Paints and materials makes the core elements of house exterior.
The paints beautify the texture that materials cast on the exterior of house.
This blog will help you out with selecting the best of available paints and materials.
It will provide it with details of available paints and materials of various ranges and options.
Enjoy the read!!
People judge the books by its cover.
A dull looking house exterior, discourages the people who see it.
Paint job, elaborated chimney work, and windows and a lot more additions like porches can make your home enticing.
An designed and well decorated exterior can attract a lot just from its looks.
Constructing a well designed is just half of the work done.
Not only we need to decorate the constructed house but also paint it with exciting colors.
The material and paint used in construction and decoration of the home exterior plays important role.
A well designed and decorated exterior also increases the house resell value.
The beauty of the material is enhanced by the use of appropriate colors combinations of paints.
When it comes to choose the material and paints for you home, you would never risk it on any noob.
You just simply cannot go on decorating your house without even thinking of durability and quality of the material to be used.
And also you can’t keep on adding durability without concerning the looks, as they matter a lot.
So, you have to precisely balance looks, quality and durability and that too concerning the cost of all.
When it comes to paints, you should also look at their other specs such as UV rating, etc.
Exterior Paints have improved dramatically in recent years.
As a group, they are more durable and less prone to cracking and fading.
But there are still real differences among the tested paints in ratings and above that many manufacturers claims that you won’t have to apply a primer first.
In response to standards, many manufacturers have reduced the level of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)- some noxious chemicals that make paints smell like paints- in their product.
Earlier, low-VOC paints lacked the durability of higher-VOC finishes.
But now, all paints that claim to have low or no VOC perform very well in tests.
Exterior Paint ratings indicate which paints are likely to last longest on your home.
Rating is done on the basis of a paints capability to resist cracking, change its color(fading) and resist dirt and mildew.
Like Interior Paints, exterior paints, comes in variety of luster and shine, but here, we got combined scores to make one and made it easier for you to decide.
Here are the types to consider-
Flat– The dullest of finishes, is the best choice if you need to mask imperfections.
Flat finishes look best on exterior walls, especially those that are older and weather-worn.
Eggshell And Satin– These finishes have a slight gloss and can also work well on walls, especially those are newer and smoother.
Semi-gloss And Gloss– These are most often used for trim because they highlight the details of woodwork and are easy to clean.
After constructing a designed exterior elevation, we might think of painting it.
But, unlike interior colors, exterior hues can affect the entire sheet- and that puts a lot of pressure on homeowners when it comes to choosing palette.
And addition to that, a lot of factors come into play that you don’t have to deal while working on inside of house: landscaping, hardscaping, roofing and more.
Use the following 5 tips, along with the help of a professional, to choose color scheme that works both for style and for your home’s surrounding.
Unless an until you are doing a complete renovation or constructing a new house, surfaces such as roof shingles or tiles, stonework, pathways and driveways will remain in place.
Take these into consideration as you select exterior colors.
Surroundings, position and weather of area where the house is situated matters a lot when it comes to choice of colors and paints.
Look for undertone between them that might inform your palette.
Are they warm(beige, khaki, brown and rust) or cool(gray, blue and black)?
Consider paints that will tie these fixed elements together into a harmonious way.
Whether you have a Victorian or Craftsmen Bungalow or Ranch Style bungalow, your exterior scheme should feel appropriate to the style.
Imagine a classic Federal-Style home painted burnt orange, or a New England saltbox in pale mint green. Jarring, right?
Many of the paint manufacturers offer collections of historically accurate colors, which can be an excellent springboard for your palette.
You can also consult a professional who is specialized in this field.
You don’t have to strictly stick to historical guidelines unless code for your home and neighborhood specify otherwise.
But for most pleasing effect don’t go too far from them.
If you are stuck for inspiration, an architect or a color consultant also can help you come up with combination that works for your home’s style.
Mull over your house’s relationship to the streets and landscape.
Does it sit back from the road or amid a cluster of large towering trees?
You might choose a slightly lighter or brighter color so that it stand out.
Conversely, a darker hue can make it appear recede.
Relationship of the house with surrounding and your choice of what it should look like will precisely decide which shades suits best.
Essentially, an exterior scheme has three major parts– Field Color, which dominates; Accent Color, which brings doors, shutters and other small areas to life; and Trim Color, which is used for window and door casings, roof edgings, railings and other trim.
The trim color is generally contrasting to the field color, but in many cases, some designers use similar shades that offer only one or two colors for modern look.
If your main hue is dark, go for a classic white or lighter shade for trim.
But, in case, you got light field color, a darker shade will be the eyeliner for you house exterior.
Just like interior colors, exterior shades can vary significantly from the way they appear on the chip.
And because painting an exterior is a bigger undertaking than simply painting a room, you’ll want to get them right the first time.
Buy a quart of paint and test it on an inconspicuous area of your home.
Study it at various times of day and under different weather conditions.
How does it change with the light?
Road testing it is the only way to determine for sure if you’ll be happy with it for years to come.
When it comes to decorating your house exterior, you must choose durable, attractive and appealing materials.
The material we use for house exterior are sidings.
Exterior sidings have multiple purpose. Most noticeable among them is aesthetics.
Siding also protects your home from weather and improves insulation. Different materials work better for different climates, such as those that are very hot versus those that are very cold.
Finally, the right type of exterior siding influences your home resell value. Choose the right type, and the curb appeal will skyrocket.
To make the choice easier for you, we have listed out top 10 of trendy materials for you to make your house exterior look gorgeous.
Top 10 materials listed out with care, consisting of both elements, a few gives your house an appealing modern look and others provide it a vintage cover.
So the top 10 of house exterior materials are-
While glass isn’t technically siding material, it is a viable house exterior option and if you have the budget can look amazing.
Just look at that room above that’s glass from floor to ceiling… it’s amazing.
Glass is a suitable home exterior where a lot of natural light is needed.
Glass used should be strong enough to withstand elements such as wind and storms and fires too. It should let in light while blocking the ultraviolet rays.
Pros-
Primary advantage of using glass for house exterior decoration is that it connects indoor and outdoor with stunning views.
By using glass, we are exposed to natural light and thus reduces the dependency on artificial light.
Unlike most of other materials, glass doesn’t age with passage of time.
It is easier an faster to install, and for it is lighter, it doesn’t weight down the structure of house.
Cons-
Though glass lets in natural light, but with it, it is an direct entry for heat, which increases the indoor temperatures.
Installing a glass facade need to be done by professionals, otherwise it may develop seepage and outdoor noises.
Though glass is more durable, it needs to be cleaned and maintained properly.
Many times glass is not preferred for it can be easily broken by intruders.
And also because is compromises with the privacy of residents, unless curtains are used.
The modern or contemporary house makers use metals to beautify the house exteriors. The shiny, lustrous and still empty look of metals make them good choice or the minimalists.
Metals, such as steel, may or may not be used with glass for exterior decor.
The use of metals not only glorify home but also these are stronger and weather resistive.
Metals don’t need to be looked after so frequently as glass.
Pros-
Metals are long lasting and durable, these don’t rust if they are well finished and maintained.
These are passive to pest attacks and does not wrap or buckle.
Metals are fire resistive.
It retains color without fading and can be repainted.
These keep hose cool during summer by reflecting light.
Cons-
Some metals such as weathering steel or copper may change due to exposure to weather.
Steel is heavy and take time to install.
Aluminium is lighter and soft thus can be damaged by stones or hails.
Metals need to be repainted after few years, when color fades, thus increasing maintenance cost.
These does not retain warmth during winter and so increasing warming cost.
Wood is the most traditional form of exterior siding materials.
People love wood siding for its beautiful, traditional and natural look.
It is extremely versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes.
Each style is beautiful and adds sense of traditional charm to houses.
The most common species used are cedar, pine, spruce and redwood.
You can either use wood in its natural state or have it painted or stained to further tailor its looks to your desire.
In addition to species and color/stain you may further beautify your home by choosing the profile for the wood that is being used for your home.
There are many profiles of wood, which are as follows-
> Board and Batten
> Shingles
> Clapboards
> Drop Sidings
> Vertical Boards
> Wooden Sheet Siding
> Log
Though each profile has its own pros and cons, but these can still be generalized.
Pros-
Woods give your home a natural and rustic look, which easily mixes with surroundings.
There are available in many shapes and sizes, which gives you a lot of options to use your creativity.
It is easy to maintain and durable if treated well.
Woods are eco-friendly and can be customized using color and stain.
Cons-
These are prone to pest attack, if not maintained well.
Woods may rot as they are not so effective weather resistant.
If the wood is made of vinyl, then it may develop cracks and degrade the environment.
And it is quite possible that these may get loose with time.
Engineering wood looks almost like any real thing, yet it is made from composite materials.
Unlike wood-look vinyl or fiber cement, engineering wood contains real wood.
Various fibers and strands are combined to form a finished authentic looking product.
The main benefit of engineering wood is its low price, mush less then natural wood.
Engineering wood can be customized according to your personal preferences.
These come in various shapes and sizes, and can also be colored and stained.
Not only various styles, engineering wood comes with various textures.
Another advantage is that these last long and are durable.
Pros-
Long lasting, warranties of 20-30 years are common for engineering wood.
Like wood, these also comes in various shapes, sizes and textures too.
It suffers very less from normal wear and tear.
Engineering wood can with stand temperatures, fires and insects.
These requires less maintenance, as they are extremely durable.
It contains wood, which gives it rustic natural look.
Cons-
Among few disadvantages, one is that you can not repaint or restain engineering wood.
You will have to replace whole exterior siding to get a new finish to your house.
Fiber Cement is made from special combination of wood, sand and cement.
Many times people compare fiber cement and vinyl side by side but these two are more different then people think them to be.
Unlike vinyl, fiber cement is usually created to mimic another materials, especially wood.
It is very rare to find it taking a form of its own.
There are two types of fiber cement, one is pre-painted or pre-coated, which comes out of the factory like it is for your house.
Another type is painted or stained after being installed.
Fiber cement is a great option for those who are looking for the look and warmth of real wood.
And it is also cheaper, durable and easy to maintain.
Pros-
It is cheaper, more durable and easier to maintain, than real wood.
Unlike real wood, it is fireproof(with class 1A fire rating), insect can not live inside it and also it is weather resistive.
It is very versatile materials, it comes in different shapes, size and textures.
Fiber cement is also available in textures of imitation brick and stones.
Cons-
Though fiber cement is cheaper than wood, it is double the price of vinyl.
Fiber cement is not as heavy as stones and bricks, yet it is heavy to increase your installation cost.
If you are looking for DIY methods, you will surely need cutting tools, that will burden your pockets.
Limestone, granite, slate and other natural stones are used to create and decorate home exterior.
People consider stones, especially the ones harvested from earth, as the pinnacle of house exterior siding material.
Apart from being long lasting and durable, stones are weather proof.
Though their cost is high, but are easy to maintain.
Stones sidings add a natural look to your house and also give it a vintage ancient touch.
As these are durable, these increase the economic value of your house, if you ever plan to resell it.
Stone veneers are also an option as these are lighter, cheaper but less durable than natural stone.
Pros-
Stones are 100% resistive to moisture, insects and harsh weather conditions.
These provide an ancient touch to you home.
Not only stones are more durable, but easy to maintain.
Even fire can not harm or dame stone exteriors sidings.
As these are luxurious option, they provide a prestige to the residents.
Stone veneers are easier to install and are lighter.
Cons-
Initial cost of installing stones is higher of stones than most other exterior siding options for your home.
These are heavier and thus increases cost of installation.
Brick is the most expensive exterior siding option.
Stone veneers are less durable than natural ones.
People love brick siding for its classical good looks.
It is one of the most traditional exterior siding material used on house exteriors.
All thanks to brick’s remarkable durability, brick homes constructed a century ago are still standing and in good conditions.
Not only does brick masonry acts as exterior wall, it puts on the weight of the house.
Bricks add a curious mix of rustic charm and pleasing elegance to your house exterior.
These are not as these were once for construction, but still, bricks are viable option when it comes to construction of new houses.
Bricks also holds up all abuses, they are fire proof and even insects and termites won’t be found inside them.
Pros-
They comes with highest durability, i.e., almost 100 years.
Brick exterior need less maintenance as they do better with occasional washes.
These are fire restive, insects proof and weather proof too.
Their remarkable durability comes with rustic charm looks that provide an pleasing elegance to your home.
Repainting or restaining is not a issue in case of bricks, as a little fading with time provide it a classic look.
Cons-
With all these advantages, bricks come with a major disadvantage, i.e., its cost.
Brick is the most expensive exterior siding option you will find.
And because bricks are heavy, they increase the weight of the house, and strains its base.
Heavy material for exterior siding in turn increases the installation cost of it.
Concrete is a mixture that comprises of cement, gravel, sand and cement.
These ingredients are mixed in various proportions to prepare a paste that hardens on drying.
Concrete is hard material that proves itself as a rigid and durable material for exterior siding for your home.
Not only its is hard and durable, it gives a look of emptiness to your contemporary styled house.
Concrete comes with low maintenance cost and good insulating properties, that decreases heating or cooling bills.
Similar to cement, it is fire proof, insect and termite proof and weather proof too.
It can be molded in different shapes and designs to give attractive designs to your home.
Pros-
A concrete home lasts for hundred years.
Exterior siding made using specially molded concrete are attractive and classy in look.
Concrete can withstand calamities such, fire, tornadoes, hurricanes and floods.
It has insulating properties that reduces your heating or cooling bills.
Its maintenance cost is low.
Cons-
Cost of installation of concrete is high.
Vinyl siding is a synthetic home exterior material that has become popular because of its low maintenance, versatility, durability and low cost.
Its made available in many colors and shapes such as shakes, vertical panels, shingles, horizontal panels, fish scales, beaded designs and lap.
It is made even to replicate natural materials such as stones and shingles.
One of the newest option available, vinyl is quickly taking over wood, as most popular type of exterior sliding.
The part that makes it so attractive to the consumers is its versatility, it is available in different forms.
And also it is created to mimic wood.
Like wood, it is available in many different profiles such as-
> Horizontal
> Vertical
> Shingles
Pros-
It’s maintenance cost is low, and only requires washing every now and then.
Vinyl does not require installation by an professional, a DIY intro will do good, thus, it reduces installation cost.
It is customized into many different shapes and colors.
Vinyl’s property to mimic other materials, makes it an excellent replacement for natural exterior siding materials.
Its color do not fade.
Some good installations of vinyl comes with 40 years of warranty.
Cons-
It has synthetic look, so nature enthusiasts may reject this.
Vinyl degrades the environment after disposal, as it is non-biodegradable and takes long time to recycle.
It can be damaged by extreme weather such as wind, temperatures an rain. It might develop cracks, rot or mold.
Environmentalists never prefer vinyl for it being harmful to the surroundings and degrading it.
Stucco is usually a mixture of cement, lime and sand, though it can be prepared through many different recipes.
The stucco exterior is created by layering the mixture all over the house.
There are many ways of layering down the material, which gives it a range of textures and shapes.
Stucco can be applied to stones, wood or brick surfaces.
Stucco is traditional exterior material, which can be a great exterior siding option if you wish to prefer traditional look for your house.
The main benefit of stucco is its strength, it remains as it is with minimal maintenance.
In addition to strength, stucco is known for its versatility.
It can be painted in any color or pattern you like.
Pros-
It is a long lasting exterior siding option with proper installation and maintenance.
Stucco provides strength to your house and help it against wind and storms.
It acts as insulation, and reduces the cost of maintaining the inner temperatures of your home.
Stucco is resistant to fire and thus there is no need of fire retardant.
Versatility is its main feature, stucco can be painted casted according to your choices.
Cons-
Stucco do not do well in areas with excessive moisture and therefore not suitable in humid areas.
It is expensive to install with high initial cost.
Dirt and wear show up more on stucco, than on any other exterior siding material.
When you dream of an house, it comes with world class amenities and elements of beauty.
And to add beauty features to you house, firstly, you need to build a beautiful exterior elevation and then decorate your interior.
And of course it should look appealing and reflect your choices and liking.
You need not only to build an awesome house exterior but also beautify it.
Check out this one- Beautify Your House With Exterior Elevation Designs
A guide for beautifying your home.
(Let us know in the comment section)
1 Comment
[…] colours of the Elevation of your Bungalow must match the interior, but it is also very important that they match the locale […]