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| Low-maintenance home renovation should take precedence for those returning to their busy lives. By choosing any of the following 5 low-maintenance building materials, you can improve the comfort and functionality of your home while mortgaging very little of your future time commitments. |
1. Vinyl Windows Although the roof and siding may immediately jump to mind when thinking about exterior durability, the windows endure their share of punishment. In addition to being opened and closed with regularity and serving as the resting spot for plants and other decorative artifacts, window sills are a natural accumulation point for rain, snow, and any other types of moisture. As a result, it can be difficult to keep windows looking in pristine condition. This makes vinyl windows a superior alternative when choosing replacement windows. Among the benefits of vinyl windows include: - Elite weather resistance - vinyl windows will not rot, warp or mold in the face of weather. They will also not become brittle and crack due to UV exposure.
- Energy-efficient - degraded windows will allow heat and air to transfer into and out of the home. Vinyl is a great insulator that will help you control your interior temperature with less required HVAC use.
- Easy to clean - it does not take any advanced cleaning accessories or harmful chemicals to clean vinyl. A mild detergent and water can successfully clean vinyl windows without causing any chipping, cracking, or discoloration.
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| 2. Composite Roofing Traditional roofing products, such as asphalt shingles and wood shakes, provide an attractive aspect to the home in the early going. However, without assiduous care, these products will begin to break down and lose their home-sealing effectiveness, sometimes in as little as 15 years.
If you wish to keep the traditional appearance of these products while providing a more durable solution, consider the benefits of composite roofing options. Synthetic asphalt tile and faux cedar shake shingles are nearly indistinguishable from their natural namesakes while providing elite insulation and durability. These innovative roofing materials provide elite impact resistance and fire protection and when properly installed, can last up to 50 years with minimal care required.
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3. Permeable Driveway Pavers
Concrete driveways provide a clean, classy appearance when initially poured. However, it does not take long for the new to wear off of concrete surfaces. Concrete is highly porous, making it susceptible to staining from leaking car fluids. It also readily allows moisture to get embedded, causing cracking when the moisture freezes during the colder months. Finally, any shifting of the substrate will cause damage to the concrete, likely resulting in collapsing and potholes.
Innovative permeable pavers allow gravel surfaces to be held in place in the face of even the heaviest loads. This provides an infrastructure for elite drainability, giving the building’s exterior a natural aspect that is not a threat to crack or stain, no matter how much traffic it sees throughout the years.
4. Metal Siding Siding plays numerous roles for the house: it enhances curb appeal, provides an initial layer of insulation, and keeps the home sheltered from inclement weather. With this in mind, it can be difficult to find siding products that check all of the boxes.
One particularly innovative idea is to employ metal lap siding. Contemporary metal siding can be fabricated in a variety of designs and colors, making it an attractive option for those homeowners who want to capitalize on its benefits while mimicking the rustic appearance of wood or stone. Metal siding is extremely weatherproof and 100% fire-resistant, providing the home with unmatched durability for the life of the building.
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5. Composite Decking
As with vinyl windows and composite roofing, choosing a synthetic deck is the way to go when looking to build with low maintenance in mind. Even with regular attention, wood decks are notorious for splintering, warping, and rotting. With a composite deck, not only do you avoid these pitfalls, but you never have to worry about painting or staining the deck. Synthetic decks also have the benefit of being fabricated from sawdust waste and used plastic, making them both low maintenance and sustainable.
The Best Low Maintenance Exterior Materials for 2021in Long Island
As life speeds up for people on Long Island, less time will be available to take care of projects around the house. As a result, choosing low-maintenance remodeling projects should be a top priority in 2021. Vinyl windows, composite roofing, and metal siding are a few of the innovative exterior materials that will last for decades with little maintenance required by the homeowner.
Natalie Akins is an editor at Innovative Building Materials. Natalie is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects in Long Island discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.