- Photos of the house and the damage
- Notes on the house's age and original material
- City contact for permit questions
A town where the buildings are part of the landmark
Annapolis is a city of old buildings. The Annapolis Historic District surrounds the Maryland State House and the City Dock, and the United States Naval Academy sits beside it along the Severn River. Across the water, Eastport and the creek-front neighborhoods hold cottages and newer homes exposed to the Bay. Siding here is often part of how a street looks, which makes matching and sensitivity matter as much as the repair itself.
Historic district homes
Older homes in and near the historic district are commonly wood clapboard with many layers of paint. Moisture at sills, corners and trim is the usual cause of damage. Exterior changes in the historic district can require review by the City of Annapolis, so confirm requirements with the city before any permanent work. For emergencies, closing the wall and stopping water entry is generally the first priority, and the technicians plan the permanent repair to match the existing profile. See StormGuard Siding's page on emergency siding repair in Historic Downtown Annapolis.
Waterfront and creek-front homes
Homes on Spa Creek, Back Creek and the Severn take more wind and humidity. Mildew, paint failure and moisture damage show up faster, and storm surge and wind-driven rain are bigger risks. Eastport is a good example, and StormGuard Siding's Eastport page covers what the technicians see there.
Busy weekends and access
Annapolis fills up during major events such as the fall boat shows, graduation season at the Naval Academy and holiday weekends. Streets can be crowded and parking limited, so access for ladders, lifts and material deliveries can take longer. If you need a non-urgent repair downtown, plan it around these dates. Emergencies cannot wait, and the crew members plan around the traffic.
Matching old siding
For wood walls, the technicians match profile, exposure and species as closely as the market allows. If an exact match is not possible the technicians will tell you before starting. StormGuard Siding's guides on repairing wood siding and repairing rotted siding and cedar shake explain the methods.
What to do first
- Make the wall weather-tight. Cover any opening and stop water entry first, with a temporary cover that does not damage historic material.
- Photograph everything. Take dated photos of the damage, the whole wall and the street view for the file.
- Contact the City of Annapolis. Ask whether the planned permanent repair needs review, especially for visible walls in the historic district.
- Choose matching materials. Plan to match the profile, exposure and material, and ask your contractor to show samples.
- Schedule the permanent repair. Book the repair once approvals are clear and the wall behind is dry.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need approval to repair siding in historic Annapolis?
It depends on the property and the work. Exterior changes in the historic district can require city review, so ask the City of Annapolis before permanent work and secure the wall in the meantime.
Can you use modern siding on an old Annapolis house?
Sometimes, but visible walls in the historic area are often expected to keep the original look. Check requirements first, then choose a material that fits.
Why do waterfront homes need more frequent siding checks?
Wind, humidity and salt-laden air from the water speed up wear, so annual inspections and prompt repairs prevent bigger moisture damage.
Is it harder to get siding repaired downtown?
Access can be tighter because of narrow streets and parking, especially on busy event weekends. StormGuard Siding's technicians plan equipment and delivery around it.
Keep reading
- How to Repair Wood Siding: Rot, Holes and Woodpeckers
- How to Repair Rotted Siding and Cedar Shake
- Annapolis Weather and Siding Damage: A Local Guide
Need hands-on help? StormGuard Siding provides emergency siding repair in Annapolis, MD, and the neighborhoods the technicians cover are listed on StormGuard Siding's service areas page. Quick answers are on StormGuard Siding's FAQs page.