As natural calamities become more common and intense every year, consider upgrading to a weather-resistant home. If you want to minimize the damage in case terrible weather develops, invest in weather-resistant building materials. With the constantly evolving technology, building materials are also moving along with the trend. Today, homeowners can readily access materials capable of enduring harsh weather elements such as wind, hail, rain, and snow. Unlike the average building materials, these can protect your home on a whole new level.
Luckily, innovations in the building industry make it possible to enhance the exterior of your home. Here are several building materials worth considering to ensure your home has a better chance of withstanding the fury of whatever weather element strikes.
1. Structural Insulated Panels
Insulated panels are mainly used as framing while at the same time insulating the walls, floors, and roofs of residential projects. The material may be worth considering if you want to improve structural integrity and make your home more weather-resistant.
Upgrading your home with structurally insulated panels would be a good choice. Generally, the panels comprise an insulating material, usually polystyrene foam, as the core and are sandwiched between two exterior layers of oriented strand board (OSB). Once you decide to invest in this building material, you may want to check out https://raycore.com/sips-structural-insulated-panels/ and other similar sources to ensure a head start.
Unlike conventional construction materials such as blocks and bricks, structural insulated panels have their share of perks. Some advantages include better energy efficiency, insulation, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Fiber Cement Siding
One of the initial lines of defense of your home against the weather is the siding or cladding. Regardless of your frame type, use good-quality siding to ensure the best protection during severe weather conditions. A construction material worth considering is fiber cement siding. The material boasts resistance to impact while also being flame- and moisture-resistant.
Unlike wood siding, which is prone to swelling and warping after exposure to moisture, fiber cement siding can withstand these issues. Today, it’s available in an array of styles. You can find the right one that complements your home’s design. If you want to make your home weather resistant, add a layer of protection with fiber cement siding.
3. Stainless Steel Fabric
If you’re looking for a versatile building material capable of enduring weather elements, stainless steel fabric is worth considering. Think of it as a flexible building material with superior resistance to extreme heat and inclement weather conditions. Due to its excellent flexibility, the material may be the ideal choice for various construction applications and exterior design.
Aside from its versatile and durable nature, stainless steel fabric also serves as a modern element to the exterior of your home. If you want a material that ensures robust support while at the same time improving aesthetics, stainless steel fabric is a good addition.
4. Composite Roofing Shingles
The roof endures most of the impact of the weather. It protects your home around the clock. Upgrading to composite roofing shingles is a worthy investment. The material boasts a better level of resistance to impact or UV damage. It may be best to combine fiberglass and asphalt to provide your home with the best protection, especially during severe weather conditions. If you’re planning a major exterior renovation or upgrade, consider switching to a new roof material, ideally composite shingles, for extra protection from the weather elements.
5. Concrete Framing
Homes with wooden frames work best for normal weather. However, if you reside in an area prone to severe weather conditions, it may be best to upgrade the framing.
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and poured concrete are gaining preference as framing for homes due to their better capability to withstand severe weather. The ICF works by holding fresh concrete permanently to deliver superior insulation for the structure.
Concrete, thanks to the integrity of the concrete, is far superior in quality to wood, has better moisture resistance, and can withstand impact and wind.
6. Pressure-Treated Lumber
For homeowners who want the natural look of wood, consider pressure-treated lumber. Over the years, wood has remained one of the preferred building materials. While wood boasts several benefits, such as being the ideal choice for areas with extremes in hot or cold, it eventually decays after repeated exposure to water or moisture.
If you want the beauty of wood in your home’s exterior, pressure-treated lumber would be the ideal option. It’s a good investment in making your home weather resistant since it goes through pressurization and is treated with chemical preservatives. With these qualities, the wood will not allow water to permeate even after constant exposure to moisture.
7. Storm Windows
During severe weather, the windows in your home can end up with damage to a certain degree. Consider switching to storm windows to make your home weather resistant.
Investing in heavy-duty storm windows can help protect your home from various weather extremes. Most are capable of enduring strong winds and projectile impact. The window is a must-have upgrade if you reside in coastal areas at risk for recurrent hurricanes throughout the year. Although most hurricane-proof windows provide heavy-duty steel frames and panes, you can find an array of styles to choose from to match the design of your home.
8. Fluid-Applied Flashing
For homeowners living in areas prone to constant storms, proper sealing of windows and any entry points is crucial. A preventive measure to consider is fluid-applied flashing.
If you’re unfamiliar with fluid-applied flashing, it works by securing and improving your home’s envelope. Aside from improving the overall efficiency of your home, it dramatically helps protect from potential damage that minor leaks can cause.
Fluid-applied flashing is something to consider in boosting the overall weather resistance of your home. Secure all windows, doors, and any key areas where potential leaks can happen, especially before storm season starts.
Final Thoughts
If you reside in a region predisposed to severe weather conditions, upgrading your home with weather-resistant building materials may be time. Unable to upgrade your home soon can put it at risk for various structural and aesthetic issues. Considering these building materials will be a worthy investment in making your home energy efficient while being ready to face any inclement weather over the years.