When it comes to home improvement, many people think only of the inside of their home. But what about the outside? Your home’s exterior is just as important and can be just as improved with a little effort. Here are three ways to improve your home’s exterior: roofing, siding, and landscaping.
Roofing
Roofing is one of the most important aspects of your home’s exterior. A good roof will protect your home from the elements and keep it looking its best. There are many different types of roofing materials available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
It’d be even better if you can find a company that has everything you need, like National Home Improvement – a Littleton roofing contractor, for example, so you don’t need to spend too much researching.
If you’re not sure what type of roofing material to choose, ask a home improvement professional for help. We shall list a few here for your consideration.
- Asphalt shingles
- Metal roofing
- Slate roofing
- Clay tile roofing
- Concrete tile roofing
Asphalt Shingles:
Pros: Inexpensive, come in a variety of colors and styles, easy to install.
Cons: May not be as durable as other materials, and can buckle in high heat or cold weather.
Metal Roofing:
Pros: Long lasting, can be recycled, reflects heat.
Cons: More expensive than asphalt shingles, can be noisy during rain or hail storms.
Slate Roofing:
Pros: Can last a lifetime, stylish, fireproof.
Cons: Very expensive, difficult to install.
Clay Tile Roofing:
Pros: Long lasting, stylish, good in hot climates.
Cons: Heavy, can crack in severe weather conditions.
Concrete Tile Roofing:
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install, fireproof.
Cons: Can be heavy, and may crack in severe weather conditions.
Siding
Siding is another important aspect of your home’s exterior. It not only protects your home from the elements, but it also adds to its curb appeal.
There are many different types of siding available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. If you’re not sure what type of siding to choose, again ask a professional.
Siding choices:
- Vinyl siding
- Wood siding
- Fiber cement siding
- Brick siding
- Stone siding
- Stucco siding
Vinyl Siding:
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install, low maintenance.
Cons: Not as durable as other materials, can fade or crack over time.
Wood Siding:
Pros: Natural look, can be painted or stained to match your home’s exterior, easy to repair.
Cons: Needs to be regularly painted or stained, can rot or insect damage.
Fiber Cement Siding:
Pros: Long lasting, low maintenance, fire resistant.
Cons: Heavy, can be difficult to install.
Brick Siding:
Pros: Long lasting, low maintenance, fire resistant.
Cons: Can be expensive, and may require professional installation.
Stone Siding:
Pros: Natural look, long-lasting, low maintenance.
Cons: Can be expensive, and may require professional installation.
Stucco Siding:
Pros: Long lasting, low maintenance, fire resistant.
Cons: Can be difficult to install, and may crack over time.
As with roofing, the siding that we choose will be about how long we want it to last compared to the money that we have spent on it.
Also, the look that we are trying to achieve. Home improvements are as much about protecting our home from the elements as having it look pleasing to our eye as well as those of others. We will want our property inviting from the outside to our guests looking to enter it. These might be friends, family, colleagues, or associates.
Landscaping
Landscaping is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal. By adding some strategically placed plants and shrubs, you can make your home look more inviting and increase its value.
There is more to it than just gardening skills, it is a matter of design too, and timing things with the different seasons. A horticulturist or landscape gardener may well be the person to ask unless you are prepared to do a lot of research.
By improving your home’s exterior, you can not only make it look its best, but you can also increase its value. So don’t neglect the outside of your home when it comes to home improvement. Roofing, siding, and landscaping are all great ways to improve your home’s exterior.
