Are you considering updating your home’s exterior but not sure where to start or what materials are best? With so many exterior designs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones. This guide covers a few of the best exterior projects for homeowners prioritizing low-maintenance designs.
Metal Roof
A metal roof is an excellent option for homeowners who need a new roof and want something that will last with minimal maintenance. Because a metal roof doesn’t have shingles, they don’t require as much ongoing maintenance. Metal roofs are designed to last 40 or more years, making them a cost-efficient option. They’re also rated to withstand much higher wind forces than traditional roofs, which could lead to a lower insurance rate or less damage following extreme weather conditions.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a popular choice for many homes because it is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and available in a wide range of colors. Fiber cement materials also don’t have knots or grooves, meaning they hold paint better. You won’t have to repaint your siding as much with fiber cement as you do with other materials.
Homeowners who have older stucco siding may want to consider stucco remediation to update their materials to something more maintenance-free. During stucco remediation, homeowners can expect the technician to remove all the old, rotted stucco and underlying damaged wood and replace it with better, more durable materials.
Composite Decks
Composite decks are the new trend in outdoor designs. Traditional wood decks quickly dull and require routine maintenance because they’re consistently exposed to sunlight and other weather elements. Composite decks don’t warp, splinter, dull, or fade, making them an excellent option for your outdoor space.
They also never need to be sanded or stained, making them look newer for longer. Composite decks can easily last up to 30 years with the right installation. Additionally, composite decks are free of splinters, so they may be a safer option for households with small children or pets.
Artificial Turf
Homeowners who don’t want to deal with routine lawn mowing and seeding may prefer artificial turf over traditional grass. With artificial turf, you can take back your weekends and not have to deal with lawn maintenance.
Despite little to no maintenance, artificial turf still allows your yard to look great, meaning you can entertain and enjoy your outdoor space with minimal effort. Homeowners with artificial turf can enjoy good curb appeal and often have the greenest grass on the block without spending hours managing it.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are cost-effective, easy to install, and well-insulated. They’re also mostly scratch-free, meaning you won’t have to repaint them frequently. Vinyl is also popular because it’s heat, water, and UV resistant, meaning it won’t be affected by Pennsylvania’s hot summers or cold winters.
If your vinyl windows get dirty, you can easily clean them with a warm rag and dish soap. Despite a cheaper price tag, vinyl windows tend to fit well and block out a lot of outdoor air, helping to control your heating and cooling bills.
Asphalt or Concrete Paver Driveway and Walkway
An asphalt or concrete paver driveway and walkway are low-maintenance yet nice-looking options for your home’s exterior. Asphalt is a good choice for a driveway because it’s water resistant, and its darker color minimizes glare. Asphalt materials hold heat, which also means snow may melt faster.
Concrete is also a functional, versatile choice because it’s easy to install and looks great. You can choose from many different colors and designs with concrete, helping to achieve your dream design. Concrete does tend to be slightly more expensive than other options, like asphalt or gravel, but the trade-off is that it’s much more durable and lower maintenance.
Why Choose Low-Maintenance Designs?
Choosing low-maintenance designs and materials for your home offers many benefits, including:
- Avoid expensive repair needs: Delicate or high-maintenance materials may require frequent repairs. When you choose lower maintenance materials, you shouldn’t have to worry about as many repairs.
- Spend less time on home projects: Avoid wasting your evenings and weekends having to keep up with high-maintenance projects and designs. Certain materials, including fiber cement and composite wood, require little to no maintenance.
- Longer-lasting: Lower maintenance materials are more durable, meaning they’ll withstand the elements easily and last longer.
- More cost-efficient: The better the materials you choose, the more cost-efficient the results. While better materials may cost more upfront, you’ll quickly make up the difference with fewer repairs and longer-lasting results.
Some homeowners also find that low-maintenance designs increase the selling price of their homes. Home projects or features that require little upkeep and maintenance can be a huge selling point in today’s market. Pennsylvania homeowners have a lot of excellent low-maintenance projects, including fiber cement siding or composite wood decks.
