Every so often, we step outside and realize our homes could use a makeover. It can be due to extreme weathering or even just a matter of time passing and trends turning stale.
Regardless of the reason, you’re going to need the most affordable and effective ways to give your home the TLC it deserves. Whether you’re planning on selling, buying, or continuing your residence, here are just a few ways you can help the exterior of your home.
1. Pay Attention to Your Roof
The roof takes the biggest hit from natural forces, like heat, rain, and snow. As such, it will often fall into a sorry state faster than your siding, exterior paint coat, etc.
Look out for broken, cracked, or even missing tiles — especially if they consist of one of the more natural materials, such as clay, concrete, or slate. All of these materials can withstand a significant degree of weathering. Still, if your roof is older than 10 years, know that these materials will need to be replaced sooner than later. Aside from making your home look better, this will also help to ensure its structural integrity.
Improving your roof can be a minor fix, such as repairs to broken shingles, or it can be an entire renovation, such as a roof replacement. If your roof is more than 15 years old, you’ll probably be looking at replacement more than repair.
However, you can make a replacement cost-effective by choosing a more durable material than asphalt shingles. According to this metal roofing Denvercompany, metal roofs can last up to 50 years.
2. Renovate Your Walls
Much like your roof, your walls are constantly against the elements, so it’s a good idea to take care of them when you get the chance. When it comes to taking care of your wall exteriors, there are two choices you can make.
The first is the coating, which is a process that’s almost like interior painting. However, coating comes with the additional benefits of offering colour protection and waterproofing. It also protects the house from carbonation by acting as a barrier against carbon dioxide and dampness.
The second option is cladding. There are many materials to consider if you choose cladding, such as wood, concrete, vinyl, aluminium, etc. Cladding acts as a barrier between the weather and your house, protecting your walls’ interior linings. It comes with the extra benefit of giving the outside of your house a more natural look depending on the materials used.
If you’re interested in cladding, always contact a professional to see what would be best for your property.
3. Fix Up Your Windows
Over time, your windows can become damaged due to the elements. Cracks, damaged wood, mould, and rot will build up over the years, making window repairs more difficult to deal with. Also, your current windows may not be double-glazed if your house is older, meaning you’re losing a lot of heat throughout the year.
Your first concern should be with the window fittings if they’re in a state of decay due to mould, rot, or damage. Cutting out and replacing the fixtures will make replacing the glass much more manageable. Dealing with this problem before it becomes critical could also save you money in the long run.
Once the windows have been renovated, you’re free to decorate them as you see fit! It’s the fun part you’ve been waiting for. Add flower boxes below your window to give them additional depth and create the illusion of length. Shutters give the house a little more personality, and the same can be said for adding window trims if shutters aren’t an option.
Window trims can range from big to small and simple or ornate. The important thing is to find which style fits the idea you’re going for.
Bottom Line
No matter how you choose to decorate your home, you should always address any damage, decay, or mould. Otherwise, your new design touches and will seem more like cover-ups.
Cross off roof inspections, wall renovations, and window replacements on your to-do list this spring. Then you can bring in the flower boxes, repaint the shutters, and pick out paints. You’ll be so much happier you decided to address the damage now than later on.