Home Exteriors

Your exterior siding and windows help shield your home from the elements. But let’s be honest—they should look beautiful, too. We’ve got expert guidance on keeping your siding and windows strong and looking great for years to come, and a list of pros to call if you ever need repairs.

A man, boy, and dog playing in the yard
Photo: MoMo Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A man, boy, and dog playing in the yard
Photo: MoMo Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
An empty room with wood ceiling
Mariel Loveland
•
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
The cost to install a tongue and groove ceiling depends on the size of the space and the cost of labor. This guide can help you price out your remodel.
The exterior of a luxury house
Allie Ogletree
•
Jun 24, 2025
Jun 24, 2025
The cost to frame a house can vary depending on the size of your home, the structure you’re building, and your materials. Keep reading to learn how much framing your house might cost.
A living room with concrete wall
Deane Biermeier
•
Feb 10, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
Sometimes, all your home needs is a new wall to make a room or provide an updated function to an existing space. Learn how much it costs to install a new wall.
Architect and construction worker looking at plans
Gemma Johnstone
•
Dec 11, 2024
Dec 11, 2024
Learn about the pros and cons of hiring a general contractor to handle your home renovation project and why research to find the right one matters.
Woman pays contractor on tablet
Catherine Hiles
•
Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
Knowing what to expect from your contractor during a home improvement project is essential. This guide explains how to pay contractors in several ways.
Carpenter framing the roof of a structure
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 2, 2025
Jul 2, 2025
How much lumber you need for framing depends on several measurements. Use this calculator to estimate how to calculate lumber for framing.
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A wooden deck in the backyard of a house
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jul 7, 2025
Why Are My Deck Boards Cupping? 5 Common Causes and How to Fix Them
If you are one of many homeowners asking, “Why are my deck boards cupping?” We get to the source of the problem and how to fix it.
white fence all around house
Kyle Schurman  •  Jul 6, 2025
How Long Does It Take to Build a Fence on Your Property?
How long does it take to build a fence? Use our guide to help you figure out the timeline for building that brand-new fence you’ve been dreaming about.
A suburban house with chain link fence on the front lawn
Mary Beth Eastman  •  Jul 3, 2025
5 Best Types of Chain-Link Fences: Which Is Right for You?
Explore 5 common types of chain-link fences: galvanized, vinyl-coated, privacy, mini-mesh, and security. Find the perfect fit for your property needs.
New modern contemporary house exterior with fence and front door
Kate Fann  •  Jul 3, 2025
Vinyl vs. Aluminum Fences: Pros, Cons, and Costs
Comparing vinyl vs. aluminum fencing is a question many homeowners consider when installing a new fence. Here's how to narrow down your choice.
​​Empty hammock hanging in backyard
Ginny Bartolone  •  Jul 3, 2025
How to Build a Fence on a Slope: Raked and Stepped Methods
If you assumed your hilly yard disqualified you from building a fence, think again. Here’s how to build a fence on a slope, including two ways to do so.
A woonen patio on a sunny day
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jul 2, 2025
5 Common Patio Problems and Solutions
Many common patio problems can be addressed early. Here are ways to repair different types of patio damage and how to know your problem needs a pro.
white vinyl fence in backyard
Mariel Loveland  •  Jul 2, 2025
How to Replace a Fence Post: The Complete DIY Guide
If you have a damaged or rotten fence post, you might need a replacement. This guide will show you when and how to replace a fence post in a few simple steps.
Deck made of cedar wood
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jul 2, 2025
4 Reasons Your Cedar Deck Is Turning Black and How to Fix It
Many homeowners wonder why their cedar deck is turning black. This article explains the most common causes and how to fix them.
home patio with glossy concrete
Jill Harness  •  Jul 2, 2025
Why Should You Seal a Concrete Patio? 5 Benefits and When to Avoid Sealing
Sealing a concrete patio can significantly extend its lifespan and enhance its appearance, preventing cracking, staining, and fading. Here are 5 reasons why you should seal concrete patios.
A house with a red brick wall
Xiao Faria daCunha  •  Jul 1, 2025
How to Tuckpoint Brick to Make Your Mortar Look Like New
You can hire a professional to fix a decaying brick wall, or you can save money and do it yourself by learning how to tuckpoint brick using the steps below.
A worker checking on a brick wall of a construction site
Xiao Faria daCunha  •  Jul 1, 2025
How to Hire the Best Masonry Contractor for Your Project
If your brick or stone wall needs repairing, then you need a brick masonry contractor to tackle the project. Hiring a mason for a project can feel daunting, but if you follow these tips you’ll know just what to do to find the perfect pro for you.
The pale yellow vinyl siding of a one family house
Dan Simms  •  Jul 1, 2025
Why Is My Vinyl Siding Wavy?
Wondering why your vinyl siding is wavy? Chances are the installation is to blame. But the issue could be sunlight, heat, or foundation issues.