4 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal this Summer
Summer is in full swing, and it’s time to tackle those big home improvement projects we’re all guilty of putting off all spring long. Here are four things to do now to beautify your home’s exterior and increase property value.
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Freshen Up Siding and Trim
Invest in that re-do, and hire a pro to come out and dress up your home’s exterior with wood-inspired siding and trim made of tough weather-resistant materials such as vinyl and polymer. Today’s materials are made to withstand the elements, offer a high-end look, are highly durable and require very little maintenance compared to traditional cedar and board products of the past. Plus, they’ll never need to be painted or stained.
There are also more color and texture options available than ever before. And many products are designed to complement each other, which means less time worrying about what goes with what. So, you can feel free to mix and match lap, shake or shingle siding for a custom look. If your home doesn’t need a full siding replacement, shake or shingle style accents on dormers and gables can provide that wow-factor. Accent colors are also often used within gables or on additions — making unique architectural features stand out from the primary wall color.
One accent product to consider is CertainTeed® Cedar Impressions®, which includes eight shake and shingle styles, six sizes and over 45 colors. The popular product line has been around for 25 years and recently introduced a proprietary set of stained-look CedarLife™ Color Blends, which capture the appearance of Eastern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar at different stages, from new to weathered — permanently keeping that look.
In addition to being low-maintenance, vinyl and polymer siding, unlike wood, will not rot and is impervious to termite infestation. Using combinations of all three materials together makes a bold statement, and adding vinyl soffit and vinyl or cellular PVC trim delivers complementary, easy-care coordinating style.
For a more eye-catching, designer touch, paint trim a darker color. Dark trim colors are an excellent choice for framing a home or outlining architectural details, windows and doors.
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Consider the Front Door
Speaking of the perfect hue, a pop of color on the front door with a fresh coat of semi-gloss can make your home’s entrance stand apart. Check for any homeowner association restrictions, then pick a color, grab a paintbrush and get painting. Be sure to prime first for extra durability. Need help selecting the perfect color? Use an online tool like ColorCoach™. It guides users through the product selection process by offering professional color theory, including tips, trends and palettes that work well together.
Draw attention to your refreshed main entrance with a few well-placed, colorful flowers. Fresh mulch for landscape beds and a good bush pruning are other easy and inexpensive ways to polish the entryway.
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Expand Beyond the Walls
New railing, decking or porch columns can completely transform an outdated exterior. Spending a bit more up front on durable, long-lasting materials like vinyl or capped composite means never painting or staining again, saving you money in the long run and providing years of worry-free maintenance. One to consider is the CertainTeed EverNew® Railing System, featuring corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware and industry-leading warranty protection for safety and peace of mind.
In addition, white is not your only option anymore. Contemporary colors available today like black, rustic rose or warm spice give a dramatic, rich look without worrying about fading. And EverNew can be installed with any type of outdoor flooring, including wood, vinyl or composite material decks and stairs.
Having trouble deciding on color and style? EverView™, an online railing and deck visualizer tool, takes into consideration all the details. User-friendly, it allows election of background, deck color and different railing and decorative steel, glass or traditional baluster combinations – including custom accents like metallic caps and solar lights.
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Dress Up the Perimeter
Replace an old wood fence or put up a new vinyl fence. Nearly maintenance-free, steel-reinforced vinyl fences also come in natural woodgrain textures and colors that can withstand the elements and high winds. That means more time for enjoyment without the hassle of continuous repair. Vinyl fences like CertainTeed Bufftech® also provide an excellent sound barrier, which can be a requirement for some subdivisions.
Choices have exploded in the past few years – from the woodgrain vinyl privacy fence to the realistic replication of natural stone in a variety of natural colors. Enhancements like lattice or matching gates are also available, easy to install and really dress up an outdoor living space.
So, get those big projects done before the days become shorter and cooler temperatures set in! And remember, before you commit to an exterior design, get comfortable by viewing options with the latest technology and digital tools that give professional guidance on different products, colors and styles. It can be fun and easy to mix and match siding, trim, roofing, railing, fence and more to create a custom, cohesive look for outstanding curb appeal that will last for many more seasons to come.
To find a local credentialed contractor for your home project, visit www.certainteed.com/find-a-pro.
About CertainTeedThrough the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm’s slogan “Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed,” quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,300 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The group had total sales of approximately $3.7 billion in 2017. www.certainteed.com
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