Big Chief Exteriors

Big Chief Exteriors ยท Homeowner guide

Ozarks Exterior Maintenance Guide

What to look after on each part of your home, and how long each material typically lasts. Built for Ozarks weather. Backed for life.

Roof

How long it lasts. Asphalt shingles: about 20 to 30 years. Metal: 40 years or more. Synthetic slate and shake: 50 years or more.

Keep it healthy

  • Look at your roof from the ground after every big storm
  • Keep branches trimmed back from the roof
  • Clear leaves and debris from valleys and around vents when it is safe to do so from a ladder at the eaves, or leave it to a pro

Watch for

Missing or curled shingles, loose flashing, granules in the downspouts, and any ceiling stain.

Gutters and downspouts

How long it lasts. Seamless gutters: about 20 years or more with regular cleaning.

Keep it healthy

  • Clean gutters at least twice a year, spring and late fall
  • Make sure downspouts drain well away from the foundation
  • Check that gutters are still pitched toward the downspouts

Watch for

Overflow in rain, sagging sections, peeling paint under the gutter line, and water pooling near the foundation.

Siding

How long it lasts. Vinyl: about 20 to 40 years. Fiber cement and engineered wood: about 30 to 50 years with a sound finish.

Keep it healthy

  • Wash siding once a year with a soft brush and mild soap
  • Keep bushes and mulch off the siding
  • Check caulk at corners, trim and penetrations every year

Watch for

Cracks, loose panels, soft or discolored trim, and mildew that keeps coming back.

Exterior paint and trim

How long it lasts. A quality exterior paint job typically lasts about 7 to 10 years.

Keep it healthy

  • Touch up small chips and peeling spots early
  • Re-caulk failed seams before they let in water
  • Keep sprinklers from soaking the same wall every day

Watch for

Peeling, chalking, bare wood and soft trim boards.

Windows and doors

How long it lasts. Quality vinyl and wood-clad windows: about 20 to 30 years or more.

Keep it healthy

  • Clean tracks and weep holes each spring
  • Check weatherstripping and door sweeps for gaps
  • Replace cracked caulk around frames

Watch for

Drafts, fogging between panes, sticking sashes and rotted sills.

Deck

How long it lasts. Composite decking: about 25 years or more. Wood decking: about 10 to 15 years with regular care.

Keep it healthy

  • Sweep and wash the deck every year
  • Re-stain or reseal wood about every 2 to 3 years
  • Check posts, railings and fasteners for movement each spring

Watch for

Wobbly railings, soft or splintering boards, rusted fasteners and worn stain.

Lifespans are typical ranges. Your home, your exposure and how well a system is kept up all change the result. Want someone to look it over? Book a Free Estimate, or call us at (417) 240-7886. See also our exterior checklist.

Protect the house once. Enjoy it for good.

We have several payment options. Split your project into easy monthly payments, or do it now and pay later.

Every Free Estimate includes a gift card to both Texas Roadhouse and The Social Birdy.

Book my Free Estimate(417) 240-7886

Several payment options

Do the project now. Pay later, or split it into easy monthly payments.

Every option we quote comes with a monthly price, so you can fix the problem today without paying it all at once. Subject to credit approval.

See payment optionsBook my Free Estimate