Having a home in Asheville is delightful; having a home that allows you to spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying the area is even better. Whether you’re looking around Western N.C. for a property to purchase, or planning to make upgrades to the home you already have, here are some exterior features that can cut down on maintenance, add value, and leave you with time to do the things you love.
Siding materials
House siding options run the gamut, with many materials offering durability, versatility and easy installation. These siding options come in many styles and colors, which means that your home can sport a stand-out exterior while also cutting costs on maintenance and eventual repairs or replacement.
A popular option is vinyl siding, which is resistant to heat, cold and insects. Advances made in the manufacturing of vinyl mean that the product has less of the “plastic” look of years past. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Brick siding is another durable option; these days, brick siding can be constructed as a veneer adhered with mortar to a wood frame. Installed correctly to protect against water penetration, this kind of siding is extremely low maintenance and can last the lifetime of the house. As expected, installation is labor-intensive, making it costlier compared to other options.
Fiber cement, made from a mix of cellulose fiber, cement and sand, is very strong, resistant to insects, mold, temperature extremes, fire and dents. It holds paint well, so requires minimal repainting – or opt for a baked-on, prefinished color that never requires painting.
Roofing options
Installing a low-maintenance, durable roof takes the headache of repairs and replacement off your plate, often for the duration of your time in a home. Most roofing materials today are made to last, some longer than others.
The most common roofing is asphalt shingles; three-tab, once the most popular, are declining in favor of architectural shingles, which are thicker and stronger, vary in shape and size, and boast more visual appeal. While pricier than three-tab shingles, architectural styles have longer manufacturer warranties, and last around 30 years (versus three-tab’s 15).
Metal roofs, often made from copper, steel or aluminum, don’t crack, split or corrode, making them extremely easy to maintain. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 100 years and beyond. They are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and resistant to mildew, fire, and harsh weather.
Slate roofing is one of the most maintenance-free options out there; it’s long-lasting (100 years or more), eco-friendly and resistant to extreme elements. It can be pricier than other materials, but composite slate roofing offers a cheaper alternative, and lasts even longer than natural slate.
Composite decks and fencing
Painting and sanding of traditional deck and fence material is laborious and time-consuming. However, composite materials make minimal work of maintenance, leaving you with much more time to enjoy your outdoor areas.
A combination of wood and plastic, composite decks and fencing are just as strong as wood. There is no painting, staining or sanding involved in their upkeep. They don’t splinter, and they are resistant to rot, meaning you won’t need to replace them nearly as often as wood.
For more information about low-maintenance real estate anywhere in Asheville or Western N.C., contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
Search: Asheville Area Real Estate
Connect