The Exterior Is Easy to Ignore
Most new homeowners spend their first weeks focused on the interior — unpacking, decorating, settling in. The exterior of the home, especially the roof, gets far less attention. That is exactly why exterior defects are among the most commonly missed warranty issues.
What Your Warranty Typically Covers
**Roofing:** Workmanship defects in roof installation are usually covered under the first-year workmanship warranty, while roofing materials themselves often carry a separate manufacturer warranty. Improper flashing, insufficient nailing, and poor underlayment installation are builder responsibilities.
**Siding and Trim:** Gaps, warping, and improper caulking around windows and doors are workmanship issues. Left unaddressed, these gaps allow water intrusion behind the siding.
**Grading and Drainage:** Builders are responsible for grading the lot so water flows away from the foundation. Improper grading is one of the most consequential — and most fixable — defects if caught early.
**Gutters and Downspouts:** Improperly sloped gutters or downspouts that discharge too close to the foundation can direct water exactly where it should not go.
Signs to Watch For
Walk your exterior perimeter every few months, especially after heavy rain. Look for standing water near the foundation, staining or streaking on siding, gaps where trim meets siding or windows, granule loss in the driveway near downspouts, and soft spots on the roof deck visible from the attic.
Why These Defects Escalate Quickly
Water intrusion issues rarely stay small. A minor flashing defect can lead to rotted sheathing within a single wet season. A grading problem can cause foundation settling over several years. Catching these issues while they are still cosmetic saves both money and warranty eligibility.
Documenting Exterior Defects
Photograph the full perimeter of your home during your move-in walkthrough, and again at three months and eleven months. Note weather conditions — a photo taken during or immediately after rain is more useful for documenting drainage issues than one taken on a dry day.
If you notice a defect, report it immediately in writing with photos and the date first observed, just as you would for any other warranty claim.
Walk the perimeter often. Catch exterior defects while they are still small.