Exterior Issues
Exterior components face constant exposure to weather and require regular maintenance. This guide helps you identify issues and understand warranty coverage.
Identify Your Issue
Siding & Stucco
Common Issues:
- Cracks in stucco
- Siding damage or warping
- Paint peeling
- Gaps or separations
- Fading
Understanding Exterior Finish Expectations:
- Hairline cracks in stucco are normal (thermal movement)
- Some color variation and fading is expected over time
- Caulk joints need periodic maintenance
- All exterior finishes require maintenance
Try This First:
- Clean siding with appropriate cleaner (check manufacturer recommendations)
- Inspect caulk at windows, doors, and trim
- Note size and location of any cracks
- Check if damage is from impact or weathering
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Significant cracks (not hairline) | Yes | 1 year | If installation defect |
| Hairline stucco cracks | No | — | Normal thermal movement |
| Loose or separating siding | Yes | 1 year | Installation defect |
| Paint peeling | Varies | 1 year | If installation defect |
| Color fading | No | — | Normal weathering |
| Impact damage | No | — | Homeowner responsibility |
Maintenance: Inspect annually, touch up paint as needed, maintain caulk, clean periodically.
Detailed Info: Siding & Stucco
Roof Concerns
Common Issues:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Leaks
- Ice dams
- Flashing issues
- Moss or algae growth
Active roof leaks should be reported immediately. Water intrusion can cause significant damage.
Try This First:
- After storms, visually inspect roof from ground (use binoculars)
- Check gutters for excessive granules (some is normal for new shingles)
- Ensure attic ventilation is not blocked
- For leaks, try to identify location (water may travel before dripping)
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof leaks | Yes | 1 year | Installation defects |
| Missing shingles (not storm) | Yes | 1 year | Installation defect |
| Storm damage | No | — | Homeowner insurance |
| Ice dam damage | No | — | Weather-related |
| Flashing defects | Yes | 1 year | Installation defects |
| Moss/algae growth | No | — | Maintenance |
Safety: Never walk on your roof. Hire professionals for roof inspections and repairs.
Detailed Info: Roof
Gutter & Downspout Issues
Common Issues:
- Clogged gutters
- Leaking at joints
- Pulling away from house
- Improper drainage
Try This First:
- Clean gutters of debris (do this seasonally)
- Check that downspouts are connected and directing water away
- Verify splash blocks are in place and positioned correctly
- Look for sagging sections
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaking joints | Yes | 1 year | Installation defect |
| Gutters pulling loose | Yes | 1 year | Installation defect |
| Clogged gutters | No | — | Maintenance responsibility |
| Damage from cleaning | No | — | Homeowner responsibility |
Detailed Info: Gutters & Downspouts
Deck Issues
Common Issues:
- Board warping or cupping
- Checking/cracking along grain
- Nail pops
- Loose boards
- Staining/discoloration
Understanding Deck Expectations:
- Natural wood decks will weather and change color
- Some checking (cracks along the grain) is normal for wood
- Wood expands and contracts with moisture
- Composite decks have different maintenance needs
Try This First:
- Clean annually
- Check fasteners - tighten or replace as needed
- Seal or stain wood decks per manufacturer recommendations
- Remove debris from between boards
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural issues | Yes | 1 year | If installation defect |
| Loose boards | Yes | 1 year | Installation defect |
| Checking along grain | No | — | Natural wood characteristic |
| Warping > 3/8" per 8' board | Yes | 1 year | Excessive warping |
| Color change/weathering | No | — | Normal for wood |
| Staining/finishing | No | — | Homeowner responsibility |
Detailed Info: Decks
Fence Issues
Common Issues:
- Leaning posts
- Loose boards
- Gate not latching
- Weathering/color change
- Rot
Try This First:
- Check if posts are firmly set
- Tighten loose fasteners
- Adjust gate hinges/latch
- Look for signs of ground settling around posts
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posts out of plumb >1" per 8' | Yes | 1 year | Installation defect |
| Structural failures | Yes | 1 year | If installation defect |
| Gate alignment | Yes | 1 year | Will adjust |
| Weather damage | No | — | Exposure is expected |
| Wood aging/color change | No | — | Natural characteristic |
| Staining/finishing | No | — | Homeowner responsibility |
Detailed Info: Fencing
Concrete Flatwork (Driveway, Sidewalk, Patio)
Common Issues:
- Cracks
- Settling/heaving
- Surface scaling
- Staining/discoloration
Understanding Concrete Expectations:
- Concrete WILL crack - control joints direct where
- Some variation in color is normal
- Surface wear occurs over time
- Deicing chemicals can damage concrete
Try This First:
- Note crack width and location
- Check for trip hazards (one side higher than other)
- Seal concrete periodically
- Avoid salt/deicers, especially in first year
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracks > 3/16" wide | Yes | 1 year | Beyond normal shrinkage |
| Displacement > 3/8" | Yes | 1 year | Trip hazard |
| Settling under concrete | Yes | 1 year | Will fill sunken areas |
| Normal shrinkage cracks | No | — | Expected at control joints |
| Scaling from deicers | No | — | Chemical damage |
| Color variation | No | — | Normal |
Detailed Info: Concrete Flatwork
Landscaping & Grading
Common Issues:
- Trees/shrubs not thriving
- Grading causing drainage issues
- Settlement in yard
- Sprinkler problems
Important: Classic Homes establishes initial grading for drainage. Maintaining this is YOUR responsibility.
Try This First:
- Water new plants according to their needs (varies by species)
- Ensure soil slopes away from foundation
- Check sprinkler coverage and timing
- Address settling by adding soil as needed
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant material (where provided) | Yes | 1 year | Trees and shrubs |
| Drainage issues | Yes | 1 year | If you haven't altered grade |
| Settlement >4" in backfilled areas | Yes | 1 year | Will fill |
| Drainage after grade alteration | No | — | You void coverage by altering |
| Sod/seed failure | Varies | Limited | Check specific coverage |
| Sprinkler issues | Varies | 1 year | If installed by Classic |
Altering the drainage patterns established by Classic Homes may void your warranty coverage for drainage-related issues.
Detailed Info: Landscaping | Grading & Drainage
Seasonal Exterior Maintenance
Spring:
- Inspect roof from ground
- Clean gutters
- Check drainage, repair any settling
- Inspect caulking and touch up
- Service sprinkler system
Fall:
- Clean gutters again
- Disconnect hoses from exterior faucets
- Check weatherstripping on exterior doors
- Apply wood sealant to deck if needed
For detailed seasonal maintenance checklists, see the Maintain Your Home section in the main navigation.
When to Request Service
Contact Classic Homes if:
- Roof leak or missing shingles (not storm damage)
- Significant cracks in siding/stucco
- Structural deck issues
- Drainage problems (if you haven't altered grading)
- Concrete displacement creating trip hazard
Have Ready:
- Photos of the issue
- Location on property
- When you first noticed it
- Any relevant context (recent storm, etc.)