FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Scheduling regular inspections and maintaining your property makes it more likely your insurance company will approve your claim when it’s most needed. When it is time to replace a damaged, leaking, or aging roof that is reaching the end of its 20- to 30-year product lifespan, Stuart Exteriors can work with your insurance company or provide customer financing options.

Roofing

You Might Need a Repair If:

• Damage is minor or localized (e.g., a few missing shingles or a small leak).

• The roof is less than 10–15 years old and in otherwise good condition.

• There’s no sagging or structural damage.

• You’ve caught the issue early and there’s no underlying water damage or rot.

You Might Need a Replacement If:

• Your roof is 20–25 years old (or nearing the end of its expected lifespan).

• There are widespread shingle issues—cracking, curling, missing granules.

• You see signs of sagging, soft spots, or structural damage.

• There’s extensive water damage, mold in the attic, or daylight showing through boards.

• You’ve had to make frequent repairs, which are adding up in cost.

Siding

You Might Need a Repair If:

• Damage is small and isolated—like a single cracked or warped panel.

• There’s minor fading or peeling paint, but the structure is still solid.

• The underlying material is dry and free of rot or mold.

• You’re looking to extend the life of your current siding without full investment.

You Might Need a Replacement If:

• Large sections show cracks, warping, or bubbling, especially from moisture damage.

• You notice frequent repairs are becoming necessary.

• There’s visible mold, mildew, or rot, especially on the back side of panels.

• The siding is old (15–25+ years) and losing its energy efficiency.

• Interior walls show water stains, peeling paint, or drafts.

• Your home has pest problems from gaps or holes in the siding.

Gutters

You Might Need a Repair If:

• There are small holes or cracks in just a few sections.

• Minor leaks at joints or seams can be sealed.

• Gutters are loose or sagging but can be re-secured.

• A few brackets or hangers are missing or damaged.

You Might Need a Replacement If:

• You see widespread rust, cracks, or holes throughout the system.

• Gutters are pulling away from the house and can’t be reattached securely.

• Sections are bent, warped, or misaligned, affecting water flow.

• There’s peeling paint, rot, or mold around your home’s foundation or fascia—signs of chronic water damage.

• You’re dealing with frequent clogs, even with regular cleaning (especially in older systems).

• The system is 20+ years old and repairs are becoming more frequent and costly.

Windows & Doors

You Might Need a Repair If:

• A window has a cracked pane or a broken latch, but the frame is in good shape.

• A door sticks or squeaks, but there’s no structural damage.

• Weatherstripping is worn or seals need minor improvements.

• Condensation or draft issues are minor and isolated to one unit.

• Hardware (locks, handles, hinges) is damaged but replaceable.

You Might Need a Replacement If:

• Windows or doors are difficult to open, close, or lock, often due to frame warping or structural shifting.

• There is persistent condensation between double- or triple-pane glass, signaling failed seals.

• Frames are rotting, cracked, or warped, which compromises energy efficiency and security.

• You notice drafts, rising energy bills, or excessive noise from outside.

• Windows or doors are more than 20–25 years old and showing signs of wear across multiple units.

• There’s visible moisture damage, mold, or insect infestations around the frame.

• You want to upgrade to more energy-efficient or modern styles for improved comfort, security, and curb appeal.

Project timelines vary greatly depending on the scope and complexity of the work. As a result, at Stuart Exteriors we prioritize communication with our clients so that we can discuss project timelines and communicate in advance should any delays arise.

Absolutely. We provide manufacturer warranties on all products and a five-year workmanship warranty for added peace of mind.

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to help make your home improvement project more affordable. Ask us for details during your consultation.

It's not required, but we recommend being available at the start of the project in case we have any questions or need access to certain areas.

You should typically have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. However, several factors can affect how often you should clean them:

• Heavy tree coverage: If your home is surrounded by trees, especially pines or oaks, you may need to clean your gutters every 3–4 months.

• Storm-prone areas: Frequent storms can clog gutters with debris quickly, so consider more frequent inspections.

• Pest issues or overflowing water: These signs may indicate that cleaning is overdue and should be addressed immediately.

Regular gutter maintenance helps prevent water damage, foundation issues, and costly repairs—so it’s worth keeping on a schedule.

A new roof can significantly increase the value of a home by enhancing curb appeal, improving energy efficiency, and offering peace of mind to potential buyers. It signals that the property has been well-maintained and reduces the likelihood of future repair costs, making it more attractive on the market. Additionally, many new roofs come with transferable warranties, adding long-term value and reassurance for the next homeowner.

Yes! Modern windows and doors with double or triple-pane glass, low-E coatings, and proper insulation can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

The best siding depends on your climate, budget, and desired aesthetic. Vinyl is cost-effective and low maintenance, while fiber cement and engineered wood offer durability and a more upscale look.

Yes! We offer a wide range of styles, colors, and materials so you can customize your home's exterior to match your personal taste and architectural style.

Both are rubberized membranes for flat roof systems. Both systems are reliable as long as they are installed properly.

• The main advantages of TPO are that it is energy efficient, recyclable, and performs well in all climates, including very cold temperatures. It is also easier/faster to install, hence less costly.
• The advantages of PVC are that it is chemical- and fire-resistant, and for that reason it’s a good choice for restaurants and commercial buildings such as factories or chemical plants. In terms of performance, as long as it is installed properly, PVC also has about a 5-year longer lifespan than TPO.
• The main disadvantage of TPO is the shorter lifespan (15-20 years). It can also be prone to leaking at the seams, however, this is mainly related to the quality of the installation. In fact, all flat roofs can be prone to leaking at the seams if not installed properly. The disadvantages of PVC are that it is more prone to cracking in colder climates, but that is only in extreme temperatures that we don’t experience in the DC Metro region. It is also more expensive than TPO both because of the materials and because it takes more time to install/repair.

Stuart Exteriors installs both TPO and PVC roof systems. Typically we would propose a TPO roof as a reliable general-purpose roof system for residential and retail buildings, as PVC is mainly used for industrial buildings that produce a lot of heat.

This depends largely on two factors: 1) the scope of work, and 2) where you live. If your project includes any structural changes we must apply for a permit. Furthermore, local laws and regulations vary between counties and cities on whether you need permits for projects such as roof and siding replacements, among other things. Stuart Exteriors is a fully licensed contractor in Maryland and Washington D.C., and our experts are knowledgeable and fully equipped to plan in advance for projects that require permits.