With 2025 behind us, Smucker Exteriors would like to thank our wonderful clients and homeowners for a fantastic year.
Now, as a way of processing these past 12 months—and looking forward to a great new year—the crews at Smucker got together and compiled some of the top questions we received in 2025.
So give it a quick skim. If you’ve been thinking of renovating your home’s exterior, you’ve surely wondered about a few of these points.
Let’s get started.
1. Is It Better to Repair or Replace my Siding/Roof?
Let’s start with the big one:
How do you know if simple repairs will do, or if you need an entire replacement of your roof or siding? Well, it depends.
Here are a few times when repairs make the most sense.
- A few shingles have been pulled loose after a storm
- Siding simply needs to be repainted, or a panel replaced
- Flashing around chimneys and vents needs to be repaired
- Gutters are overflowing or pulling away from the home
On the flip side, here’s when replacement (or remediation) makes the most sense.
- Shingles are balding, or granules are appearing in downspouts
- Siding is soft to the touch and can be pushed in (repair ASAP)
- Water is entering the interior of the home and damaging drywall
- Your roof is nearing the end of a 20- or 30-year service life
- Streaks, discoloration, or rot are appearing on stucco siding
Each of the above bullets are potential signs of more severe water damage. Unfortunately, these issues only get worse—and more expensive—over time. So, while you may not be excited about paying for a new roof or siding system, it may be the wisest choice long-term.
2. How Do I Know if My Stucco Is Failing?
Due to a history of poor stucco jobs in our area, many homeowners call with questions regarding their stucco exteriors. Namely, they want to know how severe those cracks and stains are.
While some signs of wear can be part of normal aging, the following should all be inspected by a skilled stucco professional ASAP. They’re all signs of potential underlying moisture issues and only get worse with time.
- Soft spots (often points to underlying rot)
- Staining or streaking on stucco exterior
- Stucco bubbling or pulling away from the home
- Rot near exterior fixtures like outlets, lights, pipes, etc.
As these issues are often the result of moisture issues, they need to be inspected immediately. You may not require full stucco remediation, but if left unchecked, the damage will worsen.
3. What Exterior Siding Options Do I Have When Replacing My Stucco?
Here in southeastern PA, you have plenty of siding options that look great, increase home value, and work well in our sometimes finicky weather.
Some of our favorites to install are:
- James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
- Engineered hardwood products like LP SmartSide
- Vinyl siding panels (a favorite for economy and reliable ROI)
- Combinations of siding panels with stone or stone veneer accents
To view all of these products (and more), check out our Gallery Page. There, you’ll see examples of our favorite exterior renovations.
4. What Kind of ROI Do New Windows and Doors Offer?
Many homeowners are aware that new windows and doors can improve a home’s energy efficiency. But what does that actually mean? And is it with the upfront expense?
To answer that, let’s look at the hard numbers:
- Window drafts account for nearly 40% of residential energy loss
- You’ll save between $126 to $465 yearly by replacing single-pane windows with double-pane
- Replacing old double-pane windows can still save you $111 per year
- A new steel entryway door recoups 100% up its upfront cost
Plus, the returns aren’t all financial. Poor indoor air quality is linked to health hazards like irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and even cancer—as well as respiratory and heart diseases.
By installing larger windows in your home, you let in more natural light and fresh air (weather permitting), creating a happier, healthier, and more comfortable environment for everyone inside.
5. Can Exterior Work be Performed Year-Round?
This one is a bit of a trick question, so be sure to pay attention.
Many exterior projects are indeed seasonal. You won’t be getting a new roof or siding installation during a winter blizzard. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait until spring to tackle your upgrades.
In fact, winter is the perfect time to get a free quote. Winter is the time when our crews are doing most of their yearly planning, scheduling, and ordering of materials. Plus, by scheduling early, you’ll be at the front of the line when the warmer months roll around.
6. Are Financing Options Available for Exterior Projects?
While Smucker Exteriors does not directly finance homeowner renovations, we have partnered with a preferred lending platform—one we believe in for helping you find the ideal financing for your home, goals, and budget.
Hearth Financing is a lending platform specializing in home renovations. Rather than lending money directly, Hearth connects homeowners with a network of vetted lending partners, allowing you to compare loan options in one secure place.
Hearth offers:
- A 60-second pre-qualification process
- Soft credit checks that don’t affect credit score
- Loan amounts to cover most exterior projects
- Funds are usually delivered within 24 hours
- No home equity required as collateral
For more information on paying for your upcoming renovations, swing by our Financing Page.
Any More Questions? Reach Out to Our Team!
Renovating your home is a big deal. At the end of the day, you should be asking lots of questions. That way, you can feel confident about the choices you’re making and the soundness of your investments.
If you have additional questions, reach out to a trustworthy team member today. They’re ready to answer any questions you may have and help you make the best decisions for bringing your dream home to life.
Regards,
The Smucker Exteriors Team
P.S. Don’t wait. Get Your Free Quote Today!
