Most homeowners don’t walk around their entire house very often and give it a thorough look. Life gets busy, and let’s face it, unless something looks really bad or breaks completely, it’s easy to assume everything’s fine. But when it comes to your home’s exterior, small issues can turn into expensive problems if left unchecked. Rotting wood, gaps around windows, flaking paint, or even a few nail pops might not seem like a big deal, but these are all early warning signs that your home is trying to tell you something.
Neglecting regular exterior maintenance is one of the biggest reasons people end up replacing siding, dealing with water damage, or repainting far sooner than they expected. That’s why doing a detailed checkup twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, can make all the difference.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve served Omaha homeowners for nearly 30 years. Over that time, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly Nebraska’s weather can wear down even a freshly painted home. Between snow and freezing temps in the winter, heavy rains in the spring, and scorching sun in the summer, your exterior takes a beating. And the signs of damage often start small, something as simple as a crack in caulk or a soft spot in trim can lead to bigger issues later on.
We’ve worked on homes where an unnoticed woodpecker hole turned into a major rot issue, or where bubbling paint was actually a symptom of water getting behind the siding. We’ve also seen homeowners get frustrated because they assumed their paint warranty covered damage, but they hadn’t kept up with maintenance, and the warranty didn’t apply. We don’t want that for you.
This article will walk you through exactly what to look for during a twice-a-year exterior checkup. You’ll learn what kinds of issues should raise a red flag, why catching them early matters, and how it can affect your home’s paint, caulking, and even warranties. We’ll also explain what kind of care Brush & Roll Painting puts into prepping and maintaining painted surfaces, so you understand what to expect from a professional painter. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently assess your home’s exterior—and know when to call in a pro.
Why a Twice-Yearly Exterior Home Checkup Matters
Even if your home was recently painted, it still needs routine attention. Paint is part of your home's defense system, but it’s not invincible. Small issues like flaking paint or cracked caulking are your home’s way of signaling that the barrier is weakening. Fixing those issues right away keeps moisture, pests, and sun damage from working their way in.
What Happens if You Don’t Check?
- Water Intrusion: Cracked caulking or peeling paint lets water sneak into the wood. That can lead to rot, mold, and eventually, structural damage.
- Wasted Warranty: Most paint warranties require the homeowner to maintain the surface. If something fails and you haven’t done regular upkeep, your warranty could be void.
- Bigger Repair Bills: A small repair today might cost $150, but ignoring it for a year could turn it into a $1,500 repair.
- Pests: Holes or cracks can invite woodpeckers, ants, bees, and other pests that thrive in untreated or damaged wood.
What to Look For in a Twice-a-Year Exterior Checkup
When you do your walkthrough, ideally once in the spring and again in the fall, take your time and look closely. Here’s what we recommend you check:
1. Paint Peeling or Bubbling
If you see areas where paint is lifting, cracking, or bubbling, it’s not just cosmetic. This means the paint has lost its bond with the surface underneath, and moisture is likely getting in.
- Common on sun-exposed sides or near the bottom of the trim
- It may be caused by poor prep, water damage, or age
- If ignored, the paint will continue to fail, and the wood underneath could rot
2. Cracked or Missing Caulk
Caulk helps seal joints and prevent water from sneaking in behind trim, around windows, or between siding boards. Over time, it naturally shrinks or cracks.
- Look closely around window and door frames, vertical siding seams, and corners
- If gaps are visible, they need to be re-caulked
- Our paint warranties at Brush & Roll Painting include caulking, but maintenance matters
3. Soft or Rotted Wood
Use a screwdriver or the tip of a key to gently press on trim boards and siding in a few areas. If the wood feels soft or spongy, that’s a bad sign.
- Focus on areas near the bottom of siding, window trim, and anywhere water may sit
- Softwood can lead to major repairs if left untreated
- If caught early, the piece can often be replaced without a full paint redo
4. Woodpecker or Pest Holes
Small, round holes in trim, soffits, or fascia boards could be caused by birds or insects.
- Woodpeckers often drill into soft wood or areas with insect activity
- These holes expose the interior wood and allow water in
- Filling and sealing these early keeps pests out and the paint intact
5. Hairline Cracks in Siding or Trim
Look along your siding and trim for thin cracks, especially near joints. These are early signs of movement or weathering.
- These can be sealed with caulk or painted over if minor
- If wide or deep, they may signal bigger issues like foundation movement or water damage
6. Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Sometimes, caulk isn’t the only issue. Gaps can form when trim warps or pulls away.
- You may notice drafts indoors or see light around the edges
This can lead to water damage inside the wall - It can also affect energy efficiency and lead to higher bills
7. Faded or Chalky Paint
Rub your hand over the painted siding. If it leaves a powdery residue, your paint is chalking.
Chalking is a sign that the paint’s protective qualities are breaking down. This doesn’t mean you need to repaint immediately, but it’s a sign to monitor.
8. Power Washing Dirt or Mold
Mold or dirt buildup can slowly damage paint and caulk if left too long.
- Spring is a great time to power wash to remove buildup
- At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, we offer power washing as a standalone service, even if you’re not ready to repaint. You can also rent a power washer from local hardware stores.
How Exterior Issues Affect Paint Warranties
Paint warranties can give homeowners peace of mind, but only if they understand what’s covered and what’s not.
At Brush & Roll Painting, our exterior warranties range from 2 to 9 years, depending on the product chosen. But like most warranties, they require proper maintenance.
If caulk wasn’t maintained or wood was left exposed to rot until the 8th year, it can void the warranty or cause extra repair costs. This is true for most paint companies, even if they don’t spell it out in big, bold letters. That’s why doing a checkup and fixing small problems protects more than just your home, it protects your investment in the work you’ve already paid for.
When to Call a Professional Painter
If you notice peeling paint, cracked caulk, rotting trim, or anything else that doesn’t seem right, don’t wait. The longer these issues sit, the worse they’ll get. A local painter who does repairs can often patch these areas before they grow. And if it turns out you need a repaint, it’s better to know before major damage sets in.
Exterior Painting in Omaha, NE
Taking the time to inspect your home’s exterior in spring and fall is one of the easiest ways to prevent surprise repairs and keep your house looking great. By catching small problems early—like flaking paint, woodpecker holes, or cracked caulk—you’re protecting your investment and keeping your paint job looking fresh longer.
Brush & Roll Painting has helped Omaha, NE, homeowners maintain and protect their exteriors since 1996. If your checkup revealed something that might need attention, click the button below to get a quote from our team.
If it’s time for an exterior painting project, but you aren’t ready to get a quote, get our free Exterior Painting Project Checklist. This includes everything from seasonal maintenance tips to questions to ask when hiring a painter. Keeping up with your home’s care doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have a trusted plan in place.
