Curb appeal is one of the most important components of home design. Not only does it arrest the attention of passersby and help your home stand out on the real estate market, but everyone takes pride in living in a house that looks the part. To help you take the next step in boosting your home’s curb appeal, keep reading as we explore some of the best ideas for creating a balanced look with your home’s exterior elements!
Composite Roofing
A dilapidated roof is a surefire means of making otherwise stunning exteriors look tacky. Likewise, a fresh roof is the proverbial “cherry on top” for even the most modest designs. Choosing the correct materials will go a long way in determining just how well your roof can hold its like-new aspect.
Many traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and wooden shakes, create a strong impression when new. However, they are readily damaged by inclement weather and extended UV exposure. They will often crack, blister, or raise in as little as 15 years without meticulous care. As such, modern homeowners are turning to innovative composite roofing products when it comes time to give the roof a facelift.
Manufactured from a combination of asphalt, fiberglass, and other types of recycled polymers, composite roofing tiles offer the highest fire, wind, and impact ratings on the market. They can be fabricated in a wide range of styles to match any type of exterior design theme. Because they do not fade in the face of UV exposure, they are a great choice for ensuring the ongoing appearance of your roof for years to come with minimal intervention required.
Window Upgrade
Windows are commonly referred to as the “eyes” of the home. Therefore, ensure a welcoming first impression by giving your windows a fresh glint. New windows will inject a sense of vivacity into the house, helping it appear more vibrant and alive. In addition, certain home styles, such as Colonial or Victorian, can get a nice boost with the inclusion of stately shutters. If shutters are too much for your particular theme, some simple window trim can create a key element of contrast that helps your home’s exterior shine.
Engineered Siding
Like dated roofing, worn siding is another eyesore on a home’s exterior. As it occupies the largest square footage of the house’s exterior surface area, there is simply no way to hide cladding that does not look the part. Unfortunately, many traditional siding materials, such as wood planks and brick, must be regularly painted and sealed to maintain their appearance as they age. Vinyl, which is marketed as a more affordable, lower maintenance option, has its own set of concerns. While it does not need to be painted, it is known to crack in the face of temperature fluctuations. The areas that receive the most sunlight will also fade, and there is no way to restore a vinyl home’s uniform aesthetics without a complete replacement.
To avoid these concerns, it is worthwhile to consider an upgrade to engineered fiber cement cladding. Manufactured from a combination of sand, water, cellulose fibers, and Portland cement, this innovative product offers the highest protection against fire, pests, and inclement weather on the market. It can also be created in the most popular siding colors, many of which are nearly indistinguishable from natural wood or brick. This guarantees that homeowners can create a balanced rustic look without any of the ongoing upkeep concerns.
Permeable Gravel Driveways
There is no denying that concrete driveways are the most popular choice in American homes. They create a clean, cultivated appearance when new. However, concrete is quite porous. This makes it susceptible to staining and cracking. More significant damage can occur if the driveway’s substrate is washed away during periods of heavy precipitation.
To alleviate some of these concerns, many homeowners are exploring permeable gravel driveway options. This innovative system uses a series of durable substrate pavers to hold surface gravel in place. This eliminates the rutting and clumping concerns known to disfigure traditional gravel driveways. Thanks to their elite drainage properties and low maintenance, the classy stone aspect of permeable gravel driveways makes for a stunning driveway choice for a wide range of home styles.
New Garage Door
There is no focal point in a home’s exterior quite as large as a garage door. It will be under scrutiny every time a guest pulls into your driveway. A dinged and dented garage door immediately detracts from exterior aesthetics. It also creates safety concerns. While the standard carriage garage door remains a staple, upgrading to modern steel, engineered wood, or sleek glass options can do wonders for creating a “wow” factor that helps your garage door mesh harmoniously with the cladding theme of your home.
Create Cohesion with Strategic Exterior Home Elements
Ensuring harmonious curb appeal is one of the most important factors in creating a next-level property. From composite roofing to a new garage door, explore any of the ideas listed above to create a balanced look for your home’s exterior. For more insights into the trends shaping the contemporary home design landscape, explore the resources at FINE Magazine for ideas and inspiration today!
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