The following contribution is from another author.
Modern homes not only have to look the part, but they also have to do so while handling extreme weather in stride. With rampant wildfires, gale force winds, and epic blizzards hitting the country with increasing frequency in the era of climate change, that stunning home can quickly lose its luster if not properly designed. Fortunately, there are many innovative materials that can give a property a head start. Keep reading as we explore some of the best materials for creating home exteriors that are both stylish and durable.
Fortified Roofing
The roof is one of the first places to start when it comes to ensuring the quality of your exterior. While standard asphalt shingle and wood shake roof systems are effective enough when new, they quickly lose their efficacy in the face of inclement weather and extended UV exposure.
As a result, modern homeowners are increasingly turning to durable metal and composite roofs when it comes time for an upgrade. These roofs can be manufactured in a wide array of colors and styles to meet the aesthetic needs of any home. With the highest fire and impact resistance ratings on the market, they are sure to give the house a well-fortified and attractive appearance for decades to come.
Concrete Alternatives
The concrete driveway and sidewalk are ubiquitous in suburban America. They create a clean, cultivated aspect that meshes harmoniously with a perfectly manicured lawn and white picket fence. With that said, the traditional take on curb appeal is being challenged by many modern homeowners, with low-water and minimalist themes taking hold in many areas of the country.
Furthermore, concrete itself, with its palatable upfront cost and relative durability, is not always the best option in high-traffic areas of the landscaping. It can be quite porous, making it susceptible to cracking and staining. If concrete’s substrate washes away and causes significant damage, repairing concrete can often be difficult and time consuming.
As such, permeable gravel driveways are gaining traction as a quality alternative to concrete. Using a durable substrate paver grid that holds surface gravel in place, permeable gravel surfaces create an elegant stone exterior for the home that is not as easily damaged by heavy moisture or acute impact, guaranteeing the ongoing aesthetics of these high-traffic areas.
Engineered Siding
Like roofing, the home’s siding is a crucial aspect of an attractive, high-performance exterior. Many traditional types of siding, such as wood planks, brick, and vinyl, simply do not hold up to modern standards. Wood and brick must be regularly painted and sealed to prevent moisture damage, while vinyl becomes brittle in the face of temperature fluctuations and UV exposure. For modern performance and aesthetics, it is better to explore engineered siding materials, such as steel log or fiber cement. Fiber cement, in particular, is manufactured from a combination of sand, Portland cement, and cellulose fibers that provides elite durability in the face of all types of exterior conditions. In addition to offering the highest fire and pest resistance, it can be manufactured in any number of attractive colors and designs to match a wide range of aesthetic tastes.
Elite Drainage Features
Water is the foundation of life. However, when left unchecked, it can quickly wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. Choose materials that give you a leg up on controlling runoff. Opt for durable aluminum gutters to ensure the correct flow of precipitation off of your roof.
Likewise, aluminum flashing will guarantee that moisture on the roof does not make its way under the surface materials, in turn threatening the roofing substrate. Make sure that the lawn and all exterior landscaping is adequately sloped away from the home to prevent groundwater from threatening the foundation. It is recommended to have the lawn on a 2% grade away from the home. Install slot drains in patios and pool decks to reduce the risk of puddles marring these exterior hangouts.
Upgraded Entryways
The front door will be one of the key focal points of any property. Not only is it a key component of creating a stunning first impression, but it can be used as part of a soundproof door system to keep heavy winds and noise pollution from traveling throughout the house. While it is hard to go wrong with a stately oak entryway, modern glass and steel options are increasingly gaining traction among homeowners who want to make a bold statement with their front doors.
Functional Small Details
Small details can go a long way when boosting the durability and aesthetics of an exterior. Adding trim to doors and windows provides an element of contrast that can truly make these focal points pop even more. New window shutters can boost certain home design styles, such as Victorian or Colonial. If a new siding project is not in the cards, something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for protecting the house from the elements while instantly improving its appearance.
Use Innovative Materials for Functional and Stunning Home Exteriors
Modern homes are required to look the part while also performing well under stress. The good news is that there are many versatile building materials that can help in both regards. From composite roofing to stunning window trim, consider any of the materials listed above for creating stylish and durable home exteriors. For more of the latest trends shaping the contemporary homeowner experience, explore the resources at At Home in the Future for ideas and inspiration today!
