The arrival of spring and its promise of renewal is a great time to assess home exteriors with a fresh eye. Did the roof emerge from the snow and ice season without damage? Does the siding remain in good condition? How did the concrete driveway and walks hold up to the Midwest freeze/thaw cycles? And does the home look crisp and pleasing to your eye?
Now is the time to asses a home’s exterior health and attractiveness and begin the improvements that will increase the value, soundness and curb appeal of an important home investment. Consider the importance of investing in exterior design that also reduces your future maintenance.
Water is the constant enemy of a house, and most exterior components of our homes are designed to keep water out. Gutters, downspouts, flashing, roofs and attics require regular attention because they work together as a water management system.
There are ways to significantly reduce water management damage and maintenance. Installing seamless, clog-free gutters removes cleaning gutters from the list of chores, and properly placing downspouts to move water away from the house helps avoid interior leaks and damage. Flashing works in tandem with a roof to direct water into the gutters, so correctly installed flashing is as equally important as a sound roof that withstands rain and wind storms. Read here for the ill effects of bad flashing.
Roofing options are endless, and some good examples can be found here. Issues such as heat gain, mold resistance and attic ventilation can be addressed in the type of roof chosen, but please pay attention to aesthetics as well as function.
A roof represents roughly one quarter of the look of a home. Ever notice how an old, worn out roof with dirt streaks can cast communicate neglect on an otherwise tidy house? Coordinating the look of the roof with the rest of the home is essential.
Think of coordinating roofing, siding and shutters in the same way we dress ourselves each day. We mix and match our clothes to express different moods or reflect the occasion, and select accessories that enhance our desired colors. Applying these same principals to a home is the basis of exterior design, and it contributes to curb appeal.
As with roofs, siding choices are endless and is best selected according to the amount of acceptable maintenance and the style desired. Let’s review exterior siding choices. Remember that choosing quality materials reaps the long-term benefit of durability which equals spending once to last a lifetime.
Pay particular attention to the colors of concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios because they contribute to first impressions. They also affect the safety of those using them. Cracked or spalling concrete is caused by water problems, and should be repaired or replaced. Dirty concrete detracts from the appearance of the home and its landscaping beauty. It is wise to protect your concrete investment with the durability that comes from cleaning and long-term sealing.
There is much to be gained from coordinating the exterior design of a home, and choosing the products that will bring the most value and durability. Mosby Building Arts has a deep bench of roofing, siding, roof cleaning and sealing professionals experienced in enhancing and protecting your home’s exterior. View an example of an award-winning Mosby project that completely transformed a house built in the 1980s, and when your home is ready for an upgrade, call the Mosby Team at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.
