Storm damage tends to be sudden, directional, and concentrated on one elevation. Wear shows up evenly on every side and gets worse gradually. Cracked panels on the windward wall after a named storm point strongly to wind.

Straight replacement of siding, gutters, or soffit generally does not, while structural changes and new openings usually do. We check with Lafayette Consolidated Government before starting anything that touches framing or changes the footprint.

Look for bubbling interior paint, musty smells near exterior walls, soft spots when you press trim, and dark staining that spreads downward. Peeling caulk at window corners is often the first visible clue.

Constant moisture in the air keeps wood from drying out, so untreated trim and subfascia stay damp and rot from behind. It also accelerates mildew growth on shaded elevations and swells any material that was installed too tight.

Siding alone makes a modest difference. Pairing it with house wrap, sealed penetrations, and insulated sheathing does more, because most unwanted heat gain in this climate comes through air leaks and glass rather than the wall surface.

Scope broken out item by item, named materials rather than categories, an allowance for damage found after tear-off, cleanup and haul-away, and payment terms. Single line pricing is where mid-project surprises usually originate.

Move vehicles and patio furniture away from the work walls, take down wall hangings that could shake loose, and unlock any gates we will need. We handle plant protection and daily cleanup ourselves.

Yes, and most homeowners do. Expect hammering and compressor noise during working hours and occasional short interruptions if we need interior access for a window. Nothing about exterior work requires you to move out.

Rinse it once or twice a year with a garden hose and a soft brush, and treat mildew on shaded walls with a mild cleaning solution. Avoid pressure washing at close range, which drives water behind the panels.

Walk your exterior every spring before storm season and again after any named storm. Check fastener lines, loose panels, gutter pitch, and soffit that has dropped from the eave. Twenty minutes catches most developing problems.

Those streaks are usually algae and mildew feeding on moisture that never fully dries. North elevations and walls under heavy tree cover stay damp longest, which is why they discolor years before the sunny sides do.

New cladding usually returns more at resale because it changes the entire street view of the house. Windows tend to win on comfort and monthly energy use. Buyers notice siding first and appreciate windows after they move in.

We dry the house in at the end of every workday, so open walls are never left exposed overnight. If a storm system moves through, we secure the site, pause, and resume as soon as conditions allow.

Press firmly on the trim and wall surface. Anything that gives, flexes, or sounds hollow suggests damage behind the surface. Discoloration alone is usually cosmetic, while soft framing and sagging lines mean something structural.

They can. Carriers in Louisiana often look favorably on wind-rated materials and documented professional installation. Keep your invoices and product documentation, then ask your agent whether your specific upgrades qualify for a reduction.