New Year, New Home Exterior

Homeowners take great pride in the appearance of their homes. But, sometimes it is too easy to forget that the exterior of the home needs just as much care as the interior rooms. If you are not feeling the love for your home’s exterior walls and windows, this year might be the year to make some changes. Thankfully, you do not have to break the bank to achieve major progress. By considering an update with texture coating and new windows, you can make the right decision for your home.

Texture Coating

Is 2015 the year for you to really change up the appearance of your home’s exterior? You may have considered adding a new coat of paint to the structure, to update your home’s appearance, increase your resale value and get more enjoyment out of your home overall. But, before you start researching paint colors, you should take a moment to learn about the advantages of texture coatings. If you find yourself having to touch-up the paint on your home regularly, you might benefit more from texture coating. Texture coating has more elasticity to it, meaning that it is less likely to crack. And, it can be more energy-efficient. This reflective paint causes your home to absorb less heat, a major boon during the hotter months. And, the simple addition of texture coating might save you over 20 percent on your cooling bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

New Windows

You may be surprised to learn about all the benefits you can get from installing new windows in your home. If your windows are old, you will be shocked by how much more clearly your view with new windows. And, they look sharp and crystal clear from the outside. Plus, with the right choices for your area, better windows can help save energy. When you buy windows with a lower rate of non-solar heat gain, called a U rating, less heat passes through your windows. Purchasing windows with a lower U rating usually translates into lower utility bills, according to the National Fenestration Rating Council. However, you must balance your needs for efficient windows with the image you want to present. If you plan to leave your shades or blinds open most of the time to take advantage of natural light and present a lovely view of your home from the street, you may not save as much energy. The Efficient Windows Collaborative suggests that you find a good balance between window coatings that block non-solar heat gain, and window styles that allow more of the light to come in. You know that your home could stand a refresh for the new year. And, you might even save some energy in the process. By adding energy-efficient windows and sturdy texture coating, you could start off the new year in style.