Enjoy the great outdoors

While homeowners generally spend more time entertaining guests indoors, the exterior of your home makes the first impression. When it is time for home improvements, the exterior of the home may be forgotten or ignored. Painting, updating furniture and replacing flooring inside are all important, but the exterior of your house deserves some tender love and care as well.

Updating your home’s exterior does not have to be stressful. Planning ahead and focusing on three main areas of your home can drastically improve your home’s aesthetic appeal while increasing its value. When you are ready for exterior home improvements, focus on your roof, outdoor living area(s) and railing systems.

Re-evaluate your roof

Aside from adding beauty and curbside appeal to your home, your roof protects your family and your possessions from the elements. Maintaining your roof can help save you the stress and money that comes from maintenance problems later on.

Before you begin your roof renovation, consider the different options you have to make your new roof both appealing and durable.

“There are a wide variety of shingle types for homeowners to choose from,” said Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products, Inc., a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing products. “There are also multiple color options for homeowners that help create truly distinctive beauty. Homeowners should take time and research the different options they have.”

You should also look into the different types of protection for your roof. Underlayments, cements, sealants and different types of ventilation are all things that should be applied during your roof improvements to maximize your roof protection and value.

Optimizing outdoor living

Updating or adding decks is a popular exterior project that helps homeowners optimize their outdoor living. If you already have a deck, make sure that it is well maintained. Aesthetic appeal is everything and cleaning your deck can drastically improve the overall look of your outdoor living area.

If you do not have a deck area or if the wear and tear on your decking surface calls for a replacement, be sure that you research all of your options. “There are two primary types of decking material — natural wood or composite,” McNally said. “Homeowners should install the material that will complete the overall look and feel of their home.”

Composite decking adds the look and grain pattern of real wood, but comes without the requirement of staining or painting. TAMKO’s line of composite decking products can add natural beauty to an outdoor living space and homeowners can count on low maintenance enjoyment.

Restoring railings

A properly placed railing can add a sophisticated and stylish look to homes.

If you already have a railing system that is in need of a change, consider updating the color of the system. The right complementary color can be the connecting piece to bring the exterior of your home together.

If your home does not have a railing system or if you need an update, know your options. Both composite and wooden railings can bring a certain appeal to your home’s exterior.

When installed according to the manufacturer’s standards, composite railings offer similar support to that of a wooden railing and are low maintenance because of the exterior of the product. TAMKO’s railing systems are light weight and their updated styles, cap accents and color options offer customers a wide variety of options to choose from.

For more information about building materials from TAMKO Building Products, Inc. visit www.TAMKO.com.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.