10 Essential Exterior Home Repair Services You Need This Spring and Summer in Boulder, CO

Whether or not you actually enjoy the process of spring cleaning, there’s no doubt that checking those seasonally-neglected tasks off your list is deeply satisfying. 

Though some form of spring cleaning has existed in different cultures and religions since ancient times, the practice as we know it today began with the early pioneers. By the time spring rolled around, a thick layer of soot had accumulated from all those toasty, warm winter fires. Cleaning the windows, removing the mudding between the log walls to allow better air circulation during the warmer months, and disinfecting all surfaces within your home using a blend of vinegar and fresh-smelling herbs were done every spring. Like these early pioneers, many Americans today dedicate time to spring cleaning. However, an overemphasis on indoor spring cleaning may lead to neglecting the need for exterior home repairs. 

Boulder CO property owners may have a wide range of maintenance tasks that require their attention this spring, from gutter cleaning to fence repair. A Boulder handyman service could help you with many exterior repair projects. The ten most important spring cleaning tasks involving exterior home repair in Boulder, CO, include the following:

1. Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning might be a homeowner's least favorite exterior home repair. Boulder, CO properties, however, deserve to stay in good condition and thrive in Northern Colorado. Contrary to popular belief, gutter cleaning isn't just essential in the fall but also in the spring. With an average annual snowfall of 89 inches, Boulder County gutters get their fair share of twigs, pine needles, and stray dried leaves over the winter. This may lead to clogged gutters and subsequent water damage to the roof, fascia, soffits and siding. If left unchecked, it may also lead to the accumulation of groundwater and basement flooding. 

If you find your gutters become clogged frequently, it may be worth looking into gutter repairs. In the meantime, a professional handyman can clean out your gutters every spring and fall to keep them flowing freely. An experienced handyman will also be able to let you know if your gutters are reaching the end of their life and need repair or replacement. As a preventative maintenance measure, we’d also recommend installing gutter guards. Alternatively, you can climb a ladder and inspect your gutters yourself. 

2. Soffit, Fascia, and Siding Repair

First things first—what exactly are soffits, fascia, and siding? Of all three, you probably know that siding is a set of protective panels attached to the side of your home. The fascias are boards that attach to the rafters of the roof behind the gutters. Their purpose is to seal off the opening of the attic and provide a surface for the mounting of gutters. Soffits are a protective material that extends horizontally from the fascia to the side of your house. 

Failing to maintain and repair your soffits, fascia, and siding may lead to costly future repairs. Overflowing gutters are the main culprit of damage requiring exterior home repair. Boulder, CO homeowners who have fascia made of wood should know that it is susceptible to water damage. When the fascias are left to deteriorate, the attic opening will become exposed and the risk of flooding increases. 

Other causes of damage to the soffits, fascia and siding include:

• Animal and pest infestations 
• Powerful UV rays from the sun
• Expansion and contraction caused by fluctuations in humidity
• Severe storms

An experienced Boulder exterior home repair company can fix exterior damages, including soffits, fascia and siding. This will save you from having to pay for high replacement costs.  

3. Window Repairs

Those snowy Boulder winters and hot, arid summers put your windows through a lot. Although high-quality glass can last a lifetime if properly cared for, the same often cannot be said for window frames. Exposure to the elements may cause your window frames to develop wood rot, become brittle, and warp. Warping may damage the caulking and break the seal. 

This isn’t just an eyesore—it also reduces energy efficiency. If environmental concerns aren’t enough to encourage you to invest in this Boulder exterior home repair, the impact it could have on your energy bill certainly is. 

To check whether your windows are letting in drafts, there are two tests you can perform. The first involves simply touching the window panes. If they’re much warmer or cooler than the interior temperature of your home, they’ve been damaged in some way. You can also hold up a lighter or a match near the frame to see if the flame is pushed by a draft, but be careful with this one—you don’t want to light your house on fire! An experienced handyman company that does exterior home repair in Boulder, CO, can inspect your windows for you and perform window replacement or repair services. 

4. Re-Caulking

Exterior home repair in Boulder, CO, can involve a lot of caulking. As one of the best inventions for exterior home repair ever, caulking may be used for everything from sealing holes in siding and gutter, creating a seal between the glass and frame of your windows, and filling in any holes in concrete surfaces like driveways and foundation. 

Cracks in concrete are especially problematic in Boulder County, as the annual temperature fluctuations may cause significant expansion and contraction. When water enters these crevices and then freezes, it may cause cracks to widen. 

Although re-caulking is a relatively simple exterior home repair project, it takes a trained eye to identify holes and cracks that could benefit from caulking. There are also many different types of caulk that are best suited for different situations. Determining which is right for your Boulder exterior home repair project can be overwhelming. In these instances, it may be best to contact an experienced Boulder exterior home repair company to do the job for you. 

5. Painting

When homeowners think about exterior improvements, painting may come to mind. Paint serves as a decor element intended to boost curb appeal, but the painting also has a significant protective role. Exterior painting also acts as a sealant that protects the fragile wood underneath. Some areas of your home that you may want to use paint to prevent large-scale exterior home repair in Boulder, CO, include the fascia boards, window frames, doors, and decks.

Paint meant for the exterior of your home differs from interior paint in a few ways:

• Higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are harmful to breathe in
• Addition of acrylic as a binding resin, which also has a very strong odor

It’s very important that you do not use interior paint for a Boulder exterior home repair, as it will be less durable, prone to fading, and non-resistant to algae and other organic material. 

If you’re not comfortable exposing yourself to VOC and acrylic fumes, consider hiring a professional exterior home repair and painting expert who has the safety training and experience to expertly apply exterior paint. 

6. Patio and Deck Repair

After a cold and windy winter, Boulder residents jump at the chance to get outside as soon as the weather starts to warm up. Having some friends or family members over for drinks and dinner on the deck is a great opportunity to socialize while soaking up some much-needed vitamin D. 

A deck with loose nails, cracked or rotted wood and wobbly railings is a hazard. To get back to spending more time on your deck this spring and summer, you can address these problems with the following Boulder exterior home repairs:

• Nail removal and replacement. When pulling up nails, do so carefully to avoid damaging other boards. 
• Wood filler and repair. Old nail holes and crumbling areas of wood may be fixed by using a wood filler prior to repainting. 
• Board replacement. Instead of replacing the whole thing, a handyman company that specializes in exterior home repair in Boulder, CO, can simply remove old, rotted boards and replace them with new ones. 
• Railing replacement. Likewise, wobbly wood railings may be replaced with a new hardy metal set. 

7. Power Washing

You could get down on your hands and knees to scrub your deck or climb a ladder and wash your siding—but this would take way more time than it’s worth. Using your garden hose is a second option, but the pressure in a garden hose usually isn’t enough to get down to the dirt and debris that are deeply embedded in the surface. 

Power washing may be used to both clean surfaces as well as prep them for repairs. For example, if you want to re-stain and seal your deck, power washing may be used to strip the deck of its existing stain and provide you with a clean slate.

A word of caution about power washing: some surfaces and materials are not strong enough to withstand even a low PSI setting. Make sure you know what you can and can’t use a power washing machine on before renting one. Additionally, make sure you’re aware of the safety risks associated with power washers and take steps to protect yourself and those around you accordingly. Hiring a Boulder exterior home repair professional to power wash your home often costs around the same amount as it does to rent a machine, so this is an option to consider as well. 

8. Deck Restaining and Resealing

Once you’ve power washed your deck, you can get ready to restain and reseal it. Not only does this give you the opportunity to refresh its protection from the elements, but you can also change up the overall aesthetic of the deck by simply swapping out your previous stain for a new color.

Though some products that combine a stain and a sealant can be purchased, most homeowners will purchase these products separately for this Boulder exterior home repair. The pigmentation in stains provides wood protection against UV damage, while clear sealants provide moisture protection. Together, these two products can keep your deck looking great for years to come. 

An improperly applied stain can sometimes look blotchy. To get a great-looking deck the first time, consider hiring a professional handyman for your deck improvement project. 

9. Door Installation and Repair

Like windows, doors not only provide access to the outside while ensuring security but also provide insulation benefits. An energy-efficient entryway door will keep drafts out and prevent thermal transfer. Some other reasons you may choose to replace your front door include:

• Evidence of rust
• Splitting wood
• Squeaking hinges
• An improperly working lock
• Sticking when opening and closing

These issues may impact the structural integrity of your door, as well as make it easier for an intruder to enter your home. 

Because it is so vital that exterior doors provide a tight seal between the panel and the frame, exterior doors come pre-hung. This means that an exterior door replacement will involve frame replacement as well. Installing this yourself will be challenging due to the weight of the door and the need to ensure a proper fit. Carpenters specializing in exterior home repair in Boulder, CO, often offer door repair and replacement services. 

10. Fence Repair

It's a popular opinion that once a fence is installed, it can be ignored until it’s time to replace it. The problem with this line of thinking is that failing to regularly provide repairs and periodic maintenance to your fence may lead to needing to replace it much more quickly. Depending on the material that your fence is made out of, maintenance and repair will look different:

• Aluminum and vinyl fences may be cleaned with low-PSI power washing
• Wood fences with peeling paint should be sanded and repainted
• Elevate wood fences onto concrete blocks to prevent them from incurring water damage and wood rot. 

Contact Mr. Handyman of E Boulder, Broomfield & Erie for Exterior Home Repair Today!

My. Handyman of E Boulder, Broomfield & Erie offers a wide range of exterior home repair services, from deck repair to power washing and everything in between! For over 25 years, we’ve established a reputation for quality workmanship and excellent customer service, leading our clients to choose us for their residential and commercial property repairs and installations time and time again. We are your expert team for home maintenance, improvements and repairs!

If you’re ready to get Boulder exterior home repairs provided by an experienced handyman, contact us to schedule an appointment today or by filling out our online service request form. With our Done Right Guarantee, you have nothing to lose!