Exterior work we handle
We repair and replace siding, windows and doors on homes across southern New Hampshire, with careful flashing and trim work. We do the carpentry and run the job, and we coordinate licensed electricians and plumbers if something turns up that needs them.
The exterior work we list on our services page includes:
- Siding replacement and repair
- Window replacement
- Entry and patio doors
- Exterior trim
- Rot repair
- Storm doors
We don't do roofing.
Siding: repair or replace?
Damaged siding doesn't always mean re-siding the whole house. What matters most is how much is damaged, whether new pieces can match the old, and whether water has gotten behind it.
| What we see | Patch damaged pieces | Replace one wall | Re-side the house |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage | A few cracked or loose pieces | One side is worn or damaged | Damage on several sides |
| Matching | New pieces can match | Hard to match, but one wall can be redone | Old siding can't be matched |
| Water behind it | None | On that wall only | In several places |
Siding materials
The common choices around here are vinyl, fiber cement, and wood clapboard or shingles. Vinyl needs little upkeep. Fiber cement is heavier and takes paint. Wood is the traditional look on older New England homes and needs regular painting or staining.
Windows: when replacement makes sense
Drafts, fogging between the panes, sashes that stick or won't stay up, and soft wood at the sill are the usual signs. Not every old window needs replacing, though. Some can be repaired. Our post on whether to repair or replace windows in southern NH walks through how to decide.
Entry, patio and storm doors
A door that sticks, lets light through at the edges, or has a soft threshold is telling you something. Sometimes new weatherstripping or a repaired threshold is enough. Sometimes the frame has rotted and the door needs replacing. We replace entry doors, patio doors and storm doors, and we fit them so they close the way they should.
Flashing, trim and water: why the details matter
Most water problems on the outside of a house start around windows and doors. Flashing that's missing or put in wrong, caulk that has failed, or trim that holds water can let rain get behind the siding, where nobody sees it for years. That's why we take the time on flashing and trim. If we find rot around a window or door, see rot repair around windows and doors.
Older homes and lead paint
Many homes built before 1978 have lead paint on the siding and trim. Before we disturb old paint, we test for lead. If it turns up, we work with regulated contractors as needed.
Permits
Permit rules for windows and siding are set town by town. Changing the size of a window or door opening is structural, and that can need a permit. Check with your town's building office or ask us. If your job needs a permit, we or one of our subcontractors can pull it.
Getting an itemized quote
Send us a few photos, the number of windows or doors, and which walls of siding you're thinking about. The consultation is free, and the quote is itemized and in writing.
Siding and windows by town
We work on siding, windows and doors in all the towns we serve, including:
See the full list on our service area page.
Frequently asked questions
Should I repair or replace my siding?
If only a few pieces are damaged and new ones can match, a repair is often enough. Damage on several sides, siding that can't be matched, or water behind it in several places points toward re-siding.
How do I know my windows need replacing?
Drafts, fogging between the panes, sticking sashes and soft wood at the sill are the usual signs. Some old windows can be repaired instead. Our windows post walks through how to decide.
Do you replace entry and storm doors?
Yes. We replace entry doors, patio doors and storm doors.
Do I need a permit to replace windows or siding in NH?
It is set town by town, and changing the size of an opening can need one. Check your town's building office or ask us. If your job needs a permit, we or one of our subcontractors can pull it.
Is old exterior paint a lead concern?
It can be on homes built before 1978. We test for lead first, and if it turns up we work with regulated contractors as needed.
Do you do roofing?
We don't do roofing.
Do you work in Plaistow, Hampstead and Hollis?
Yes. We work in Plaistow, Hampstead, Hollis and every other town on our service area page.
Get a free estimate
Call (603) 665-0447 or send the estimate form. The consultation is free, and the quote is itemized and in writing.