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The telltale signs that your home is ready for repointing include visibly damaged bricks, crumbling bricks, flaking bricks, loose mortar, cracked mortar, gaps between brick and mortar, leaking inside your home, and visible water damage. Consider repointing when going over brick house pros and cons if you're buying a new home. Repointing is also a good idea if you plan to paint, acid wash, or stain your brick home, as it will give you a good base for coloration and prevent repairs after the work is done.

You should restain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and ensure maximum protection. The precise frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, the siding's exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the condition of the wood.

Homeowners in harsh climates with high humidity and significant direct sunlight should plan on restaining every three years, while those in milder locations can wait up to seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh environments, consider using an opaque stain.

If you're looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, vinyl or aluminum siding are options to consider. Although their installation cost may be higher, they don't require as much upkeep over time, which can provide more value, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.

While homeowners' insurance can include coverage for siding, general wear and tear of siding is not covered. If your siding is rotting—especially because you haven’t kept up with proper siding maintenance—replacement siding will likely not be covered by your homeowners' insurance policy. Instead, insurance generally covers siding repair or replacement if your siding has been damaged by extreme weather, vandalism, fire, or some kind of collision, like by a vehicle.

Brick and stone are the most durable and longest-lasting siding materials, often lasting for 100 years or more with proper maintenance. Copper is another material known to last over 100 years, though it can develop a greenish patina over time. Zinc is a metal siding that can last 80-100 years. While these options are the most expensive, they offer superior value and longevity. For a more affordable yet durable choice, stucco can last 50 to 80 years in dry climates. Fiber cement siding is another excellent middle ground, offering a lifespan of 50 years or more with low maintenance at a lower cost than stone or brick.