Exterior Remodeling Guide for Portland Homeowners

Get Answers Before Beginning your Home Renovation

Your Portland, Oregon home’s exterior can take a beating through a variety of elements that can degrade and devalue your entire house. Perhaps you’re looking to completely update, revive, and remodel the exterior of your home, or maybe you’re looking to update just a portion of it. Either scenario can be overwhelming to a homeowner who doesn’t know what to expect from a remodeling project. In fact, many homeowners delay these processes because they assume it will be too stressful.

It’s true — home exterior remodeling can be stressful, but a homeowner who has done their research ahead of time can know what to expect and keep stress at a minimum. Portland homeowners who are experiencing a failing home exterior need to know where to look for answers they can trust to understand every step of the process.

A remodeling project isn’t like what you see on reality home improvement shows. They don’t come with unlimited budgets, and they don’t happen in one afternoon. However, when you are looking to make changes to your house with home remodeling services, such as installing new siding or windows, adding a fresh coat of paint, replacing your roof, or building a deck, having a clear picture of what to expect will eliminate any surprises and ensure you feel ready — and excited — for the changes ahead.

At Lifetime Exteriors, we’re here to provide the services you need so you can love coming home again. We believe that a home exterior remodel should protect your investment and make your home last a lifetime. We’ll give you answers to your pressing questions and reduce your stress in the process. In short, we’re demystifying the process of a home remodeling project.

Benefits of a Home Exterior Remodeling Project

Season after season, countless homeowners choose to remodel their home’s exteriors for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps they want to update their home’s appearance or improve its structural integrity. Whatever the cause, a remodeling project has all kinds of benefits, including:

Added Value

Homeowners looking to enhance their home’s resale value or increase their home’s value choose projects such as installing a new roof, replacing their existing siding with new fiber cement siding, or installing new windows — projects that add the most value to their home.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal has increasingly become a major interest for potential home buyers, which is why projects like new siding or new windows yield an immense return-on-investment (ROI). Fiber cement siding can provide a nearly 80% value return to homeowners.

Energy-Efficiency

Some homeowners opt to update their home exterior due to high utility bills caused by low-quality, aging, poorly-installed, or failing materials. Homeowners who are updating their homes are also increasingly considering the energy-efficiency options that are available to them; they want to know how they can make their home more energy-efficient and save money in the process. They want to use less energy to achieve the same goals with products that insulate their homes year-round.

Low-Maintenance Options

Homeowners want to know that their remodels will last — and how much time investment and upkeep their new products will require. For example, many Portland-area residents choose James Hardie fiber cement siding over cedar siding because it offers the same aesthetics with a fraction of the required maintenance. Both siding options are valid and well-suited for Portland homes; it just depends on what homeowners are looking for. Low-maintenance windows are easy to clean, making them ideal for homes where the windows are located on the upper level. You can see this popular home style in Portland, featured in the Tudor and Old Portland style homes.

Eco-Friendly Materials

Many Portland homeowners are choosing environmentally-friendly building materials. In some places in Portland, these options are required. With an eye towards protecting the climate, homeowners are choosing eco-friendly building materials, such as James Hardie siding, because they are easy to procure, keep homes insulated to reduce energy consumption, and don’t call for chemicals to maintain them.

Return-on-Investment

All home remodeling projects have ROI benefits, but some have more than others. Projects like a new deck and new siding nearly pay for themselves. In particular, these two projects offer an average of 80% ROI. Replacement windows can yield a 70% ROI, a fresh coat of paint boasts a 51% ROI, and in some situations, the ROI for a new roof is as much as 109%!

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Biggest Exterior Issues for Portland Area Homes

Life in Portland is scenic and beautiful, but all that nature can really affect your home’s exterior.

For starters, Portland has a notoriously wet and warm climate. While this is great for gardens, it can encourage mold growth. Especially when paired with winter weather, this can cause homes to degrade quickly.

What kinds of structural issues might you see regarding your home’s exterior?

• Moisture, mold, or wood rot around wooden windows or siding, underneath failing shingles, or on a home’s deck
• Construction defects from improperly installed building materials, such as siding, windows, or roofing
• Storm damage from turbulent Portland weather that’s compromised the strength and ability of a home’s assets to keep moisture out
• Fading from years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays

What do you do when you uncover issues like these? It’s best to address them as soon as you notice a problem to prevent things from getting worse. How should you handle some of the most common structural issues?

• Leaky windows: Leaky windows need to be replaced, and frequently, some of the supporting walls surrounding the window will need repair or replacement too. This can be caused by poorly maintained windows, old window materials, or improper installation.
• Failing siding: Wood siding can quickly fail without maintenance. Wood siding needs regular treatment or a fresh coat of paint to seal moisture out. Cracked siding, faulty construction, or subpar building materials like stucco can introduce moisture into your home. This siding likely needs to be replaced.
• An old or faulty roof: A roof that’s been compromised by weather, time, or poor installation will create rotting, soft spots, and leaks. The roof needs repair — either a full replacement or a replacement of the vulnerable shingles.
• Rotting or moldy wood: Wood elements of your home need to be treated with sealants or painted regularly to avoid moisture issues.

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Why Should I Replace My Home’s Siding?

Failing siding makes your home subject to exterior and interior damage. Your home’s siding is one of the most protective elements of your home, so it’s important to ensure your siding is holding up against the elements.

In addition, new siding can instantly transform your home and elevate your curb appeal. Curb appeal is an increasingly important point of interest for potential home buyers, which is why new siding yields an immense ROI. Fiber cement siding offers nearly an 80% return to homeowners.

Aging and compromised siding can introduce all kinds of issues to your home. Pests, such as carpenter ants, can make their home within your walls. Secondly, wood rot and mold don’t just weaken your protection from weather and pests, but they also pose a major health concern. If your aging siding is vinyl, it’s likely that you’ve already discovered that this siding material doesn’t hold up well amidst the dramatic temperature fluctuations and moist weather that Portland’s climate is known for.

What are the benefits of installing new siding?

• Fiber cement siding like James Hardie siding is fire-resistant, making it a safer choice for Portland homeowners who are concerned about the increase in occurrences of wildfires.
• Fiber cement siding is also a perfect choice for homeowners who don’t want to worry about regular upkeep (especially after spending time and money to upgrade their exterior) as it’s very low-maintenance.
• Siding can quickly revive the total look of a home. For example, Cedar siding offers undeniable charm, and stone and brick siding can make a Portland home feel own with the surrounding landscape.

Siding is one of the highest return-on-investment projects a homeowner can do — especially when they choose quality products. The best siding materials for Portland are cedar siding, stone and brick veneers, and fiber cement siding.

James Hardie siding is one of the most popular fiber cement siding options on the market. Hardie siding comes in an astonishing array of colors and styles to match any aesthetic, from modern to classic, and requires almost zero care. This trusted manufacturer also creates siding that’s fire-resistant, pest-resistant against carpenter ants, doesn’t rot or warp the way wood does, and won’t lose its color in the sun.

What are some signs it’s time to replace your home’s siding?

• Dry rot
• Pest damage
• Cracked, warped, or loose siding
• High energy bills
• You want low-maintenance siding
• You want to update your home’s aesthetic

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Why Should I Replace My Home’s Windows?

Homeowners want windows that possess four important qualities:

• They are energy-efficient
• They reduce outside noise
• They are low maintenance and easy to clean
• They enhance the look of your home’s exterior

But when it is time to replace your windows? What options are available to you? What should you expect from the home improvement process? When you decide to get new windows, you want to be sure you are investing in sturdy materials that are installed properly by qualified professionals.

Drafty windows can greatly lower the value of your home, and because they don’t create a tight seal to keep the elements out, they can cause all kinds of harm to the exterior and interior of your home. Conversely, new replacement windows instantly add all kinds of value to your home, yielding more than a 70% ROI.

What are the benefits of installing new windows?

Installing new windows automatically updates the look of your home — both inside and out — and raises its curb appeal

The right windows can make your home more energy-efficient, lowering your utility bills by keeping cool air inside during the summer months and warm air inside during the winter, preventing heat loss. Generally, they make your home much more comfortable

New windows can allow more natural light to pass through, brightening your home’s interior while also protecting your home from exterior threats

When is it time to replace your home windows?

• High energy bills
• Drafty spots
• Too much street noise
• You notice signs of water damage
• Leaks or breaks in the window frame or wood rot
• The window is stuck, warped, or won’t open properly
• You want to update your home’s appearance

Your contractors will guide you through the process of installing new windows from beginning to end, helping you understand the inherent differences between wood, vinyl, and fiberglass framing. They’ll also measure your existing windows and fit your home for new ones, offering custom options when called for.

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The Benefits of an Exterior Door Replacement

Your front door is the very first thing that guests or potential homebuyers will see when they enter your home. A beautiful front door is a perfect way to welcome them into your home and is a simple, cost-effective way to upgrade the look of your home’s facade. Additionally, homeowners see the greatest ROI by installing a new front door. It can really make a huge impact without a lot of money or effort.

The challenge? You want an exterior replacement door that meets all kinds of high standards:

• Longevity
• Security
• Energy-efficiency
• Low-maintenance
• Aesthetic appeal

Not every exterior door manufacturer meets all of these expectations, though. You want exterior doors that are durable and can hold up to the wear and tear they receive. This is a high-traffic area, so you want to choose a door made with strong, lasting building materials to ensure your door looks great and performs well for years. When choosing a new door, you want to select one that has great resistance to weather elements and protects your home from pests, weather, and potential intruders.

Updating your front door is one of the most affordable upgrades you can make for your home. But how do you know when it’s time? What signs should you consider replacing your exterior doors? Here are the signs to watch for:

• Your door is difficult to open and close
• You notice condensation between the panes of glass
• Your door doesn’t properly or easily lock
• You see rust, cracks, holes, or dents in your door
• You want to enhance your home’s curb appeal
• You want to replace your door with one that is more energy-efficient
• You want to install a door with better security features
• You want to widen the entrances to your home to accommodate for a stroller or wheelchair
• You want a door that requires less maintenance

At Lifetime Exteriors, we’re here to help no matter the reason for your front door. We install all kinds of exterior doors, including:

• Front entry doors
• Patio doors
• Sliding doors

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Roof Replacement Benefits

Your roof is one of the most crucial structural and protective elements of your entire home. With our Portland weather, it’s either snowing, raining, or sunny, hot, or cold. With all these elements, your roof needs to be functional, durable, and attractive too.

Ice dams and storm damage, plus age and other weather events, can leave your roof structurally compromised, faded, and shabby. When is it time for a roof replacement?

• Storm damage
• Cracked or damaged shingles
• Water damage
• Warped wood
• Sagging wood
• Missing shingles
• Interior leaks or stains on the ceiling

When your roof shows signs of deterioration, a new roof can offer all kinds of useful qualities:

• Better protection in inclement weather and against invading pests
• Improved insulation and energy savings year-round
• Better curb appeal
• Increased home value

At Lifetime Exteriors, we know the decision to replace your roof requires careful planning and thought. And since your roof is vital to protecting your home’s structural integrity, you likely have questions. We’ll lead you through the roof replacement process, and as a CertainTeed Master Shingle Installer, we’ll install your new asphalt shingles carefully and meticulously.

Why should you choose CertainTeed shingles? They’re some of the strongest on the market with a high level of impact resistance and fire resistance. Also, since they’re heavyweight, they’re less likely to lift and curl, exposing your home to moisture.

Most importantly, CertainTeed shingles look great—the shingles mimic the look of cedar, come in a variety of styles and colors, and offer exceptional warranty coverage. They’re a great choice for a homeowner looking for a beautiful new roof and the peace of mind that it will last.

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Does a Deck Add Value to a Home?

You shouldn’t have to live all of your at-home life indoors. Adding an outdoor living space is a great way to expand your home’s living areas out into nature. Decks add elegance, comfort, and value to your home, and your loved ones will enjoy congregating on your deck on beautiful Portland evenings.

If you have an existing deck, it may have already reached its expiration date. A typical home deck can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. What indicators tell you that it’s time to replace your existing deck?

• Significant damage
• Bowing or unsecured boards
• Loose railings
• Wood rot
• Deteriorating ledger board that connects your deck to your home
• Questionable or compromise support posts
• Rusted or missing hardware
• Age

The decks of today aren’t anything like they were in years past. New durable outdoor materials, furniture, and accessories can make your deck as cozy and comfortable as your home’s interior. Some even have spaces for kitchens! We use two kinds of decking materials that are rated to hold up to Oregon’s weather conditions:

• Cedar: As natural wood, cedar is renewable, biodegradable, and naturally resistant to rot, insects, and harsh weather, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• Trex: The world’s number one brand of engineered wood, Trex mimics the beauty of natural hardwoods, is eco-friendly, and performs well against the elements. It’s also easy to maintain and clean.

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What Are the Benefits of Painting My Home?

A fresh coat of paint can give your house a boost, adding vibrance and life to your home’s exterior. As a bonus, new paint seals in wood window frames and wood siding, protecting your home from moisture. Hiring an exterior painting contractor to re-paint your home offers several advantages:

• Painting is a cost-effective way to improve your home’s appearance.
• New paint is an attractive way to have your home looking like new again.
• Paint can add an extra layer of protection between your home’s wooden elements and weather or pests that can do damage to them.
• A few coats of paint on your home’s exterior adds value. It signals to potential buyers or residents of your neighborhood that you keep your home in top shape, increasing your home’s curb appeal.

If you’re tempted to head to the hardware store and buy some paint and a roller to paint your home’s exterior, you may want to reconsider. Since paint acts as a protective barrier from weather, improper application can leave your home vulnerable to pests or water — and it could chip or peel all too quickly. A professional will understand the proper preparation and application techniques to ensure your new paint lasts and looks great for years.

At Lifetime Exteriors, we’re meticulous about our painting processes, and we’ll also help you choose the right colors for your home’s siding, trim, and shutters, or for your James Hardie siding. We use professional-grade paint to ensure your stunning results last.

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Remodeling Common Styles of Homes in Portland

Several home styles are prevalent throughout Portland and the surrounding areas that add to the distinct allure of our region.

For starters, Portland Square homes usually have a combination of building materials like brick, siding, cedar shingles, and dressed stone, and more, with features like dormer windows.

Another popular home style in Portland is the Cape Cod-style home, with its low profile, central chimney, symmetrical exterior, and steep-pitched gabled roof. We also see many Tudor-style homes in Portland, which look like something out of a storybook with multiple overlapping gables, a mixture of stone, stucco, and brick, complete with decorative timbering.

Each of these home styles presents its own unique challenges in reviving these homes while still maintaining the integrity of the original architecture. Home exterior remodeling must be approached very carefully in these circumstances.

The good news? James Hardie siding offers a wide range of siding options to match the individual aesthetic of each of these home styles, with wide and narrow siding colors available in countless popular and historical color options and lasting ColorPlus Technology. They even offer paneling to match iconic home features like stucco siding and cedar shake-style shingles to enhance the beauty of each home while still staying true to the original design.

Our Lifetime Exteriors experts will help you choose the best colors and styles to deliver the very best version of your home.

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The Cost of a Home Exterior Remodel

When you’re planning for an exterior remodeling project, it’s important to understand the costs upfront so you can plan accordingly and stay on budget. Investing in your home’s exterior is about more than just improving your home’s curb appeal, though that’s a definite perk. Your renovations can have all sorts of lasting impacts:

• Replacement windows and siding can lower your utility bills.
• A new roof can protect your home and keep insects, animals, and weather outside.
• Exterior renovations can dramatically increase the value of your home.

But how do you plan to pay for your remodeling project and stay on budget?

You can research the average costs of a window replacement or new roof in the Portland area, which can help you understand the general costs, but the truth is, the cost of each project can vary greatly based on the extent of your project, the size of your home, any existing damage that will need to be repaired, and the materials you choose.

There are times that you can save for months or years to pay for your remodeling project, but sometimes, disaster strikes, and you can’t afford to wait to start. When this happens, you have options to finance your repairs:

• Home improvement loans
• Home equity lines of credit
• Home equity loans
• Mortgage refinancing
• Credit
• Government loans

You can also consult with your home insurance company when you need repairs. Some damage may be covered under your plan.

One thing to keep in mind? You may consider doing your home exterior remodeling project yourself to save money: Don’t. This could end up costing you more in the long run. A poorly-installed DIY replacement window or siding could introduce all kinds of moisture into your home, resulting in expensive repair costs in the end.

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Why Choose Lifetime Exteriors for Your Home Remodeling Project

No matter your upcoming home remodeling project, you should be sure to hire a contractor who knows the proper installation methods. Faulty installation could result in extensive home damage and loss of warranty, and you may not be satisfied with the final outcome.

At Lifetime Exteriors, we have a long, successful history of exterior renovations and remodeling, and we believe that factors like credentials, high-quality materials, and world-class workmanship are what separate the good contractors from the bad. We’re all about protecting your home’s exterior — the right way.

As a qualified contractor who holds certifications like the coveted James Hardie Elite Preferred Siding Contractor certification, we know how to properly install new siding, roofing, windows, doors, and more so that your warranty is protected and your new home exterior looks beautiful for years and years.

We’re a woman-owned company, and we’ve aligned ourselves with first-rate vendors for high-quality products. We’ll recommend the best building components and products on the market, and we can fit almost any style or look to your budgetary needs so you can love your home without breaking the bank.

At Lifetime Exteriors, we understand that you want to make smart choices to improve your home. To do that, you need a functional home exterior and a qualified contractor who can deliver on their promises — that’s where we come in.

For over a decade, we’ve helped Portland-area homeowners say goodbye to their home exterior worries and woes with durable exterior products and stunning transformations. We’re ready to help you next! Ready to learn more? Get an estimate today!

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