2017 Exterior Remodeling Trends
There is no better time for an exterior refresh than the early summer, when dependably warm temperatures and the absence of spring showers present perfect weather for home improvement projects. Give your home a makeover and boost its curb appeal with 2017 as hottest exterior remodeling trends.
Sophisticated Siding
Constant manufacturing improvements mean homeowners have more options than ever to choose from when it comes to 2017 is remodeling projects. Vinyl and polymer siding with woodgrain texture, for example, now accurately mimics actual aged wood while aging just as well as solid-colored vinyl and polymer siding. Woodgrain-textured polymer lends itself well to sawmill-style cedar siding - straight-edge shingles with a smooth cut and consistent uniformity. This beautiful siding option utilizes manufacturing techniques that replicate the effect of saw blades and splitting tools, creating shingles that keep their character without the constant financial expenditure for upkeep that real wood requires. Stone veneer, a cement-based siding that is still finding a foothold in the market, is growing in popularity this year as well. Molded from real stones and crafted to replicate natural colors and textures, this more affordable stone alternative lends itself to a mix of colors and textures. Try combining horizontal and vertical siding to add visual interest to your home as exterior.
Reinvented Roofs
As with siding, cedar-style polymer products are a popular choice for homeowners who are using shake to add contrast in gables and other higher areas, along with tiles that mimic natural slate and half-round profiles in a variety of paints and stains. These shingle options can be applied in uniform or staggered patterns that set these higher areas apart from the rest of the home. Energy-conscious consumers would also do well to look into thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes or metal roofing. TPO, which is designed for flat roofs, is highly reflective, which helps reduce the solar heat gain (and thus the air-conditioning demand) of the house below. Metal roofing is available for either low-slope or steep-slope roofs and also lowers energy bills by reflecting radiant heat, especially if it is specified in a light color with high reflectivity. This tough material resists extreme weather, fire, mildew and a host of other blights that can wreak havoc on other roofing types. Choose between panels or shingles in aluminum, copper, stainless steel or zinc to find the perfect match for your roof.
Creative Color
Neutral palettes will remain dominant in 2017, though the grays of past years are giving way to taupe and brown as the neutrals of choice. Warmer palettes are starting to overtake their cool counterparts, evidenced by the wealth of manufacturers extolling hues that mimic wood as their 2017 colors of the year. Owens Corning, for example, named a deep, nuanced brown called Sedona Canyon as its shingle color of the year, while DaVinci Roofscapes recommends several warm brown tones for shake roofs. However, if most of the homes in the neighborhood still utilize color palettes on the other end of the spectrum, you may opt for a cool-colored roof instead, such as the ever-popular gray slate. As for exterior paint, white is still a popular accessory color to make windows and doors pop, but a lighter main color with darker accents accomplishes the same contrast in an unexpected way. Try a gray, tan, or beige with light-colored trim and accents in red, dark blue, black, or deep brown to create maximum drama without risking the house clashing with other homes in the neighborhood.