Low Maintenance And Durable Exterior Projects For The New Year

With the New Year comes new resolutions, with many Colorado homeowners vowing to finally get around to those home renovations that they neglected in 2020. However, while most people know that they should invest in value-adding remodeling projects, few know exactly where to begin. If you fall into this category, a great place to start would be with one of the following low maintenance and durable exterior renovation projects that are sure to make your home shine in 2021.

1. UPGRADE THE ROOF

Just as the roof is the top of your house, a roof upgrade should be at the top of your list when planning exterior renovations--especially in a region like Colorado, where roofs receive a continuous volley of sunlight and snowfall. Quality roofing should have the following features:

• High enough thermal mass to prevent exterior temperatures from transferring inside
• A sturdy fabrication that will hold up in the face of high winds and heavy precipitation without degrading
• An attractive appearance that adds to the home’s curb appeal

While asphalt, wood, and metal roof tile options have their strengths and weaknesses, a better alternative to handle the diverse Colorado conditions is synthetic cedar shakes. This innovative roofing is made from recycled polymer materials that are fully waterproof, have the highest impact rating, and can withstand intense UV exposure, coming with a 50-year guarantee for the ultimate in low-maintenance roofing.

2. ADD SOME WINDOW TRIM

Colorado is notorious for strong winds in the springtime as the impending warmth blows the winter away. Therefore, a surprising amount of unwanted air can transfer into your home. If you feel like your windows are a bit leaky, consider the benefits of adding some exterior window trim as an additional layer of insulation. Not only can this help in keeping unwanted air and moisture out of your home, but when coordinated with striking garage door trim ideas, this minor project can substantially increase the curb appeal of your property.

3. TRANSITION TO A GRAVEL DRIVEWAY

While quality driveways are important everywhere, it can be argued that nowhere are they more important than Colorado. A foot of snow on Monday can be followed by 60° on Tuesday, creating all kinds of confusion for your home’s exterior elements.

As a result, Colorado driveways must provide elite drainage and be able to withstand frequent freezing and thawing. Whereas concrete driveways are known to crack and buckle under these conditions, permeable gravel driveways are able to withstand Colorado’s diverse weather conditions with little trouble. What’s more: with innovative grids that hold gravel in place, contemporary gravel driveways are not plagued with the rutting and clumping concerns that have historically caused homeowners to bypass gravel options, allowing for a natural stone aspect that plays extremely well in the Rocky Mountains.

4. REPLACE THE GARAGE DOOR

The average American household will open and close the garage door 1,500 times per year. Considering that the torsion springs used to raise and lower the garage door will likely wear out after 10,000 cycles, a garage door stands to be serviced roughly every seven years.

However, many people continue to roll with their slow, uneven and dented garage door year-after-year. Not only does this diminish your home’s curb appeal, but it poses a potential safety threat if the springs were to give out altogether. Therefore, it is a good idea to look into custom garage doors to ensure that your garage matches the quality of your home itself. The best garage door installation specialists can complete the project in as little as a few hours once on-site, and with a plethora of designs meant to thrive in the Rocky Mountains, it is a straightforward way to improve the quality of your property without committing to a major renovation.

CONCLUSION

The New Year has caused many homeowners to redouble their commitment to improving their property. By considering any of the aforementioned durable and low maintenance exterior projects for your Colorado home, you will be well on the way to making this New Year’s resolution a reality.

Skylar Ross is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Skylar is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.