunn-Edwards says to let wood dry for three to five days after power-washing a larger area before priming. Painting damp wood is one of its listed causes of peeling. After drying, scrape loose paint, feather-sand, prime bare wood and apply two coats of a quality exterior acrylic latex paint.
Do you replace all my siding?
No. Enhaus does repairs: replacing a few boards, trim and casings, caulking and paint. Replacing all the siding is an exterior remodel for a siding or general contractor. We can tell you whether your problem is a repair or a replacement during a visit.
Can gutters cause siding damage?
Yes. The EPA advises cleaning and repairing gutters regularly and keeping the ground sloped away from the building, and Dunn-Edwards lists clogged gutters and downspouts among the moisture sources behind peeling paint. We can re-hang loose gutters and add downspout extensions.