Does your home need a facelift?

Does your house need a facelift? Here are some trending styles you might want to consider…

Today’s homeowners have a greater tendency to mix materials. People are using sections of steel, aluminum, stone or brick along with vinyl or fiber cement siding to get just the right look. Most often this mixing and matching is most prevalent around the entryway of a home, where small amounts of a more expensive material like real or synthetic stone or brick can make a big impact and a strong design statement and provide consumers with a lot of bang for their bucks.

No matter what type of siding you decide to put on your home, or ultimately what color scheme you settle on, one that stands out as appealing to most people right now is a mixture of light and dark tones.

It’s long been accepted that using a trim a few shades lighter than your siding color can help that siding pop, but today’s trends are taking it a step further.

Homeowners are beginning to use a mixture of different tones to add depth to their exterior designs. You can create a subtle look by using a slightly darker shade on the lower half of the home, a lighter shade of the same color on the upper half, and a third shade on the trim to create dimension. Or, create something with a bigger dramatic punch by using a very dark gray on the majority of the siding, with accent areas in a lighter gray, trim in a crisp white, and a pop of a bold color on the front door to finish the deal. The key is to blend two to three different shades in one façade—no longer simply sticking to one color over its entirety.

Vinyl is still the most popular siding choice…
Generally, material choices still follow regional trends that have been in place for several years; in the Midwest vinyl is still the most popular choice for siding. Vinyl, with its combination of lower cost and even lower maintenance, is expected to remain the strongest siding choice for the foreseeable future. According to 2009 U.S. Census data, it has been the number one cladding choice on new single-family homes for the last 15 years. But people are increasingly upgrading their vinyl to include thicker panels, darker colors and specialty accessories. Manufacturers now have the ability to infuse color during the extrusion process, resulting in lasting color performance even after years of exposure to sun and weather. Also, the look of shake is gaining in popularity. The combination of durability and authenticity with cedar-inspired vinyl products has proven very popular.

When it comes to the actual material your siding is made of, there are a few trends driving consumer focus right now. One is eco-friendliness, or sustainability; homeowners want a green material for this important area of their homes.

The second driving force is durability. No one wants a siding that’s going to dent, chip, or flake easily, and anyone putting in the investment of a new façade wants it to last as long as possible.

Steel siding meets both of these criteria, combining sustainability and durability into one, attractive product. Steel is not only 100% recyclable, it’s also made from recycled material, making it safe for both you and the environment. It doesn’t produce silica dust when installed, and won’t melt or warp like vinyl.

Steel also has an oven-baked finish that won’t fade, peel, or chip the way that wood can, so your new exterior will continue to look great year after year. In fact, steel siding is virtually maintenance free as well as durable.

Combined with tight seams and a natural-looking wood grain finish, steel provides both the appearance and the durability that homeowners want for their exteriors.

More focus on accessories…
Siding accessories of all materials are also getting more attention from buyers as another way to personalize their home. Low maintenance is still the watchword, but thicker and more elaborate profiles, wood graining and an endless palette of colors have homeowners using trim and accent pieces with dramatic intentions – and effect. Homeowners are moving toward trim as the latest way to use dimension and contrasting colors to distinguish a home. Today’s use of trim gives homes a very noticeable upgrade in appeal.

If you need help deciding, drive around your neighborhood, check out new builds in your area and you can always find countless ideas online.

You’re going to live with your choice for a long time so make sure you don’t pick something that you will regret! Do your homework and it will pay off in the long run.

#maniesconstruction #siding #trends