In December 2023, a client purchased a house in Staten Island that was built in 1989. Shortly after moving in, they noticed a persistent problem – water was leaking through the first-floor window. They had tried everything from caulking around the window to adding tar on the roof, but the problem persisted. That’s when they called us at Brooklyn’s Best Handyman and General Construction.
Upon our meticulous inspection, we discovered the real culprit – the siding had not been installed properly leading to extensive water damage. Much of the wood had rotted, and carpenter ants had made themselves at home. Deeply concerning was the fact that the siding lacked a waterproof barrier that should have been flagged during the house inspection.
Beyond just identifying the problem, we took methodical steps to fix it thoroughly. We replaced the rotted wood boards, installed a new waterproof membrane, and updated the insulation. Particular care was taken when removing the existing aluminum siding, as it was to be reused due to its unique, discontinued color.
Once the structural elements were taken care of, we redid the caulking of the windows, corners, and channels. We even took the additional step of removing and replacing rusted nails that were holding the channels together that weren’t up to code.
The lure of a quick fix can be strong; however, this client’s experience shows the importance of thorough, comprehensive work. At the end of a full day, the project was completed to meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Today, the homeowner does not experience any leaks, and as they put it, “You can’t tell that you removed the siding. It looks perfect”.
If you are experiencing home maintenance issues that need expert attention, get an estimate today!