We all want our homes to be safe. Safer from crime, weathering, and damage that can all cost us thousands of dollars. To be safe, there are some remodeling projects that anyone can take on that will protect their property and build value into it.
These are six of the best ways to ensure your home lasts longer and looks great, and why they’re options everyone should take to heart.
1. Updating Your Siding to Something Reliable
Siding is your home’s first defense against rot, mold, and fire: so you must get siding that’s made out of an excellent material that’s built to last. Steel siding is often the best choice, giving homeowners the chance to protect their property against all of the above while also knowing it’ll last for a long time, and they can paint it whatever color they like.
2. A Roof That Can Last up to 200 Years
Our roofs need to be high quality to put up with everything they go through. From the rough weather of stormy areas to the high heat in places like Arizona: your home must be protected from it all. Because of this, it’s a good idea to go for a roof that can stand up against nearly anything.
Slate roofs can last anywhere from fifty to two hundred years and are resistant against anything from storms to heat and moss and mold. They’re fantastic roofs that will last a long time and protect your property while they do.
3. Fantastic Windows to Help Your HVAC System
Windows are a major part of your home’s security, and not just because sturdy ones with good locks will keep people from breaking in. In addition, good windows can ensure that your property holds up against hurricane-force winds and fights off any risk of drafts ruining your heating and cooling bill.
If you find the right insert replacement windows, you can even enlarge your window space and allow more natural light in without having to worry about any changes in your HVAC costs besides the fact that the bills will go down every month.
4. Exterior Lighting to Discourage Criminals
Over three-fourths of Americans worry about property crime, even though only 8% of Americans live in areas where this is a real threat. Because of this, there’s been a huge boost in people who have started seeking out ways to protect their homes. Although security systems are a huge deal, and camera doorbells have been more popular in the last couple of years than they have ever been before: it’s important to remember that sometimes the solution is far easier.
Exterior lighting is not only awesome for showing off the hard work you put into your landscaping, but it’s also awesome for deterring criminals. Nobody wants to be caught in bright lights doing something they’re not supposed to be doing. The results are even, whether you have motion-activated or constant exterior lighting, so this is a chance anyone can make to protect their property.
5. Ways to Get Excess Water Off of Your Property
Over 13% of properties in the USA are at risk of flooding every year. Although these are usually homes near rivers or drainage, they’re still more common than the average person would expect. Because of this, it’s a good idea to build ways to protect your property as you remodel it.
The best way to keep moisture away is to add landscape trench drains, which can be hidden by the plants and decoration of your property while diverting water away from it. This is an awesome hands-on way to ensure that you don’t have standing water.
Another choice that can be combined with trench drains is to build a rain garden that will absorb extra water. This means using local plant species with deep roots to help the soil absorb the moisture and keep it from standing. These plants can also strengthen your top layer of soil so that it doesn’t slip or cause landslide effects when it becomes extremely saturated.
6. Incredible Insulation to Keep Your Property Dry and Warm
Insulation is for more than just keeping your property warm. When a property is well insulated, it will keep out insect life, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and even noise! Because of this, you must keep track of when your insulation was last checked, how much you had, and how high the quality is. If you can, take the time to update your insulation, and give your property the best chance possible against the forces of nature.
Protecting Your Property is Easier Than Many Assume
Many assume that the only way to keep their property safe is to put a high fence around it and constantly update everything all of the time: but you must take care of a few vital things before anything else. Taking the time to make these updates will ensure your home is safe from both the elements and any people who want to break in.
Brian Jeffries is the content director for the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
