Renovations are not just about the interiors, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Your exteriors are equally important; not upgrading them will make your home’s appearance bleak and dull. When you ignore the outside upgrades for too long, it could eventually affect the integrity of your home. Walls will develop cracks and the foundation becomes weak because of the dirt and grime build-up.
From the driveways to the garden and the entertaining units such as pergolas and decks – you should think of maintaining them properly by doing appropriate upgrades from time to time. It’s not difficult to renovate the exteriors if you have a proper plan. And the good thing is you do need not to have a huge sum to begin the renovation work.
Today, we will discuss how each exterior renovation will protect your home’s structural integrity and what parts of the exterior you can concentrate on immediately:
- Decreasing the front lawn
Do you have a huge front lawn that needs constant cleaning and maintenance? Then it’s time to decrease the space allotted for it. Not only does it require more water and your efforts, but it can also attract unnecessary pests. If you fail to maintain it by cutting and pruning, then the grass overgrows leading to structural breaks on the walls. You can observe how the overgrown trees damage the walls in the left-behind houses.
So, if you have a huge front lawn, then renovate it so that you have less space for it and more for the entryway. You can also convert the lawn into a small garden and grow your favourite plants. Also, if you live in a drought, you will be relieved to see a lower water bill as your lawn needs less water now.
If you don’t like the idea, then you can plan designs to plan out your garden. It means using the corners and adjacent-to-wall spaces to grow plants and shrubs and leaving the middle area for walking.
- Construct stone pathways
Stone is a hard material that could aid in protecting your home’s integrity. Using stone not only provides texture to your floors but also adds an earthly element to your home. Constructing walkways and driveways using stone will make your exteriors strong. Stone can withstand heavy foot traffic and no matter how many cars drive on the pathway, there won’t be any damage. Also, constructing with stone is one of the popular backyard makeover ideas.
Besides providing strength to your walkways, stone also helps in preserving your home’s structural integrity. It adds a layer of strength to your exteriors and there won’t be a question of cracks or leaks through the surface. Also, the stone doesn’t form mould or mildew as water dries instantly on the stone surface. The water doesn’t seep into the walls from the stone surface and thus protects from moisture build-up on your walls.
- Paint the exterior, including walls and gate
Painting is a simple yet effective renovation job that not only beautifies but also protects your home. When you are painting, make sure to cover the exterior walls, gates, fences and whatever items that you have protecting the perimeter.
While painting seems like an aesthetic work, it protects your home from various infestations. Because while you paint, you will have to clean out the waste that’s occupied around the home. And the paint smell will make many pests go away.
If you have outdoor units like pergolas, decks, etc., then you will have to scrap and paint the surface which makes them stronger and resistant to damage. The painting also helps to cover the leaks which protects your home from water damage. So, include painting in your renovation work to protect your home from structural damage.
- Adding decorative lighting
Adding lighting is more for aesthetic purposes rather than to aid the structural integrity of your home. The lights will illuminate the path of your driveways ensuring that you are parking safely without any bumps to the walls or the plants. You can also make sure that your kids are pets are coming to the front door safely without any problem. Also, lighting will make your home more beautiful and make you appreciate what spectacular building you have. It will make you invest so that you can strengthen your home from the inside out.
For more creativity, you can add lighting to the outdoor units like pergolas, patios, decks, etc., for more visibility and cosiness.
Read here: The differences between a patio and a pergola to understand how you can protect their structures with minimal maintenance.
- Pavers to the rescue
When choosing materials for your home, for exteriors or interiors, you have to focus first on durability. For instance, if you are choosing materials for your pathways and driveways, make sure to opt for pavers. As concrete cement will develop cracks and chips on the edges over time, it’s not suitable use for your pathways. Instead, there are many kinds of pavers like stone pavers and you can use them to make your exteriors beautiful and stronger.
If you are feeling artistic, you can also include greenery in between pavers so that your front yard is both strong and aesthetic. Also, pavers are available in more natural colours, varieties, designs and textures. Whether you are looking for a modern or vintage style for your exteriors, it’s possible with the pavers.
- Upgrading the front door
Your front door is the main access spot to your home. It should be both visibly and structurally strong to maintain safety for your home. Look at your front door and see whether the door hinges are intact, the door is devoid of cracks, there are any cracks or not. Strengthening the front door is a part of the home renovation that should be the priority. Invest in digital locks so that only the authorised can enter your home.
Final thoughts:
Exterior maintenance plays a huge role in maintaining the structural integrity of your home. If you are not sure how it happens, this blog might have helped you understand a little. When you are doing renovation, concentrate on how you can upgrade the exterior parts so that your home’s structural integrity is not compromised.
Author Bio:
Hello, I’m Erika Rhein, a professional writer, blogger, and passionate traveller. I write on diverse niches, including home improvement, lifestyle, and fashion. I always aim to present users with valuable and instructive articles in a compelling format, endeavouring to achieve a difference through my writing.