The exterior of the home has gotten increased attention in recent years. In addition to its critical role in providing elemental defense from the weather and establishing curb appeal, modern exteriors are required to offer functional space that gives homeowners a much-needed change of scenery.
In order to accomplish these diverse ends, it is crucial to design and renovate with the best materials on the market. Keep reading as we explore all aspects of creating the most high-performance residential exterior possible.
Choose Durable Roofing
The roof is a home’s first line of defense against the forces of nature. It is also one of the first things onlookers will notice when assessing the property. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. They provide a classy aspect when new and offer decent protection.
Upgraded roofs that offer greater durability commonly feature slate, concrete, or other types of masonry tiles. While these roofs offer outstanding protection, they are heavy and can be difficult to repair if they ever do get damaged. Check with your roofing company to see if they offer engineered composite shingles. They are as lightweight as standard asphalt shingles while as durable as more robust masonry products, giving the home stylish protection--with minimal effort--for many decades.
Spruce Up the Windows
Windows are the eyes of the home. They can truly infuse life into an otherwise rundown property. Stately bay or casement windows improve optics and create a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. For stunning contrast between the windows and home cladding, explore modern trim and shutter options.
Modernize the Siding
The home’s cladding occupies a large majority of the exterior surface area. As such, it must be of the highest quality to ensure ongoing performance and aesthetics. Traditional siding materials, such as brick or wood planks, look wonderful when new.
However, they must be regularly sealed, stained, and/or painted to maintain performance. A more modern exterior siding material is fiber cement. Fabricated from a mixture of water, sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, it offers the highest resistance to fire, impact, moisture, and impact damage on the market. It is rated to last 50 years but in many cases will last longer than the house itself.
Update the Garage Door
The garage door is a true focal point of the exterior. It also receives heavy use. Most homes open and close the garage door multiple times per day. As the torsion springs on most garage doors will only last for around 10,000 cycles, the garage door will wear out in under 10 years. Even if the springs are still in good shape, the garage door is constantly at risk of dings, dents, and scratches--all of which create an eyesore over time.
The good news is that a garage door replacement can be completed in as little as half a day with professional installation. The cost is usually in the ballpark of $5,000--much all of which is recovered through increased resale value of the home.
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Ensure Adequate Drainage
Moisture is one of the most significant threats to a home’s exterior. Not only can it damage building materials, but it will wreak havoc on the landscaping as well. The first step to moisture control is to establish the quality of the gutter system. Integrate the appropriate flashing and troughs to guarantee that all runoff moves away from the home.
If there is significant landscaping to protect, install slot drains to keep water from pooling and damaging surfaces. As moisture turns into groundwater, look into foundation waterproofing and the best moisture barrier for basement walls to guarantee that key below-grade areas of the home remain in pristine condition.
Provide Sun Protection
The most extravagant exterior hangouts will offer little utility without adequate shading. No one wants to have to apply sunscreen every time they want to step outside and relax. One of the best ways to provide shade is through a pergola addition. Many modern pergolas come in easy-to-assemble kits that can be erected in as little as a few hours. Other ideas for exterior shading include retractable awnings for decks and roller shades for patios.
Stay Ahead of Concrete Damage
Concrete is the most widely used material in finished exteriors. It serves everything from flower beds to sidewalks, driveways to patio floors. While it is undoubtedly a durable material that creates a stunning aspect when new, it does have some porosity issues which can lead to emergent damage.
Understand how to clean concrete patio surfaces to keep food stains from blemishing aesthetics. Learn how to seal sidewalks and driveways so that cracking does not occur during the freeze/thaw cycle.
Create Stunning and Functional Residential Exteriors Today
From durable roofing to accommodating shade, it takes a holistic approach to design to create the most stunning and functional exteriors possible. For more of the latest in home remodeling trends, explore the resources at Structures Insider for the leading insights in the industry.
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