3 Home Exterior Updates That Provide Long-Term Benefits

Older homes can benefit from updated exterior materials to keep them free of damages. The main parts of the home's exterior to target for modern upgrades include the roof, siding, and windows. You can reduce overall maintenance and replacement costs over the years by choosing the right materials for the updates.

1. Roof

Troubles with your roof can lead to major water and damage inside the home. Hail, tornadoes, and hurricane-force winds can all be a problem, as can the usual wear and tear due to aging. 

Storm Protection

Modern asphalt shingles and roof installation procedures provide better protection against storms, including hail and hurricanes. Impact resistant and wind-rated shingles are now on the market and less likely to suffer damages compared to your old roof. Modern installation techniques, including using up to six nails per shingle and installing wind resistant flashing tape and fortified membranes below the shingles will also lead to a more durable and resilient roof. 

Leak Resistance

Leaks are a more insidious form of damage on a roof, as they may be so slow that they go unnoticed until the damage is quite severe. Moss on the roof, for example, can trap moisture against the shingles and increase the chance of leaks.

Fortunately, there are options in modern asphalt shingles that can reduce the likelihood of leaks. Opting for shingles coated in zinc will reduce the chance of moss growth and result in greater leak resistance. 

2. Siding

Siding keeps moisture and drafts out of your home. Older homes are often clad in wood siding, which can look nice but requires a lot of work to maintain.

Maintenance Considerations

Vinyl siding requires much less maintenance compared to wood siding. There's never any need to repaint it or worry about rot issues. Generally, the only required maintenance is to periodically wash it so it is free of dirt and grime. Painting also isn't requirement with today's fade-resistant vinyl, but there are options available in case you simply want to repaint for a color change in the future. 

Longterm Durability

Vinyl siding is very durable and long lasting, but it isn't immune to damages. It can be punctured or cracked if something hits it hard enough. Unlike wood siding, though, a small amount of damage won't lead to rot that affects multiple panels that may lead to a large scale replacement.

Instead of being left with a major repair, vinyl can be quickly fixed by cutting off the damaged section and quickly replacing it with a new one.

3. Windows

Old windows cost you money and require more work compared to modern insulated windows with vinyl frames. Window upgrades also can improve the appearance of your home while allowing in more natural light.

Energy Efficiency

Windows can impact your energy usage by up to 30 percent, but an upgrade to energy efficient options can help reduce this impact and the cost of heating and cooling your home.

Modern energy efficient windows use a combination of methods to reduce heat gain in summer and prevent heat loss in winter. You can upgrade to multi-pane insulated windows, for example. There are also energy efficient coatings that can also help reduce heat gain.

Easy Care

Many older windows feature wooden frames and sashes, which are prone to rot and require more maintenance since they must be repainted every few years. Vinyl framed modern windows require no ongoing maintenance, except to occasionally hose them down to remove any collected dirt and dust. Vinyl frames don't fade or damage easily, either, so there's no need to worry about painting. 

Contact Maynor Roofing, Siding and Home Repair Company if you are ready to update your home's exterior.