Homes situated in the hilly, beautiful neighborhoods of Manayunk and Roxborough are subjected to unique weather patterns, often taking the brunt of high winds and heavy rain. We recently responded to a distressed call from a homeowner in a classic twin property who was dealing with a nightmare scenario. Every time it rained heavily, water was actively pooling near their foundation, and damp spots were appearing on the drywall of their first-floor living room.
They had tried applying thick layers of caulk around their windows to no avail. They needed a definitive solution, which is where our comprehensive approach to exterior remodeling completely turned the situation around.
Identifying the Dual Culprits
Upon arriving at the property, our diagnostic team conducted a thorough exterior envelope inspection. The root causes of the water intrusion were immediately clear. First, the home’s original aluminum siding was heavily dented, oxidized, and pulling away from the structural sheathing. Second, the old, sectional gutters were heavily clogged with debris and had physically separated at the seams.
Instead of catching the rainwater and safely diverting it away from the home, the failing gutters were allowing waterfalls of water to cascade directly down the compromised siding. The water slipped behind the aluminum panels, soaking the wooden framing beneath. A simple siding repair Philadelphia homeowners might attempt would not suffice here; the home required a total exterior remediation.
Rebuilding the Waterproof Envelope
Our first step was a complete tear-off of the old aluminum siding. Once the structural wooden sheathing was exposed, we replaced several rotted wooden panels to ensure the home was structurally sound. Next, we applied a high-quality, breathable synthetic house wrap. This acts as a critical moisture barrier, allowing trapped water vapor to escape from the inside while completely blocking exterior rain from entering.
We then installed premium, insulated vinyl siding in a beautiful, rich blue tone. Insulated siding not only provides superior impact resistance against hail and debris but also wraps the home in a thermal blanket, drastically improving energy efficiency.
Upgrading the Drainage System
To ensure the new siding was permanently protected, we executed professional gutter services. We custom-fabricated continuous, heavy-gauge seamless aluminum gutters directly on-site. Because seamless gutters lack the joints and connectors of standard systems, they are virtually immune to mid-span leaks. We installed oversized downspouts to handle the heaviest summer downpours, routing the water far away from the home’s foundation.
The homeowners were thrilled. Their property received a massive boost in curb appeal, but more importantly, their water intrusion issues were permanently solved. If your home’s exterior is failing to keep the elements out, contact Philadelphia Exterior Contractors today for a permanent, professional upgrade.
