Common Exterior Problems in Seattle Homes

Signs Your Home Needs Exterior Repair

Seattle’s constant moisture creates unique challenges that affect virtually every home in the Pacific Northwest. Watch for these early warning signs of exterior problems:

• Peeling or bubbling paint – Indicates moisture trapped beneath the surface
• Soft or spongy wood – Primary symptom of dry rot or water damage
• Visible mold or mildew growth – Shows persistent moisture issues
• Water stains on ceilings or walls – Signals active water intrusion
• Gaps in caulking or trim joints – Allows water and pest entry
• Warped or buckling siding – Indicates water damage or improper installation
• Insect activity around wood – Often accompanies moisture-damaged wood
• Musty odors near exterior walls – Suggests hidden mold or dry rot

Why Seattle’s Climate Accelerates Exterior Damage

The Pacific Northwest’s wet climate creates perfect conditions for wood decay, dry rot, and structural damage. With 150+ days of rain annually, constant moisture exposure accelerates deterioration of exterior materials. Poor drainage, aging construction, and insufficient ventilation compound these problems, making regular inspection and preventive maintenance critical for Seattle-area homes.

Early detection saves money. Small repairs caught early prevent major structural damage that can cost tens of thousands to repair.

Comprehensive Exterior Repair Services for Your Home

Siding Repair and Replacement

Your home’s siding is the first line of defense against Seattle’s rain and moisture. We repair and replace all types of siding materials, including wood, vinyl, fiber cement, and composite products. Our siding services address:

• Cracked or warped siding panels
• Water damage and moisture intrusion
• Fading, peeling, or deteriorating surfaces
• Missing or loose siding sections
• Energy inefficiency from damaged siding

We match existing siding materials to maintain your home’s appearance or help you upgrade to more durable, low-maintenance options better suited for our climate. Learn more about our siding services in Seattle.

Trim and Fascia Restoration

Exterior trim and fascia boards take a beating from Seattle’s weather. These components are particularly vulnerable to dry rot because they’re often exposed to direct rainfall and poor drainage. Our trim restoration services include:

• Complete trim board replacement
• Fascia and soffit repair
• Custom trim matching and installation
• Proper sealing and weatherproofing
• Paint-grade and stain-grade finishes

We don’t just replace damaged trim—we identify and fix the underlying causes to prevent future deterioration.

Dry Rot and Wood Decay Treatment

Dry rot is our specialty. Seattle’s wet climate creates perfect conditions for wood-destroying fungi that can compromise your home’s structural integrity. Understanding the difference between dry rot and wet rot is important for proper treatment. Our dry rot treatment process includes:

1. Thorough inspection to identify all affected areas
2. Complete removal of damaged wood
3. Treatment of surrounding areas to prevent spread
4. Structural repair with quality materials
5. Weatherproofing to prevent future moisture intrusion

We’ve repaired dry rot in Seattle homes for over 20 years. We know where it hides and how to eliminate it permanently.

Water Damage Restoration

Water damage often goes unnoticed until it causes significant problems. We restore exterior components damaged by roof leaks, failed flashing, plumbing issues, and storm damage. Our restoration process addresses both visible damage and hidden moisture issues that could lead to future problems.

Window and Door Repairs

Windows and doors are common entry points for water damage. We repair and replace exterior trim around windows and doors, addressing rotted sills and jambs, failed caulking, structural frame damage from moisture, and improper flashing installation. Proper window and door trim installation is critical for preventing water intrusion and the dry rot damage it causes.

Structural Integrity Repairs

Severe dry rot and water damage can compromise structural components like wall studs, headers, and rim joists. We perform structural repairs that restore your home’s integrity, including damaged framing replacement, structural reinforcement, foundation connection repairs, and load-bearing component restoration. These repairs require expertise and proper engineering—we handle complex structural work that many contractors won’t touch.

Mold Remediation and Prevention

Where there’s moisture, mold often follows. We safely remove mold from exterior surfaces and address the moisture sources that allow it to grow. Our mold prevention strategies include proper ventilation installation, moisture barrier upgrades, drainage improvements, and material selection for mold resistance.

Gutter Services and Drainage Solutions

Clogged or damaged gutters contribute to many of the exterior problems we repair. Poor drainage directs water against your home’s siding and foundation, accelerating wood decay. We offer gutter cleaning and maintenance, downspout extensions and drainage improvements, and splash block installation. Proper drainage is essential for protecting your home’s exterior from moisture damage.

Exterior Repair Costs and Investment

Typical Repair Cost Ranges

Exterior repair costs vary widely based on scope and materials:

• Minor trim repair: $500-$2,000
• Dry rot repair (moderate): $2,000-$8,000
• Siding repair (section): $1,500-$5,000
• Complete siding replacement: $15,000-$35,000
• Structural repairs: $3,000-$15,000+
• Window/door trim repair: $800-$3,500
• Fascia and soffit replacement: $2,000-$8,000

We provide detailed written estimates so you know exactly what to expect. Use our trim repair cost calculator to get a rough estimate for your project.

What Affects Repair Costs

Several factors influence the final cost of exterior repairs:

• Extent of damage – Localized damage costs less than widespread deterioration
• Material selection – Premium materials cost more but last longer
• Accessibility – Ground-level work is less expensive than second-story repairs
• Structural involvement – Framing repairs cost more than cosmetic fixes
• Matching existing materials – Custom millwork or discontinued products increase costs

Repair vs. Replacement Decisions

Repair makes sense when:

• Damage is localized to specific areas
• The overall structure remains sound
• Repair costs less than 50% of replacement
• Materials are still available to match existing

Full replacement is better when:

• Damage is widespread throughout the surface
• Underlying structural components are compromised
• Materials have reached the end of their lifespan
• Energy efficiency would improve significantly

We provide honest recommendations based on what’s best for your home and budget, not what’s most profitable for us.

Financing Options and Payment Plans

We work with financing partners to offer competitive interest rates, flexible payment terms, quick approval process, and no prepayment penalties. Don’t let upfront costs delay critical repairs that could get worse.

Insurance Claims Assistance

If your damage resulted from a covered event (storm, tree fall, etc.), we can help with documentation for insurance claims, working directly with adjusters, detailed damage assessments, and completing repairs to code. We’ve helped many homeowners navigate the insurance process successfully.

Free Estimates and Transparent Pricing

Every estimate we provide includes detailed scope of work, itemized material and labor costs, expected timeline, payment schedule, and written warranty information. No surprises, no hidden fees—just honest pricing for quality work.

Project Timeline and Process

How Long Do Exterior Repairs Take?

Most exterior repairs take 2-5 days depending on the extent of damage and weather conditions. Here’s what to expect:

• Minor trim repairs: 1-2 days
• Moderate dry rot repair: 3-5 days
• Extensive structural work: 5-10 days
• Complete siding replacement: 7-14 days
• Emergency repairs: Same-day or next-day response

We provide realistic timelines during our initial estimate and keep you informed of progress throughout the project.

Our Proven Exterior Repair Process

Step 1: Free Property Assessment and Consultation

Every project starts with a thorough inspection. We examine your home’s exterior to identify all damage, not just what’s visible. Our free assessment includes visual inspection of siding, trim, and structural components, moisture meter readings to detect hidden water damage, photo documentation of problem areas, and honest evaluation of repair vs. replacement options.

We never sell you services you don’t need. Our reputation is built on transparency and expert advice.

Step 2: Detailed Project Planning and Scope

Once we’ve assessed the damage, we provide a detailed written estimate that explains the exact scope of work required, materials we’ll use and why, timeline for completion, and itemized pricing with no hidden costs. You’ll know exactly what we’re doing and why before we start work.

Step 3: Professional Installation and Repair

Our experienced crews complete repairs efficiently without compromising quality. We protect your property with proper site preparation, use quality materials designed for Pacific Northwest weather, follow manufacturer specifications and building codes, clean up thoroughly each day, and communicate progress regularly.

Step 4: Quality Inspection and Warranty

Before we consider a job complete, we conduct a final inspection to ensure all repairs meet our quality standards, proper weatherproofing and sealing, clean professional appearance, and your complete satisfaction. We warranty our workmanship and stand behind every repair we make.

Factors That Affect Timeline

• Weather conditions – Rain delays exterior painting and sealing
• Material availability – Custom or specialty items may require ordering
• Scope changes – Additional damage discovered during work
• Inspection requirements – Structural work may require building permits

We communicate proactively about any delays or timeline changes.

Why Choose Seattle Trim Repair for Exterior Services

20+ Years of Local Experience

After 20+ years repairing Seattle-area homes, we understand local building codes and requirements, climate-specific challenges, common issues in Pacific Northwest construction, which materials perform best here, and how to build for longevity in wet conditions. Our local expertise makes a difference in the quality and durability of our work.

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Contractors

We maintain current Washington State contractor’s license, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, and bonding for your protection. You’re protected when you work with legitimate, insured professionals.

Quality Materials Built for Seattle Weather

We use materials specifically chosen for Pacific Northwest performance:

• Vinyl Siding: Low maintenance, moisture resistant, 20-30 year lifespan
• Fiber Cement (James Hardie, LP SmartSide): Superior durability, rot resistant, 30-50 year lifespan
• Wood and Cedar: Classic beauty, naturally rot-resistant (with proper maintenance)
• Composite Materials: Best of both worlds – wood appearance with superior durability

These materials cost more than basic options but outlast cheap alternatives with far less maintenance—ideal for Seattle homes. Learn more about siding material options.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Our reputation speaks through hundreds of satisfied customers who trust us with their homes. We’ve built our business on quality workmanship, honest communication, fair pricing, reliable service, and standing behind our work. Check our reviews—our customers’ experiences tell our story better than we can.

Comprehensive Warranties

We warranty our workmanship (typically 2-5 years) and materials per manufacturer specifications. If something goes wrong with our work, we make it right at no cost to you.

Emergency Exterior Repair Services

24/7 Storm Damage Response: Seattle storms can cause sudden, severe damage requiring immediate attention. We offer emergency response for tree damage to siding or roof, wind damage exposing your home to weather, fallen branches puncturing exterior surfaces, and storm-related water intrusion. When disaster strikes, quick response prevents secondary damage.

Urgent Water Leak Repairs: Active leaks require immediate action to prevent dry rot development, mold growth, structural damage, and interior damage. We prioritize leak repairs to protect your home and belongings.

Emergency Board-Up Services: If damage leaves your home exposed to weather or security risks, we provide temporary weatherproofing, board-up services, tarp installation, and emergency stabilization until permanent repairs can be completed.

Service Areas Throughout the Seattle Metro

We serve the greater Seattle area including:

• Seattle: All neighborhoods including Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Ballard, West Seattle, Fremont, Wallingford, Green Lake
• Eastside: Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamash, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Woodinville, Bothell
• South King County: Renton, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, Burien, SeaTac
• North End: Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Mountlake Terrace
• Pierce County: Tacoma and surrounding communities

If you’re in the greater Seattle metro area and need exterior repair services, we can help. Visit our Seattle service area page to learn more about local repairs.

Preventive Maintenance Programs

We offer maintenance programs that include annual inspections, priority scheduling, discounted service rates, early problem detection, and maintenance records for resale. Regular maintenance extends the life of exterior materials and prevents costly emergency repairs.

Seasonal Maintenance Recommendations:

• Spring: Inspect for winter damage, clean gutters, check caulking and seals
• Summer: Paint or stain exposed wood, repair damage before fall rains
• Fall: Final gutter cleaning, inspect before wet season, seal gaps
• Winter: Monitor for ice dams, watch for leaks after storms

Get Your Free Exterior Repair Estimate Today

Ready to address your home’s exterior repair needs? We make getting started easy:

1. Call or email to schedule your free inspection
2. We assess your home’s exterior thoroughly
3. Receive detailed estimate with clear pricing and scope
4. Approve the work and we schedule your repair
5. Enjoy peace of mind with quality repairs and warranty

No pressure, no obligation—just expert advice and honest pricing.

For urgent exterior damage requiring immediate attention, call our emergency line. We prioritize emergency calls and dispatch crews as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to your home.