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.
A land with grass and trees
Dan Simms
•
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
Going from an undeveloped plot to your dream home can be expensive. Learn about the cost to develop land and what factors can affect your total.
a brick wall and wood floor room with black modern reading chair and lamp, ottoman, and bookshelf with ladder
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Jun 6, 2025
Jun 6, 2025
Brick walls can add character and elegance to interior and exterior spaces. Use this brick wall cost guide to see the price range for adding one to your home.
three adults in hard hats smile and look over renovation plans in a partially finished room
Lauren Bongard
•
Dec 18, 2024
Dec 18, 2024
Hiring a general contractor can help you get your project done safely, on schedule, and on budget. Learn more about general contractor hourly rates and per-project fees.
home with screened patio deck
C.E. Larusso
•
Mar 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
What is dry rot and how do you manage it? Dry rot is a fungus that attacks wood. Learn how to get rid of it before it causes structural damage.
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.
Carpenters working together
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Dec 4, 2024
Dec 4, 2024
When comparing a carpenter vs. a contractor, the big differences are their roles on a project, when you hire them, and their rates. Learn more with this guide.
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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.
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.
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.
large wood deck patio
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Jun 30, 2025
Why Does My Deck Make Popping Noises?
Does your deck make loud popping noises? This is a common and usually natural occurrence. Learn why popping happens in a deck and how to fix it when needed.
Backyard patio with outdoor table and a BBQ grill
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 30, 2025
5 Reasons Your Patio Is Sinking and How to Fix Them
Many homeowners wonder why their patio is sinking. We share the top five reasons and how to fix them.
redwood fence in backyard
Timothy Moore  •  Jun 30, 2025
How Much Does a Redwood Fence Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
Installing a redwood fence costs around $6,300, though several factors, such as size, landscaping, and permits, can impact the price.
Girl walking next to white picket fence
Taylor Freitas  •  Jun 30, 2025
12 Types of Fences and How to Choose the Right One
Fences make great neighbors. Here's how to choose the right types of fences for privacy and security in your yard.
yellow vinyl house in rural area
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jun 30, 2025
Fiber Cement Siding vs. Vinyl Siding: Which Is Better?
Knowing the differences between fiber cement and vinyl siding can help you choose the right one for your home. Our guide explores these two siding choices.
Swimming Pool Fence
Taylor Freitas  •  Jun 30, 2025
How Much Does a Pool Fence Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
Pool fence costs depend on the type of fencing and the size of your pool. This guide will help you figure out the true cost of pool fence installation.
An outdoor fireplace
Timothy Moore  •  Jun 30, 2025
How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace: Step-by-Step Guide
If you don’t want to buy an outdoor fireplace kit or get a pro to install it, you may be able to do it yourself. Learn how to build a DIY outdoor fireplace.
Paperboy throwing newspaper in a house with white fence
Shannon Willoby  •  Jun 29, 2025
How to Hire a Fence Contractor
Wondering how to hire a fence contractor who will do the perfect job? Use our tips to figure out which questions to ask contractors before you hire one.
Two girls getting in a tent in their yard
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 29, 2025
Who Owns the Fence: You or Your Neighbor?
If you share a fence with your neighbor, you may wonder who owns it or has to maintain it. Read on to learn who is responsible for a shared fence.