"Updating specific areas of the home with new windows, siding or shutters is a great way to instantly boost curb appeal and reduce maintenance," said John Stephenson, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem
(PRWEB) March 20, 2012
When warm, pleasant weather arrives, many homeowners think “spring cleaning”. Although this seasonal chore is a great way to improve the interior of the home, it’s important to think of ways to improve the exterior as well. By making whole-home improvement a priority this spring, homeowners can get the exterior look they’ve always wanted.
"Updating specific areas of the home with new windows, siding or shutters is a great way to instantly boost curb appeal and reduce maintenance," said John Stephenson, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem, a leading exterior building products company. “Or, by taking a more holistic approach with a complete update of the full exterior, you can also add architectural character and introduce a new color scheme. A home can look better than new."
Ply Gem offers five home improvement projects that can make a difference.
1. Refresh Your Exterior
Replacing siding is a great way to improve the home exterior. Insulated vinyl siding is one option for an extremely durable, impact-resistant exterior with the added benefit of improved energy efficiency. It not only helps keep warm air inside during the winter, but also helps keep your home cooler in summer. Mixing cladding materials, textures and colors from lap siding, shingle siding and stone veneer makes for an even more dramatic style that your neighbors will notice. And while replacing your siding, consider upgrading to architecturally styled windows for even more curb appeal. For inspiration, look to concepts like The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem, which offers free tools to simplify exterior product and color selection. Homeowners can also upload a house photo to http://www.facebook.com/PlyGem to enter to win a free virtual exterior home makeover.
2. Good, Clean Gutters
If melting ice and snow leftover from winter is unable to drain, it could seep into the walls and ceilings of a home. Adding gutter protection helps keep debris such as leaves, twigs and pine needles from clogging gutters, allowing water to flow freely and reducing the possibilities of ice damming. To avoid buildup next fall, make a change this spring by considering Durabuilt Gutter Protection by Ply Gem, a low maintenance, DIY solution that homeowners can install themselves.
3. Window of Opportunity
Before summer air conditioning season hits, consider replacing old, drafty windows with energy efficient ones to help keep the cool air in, and add style to your home’s exterior. Energy efficiency is a key benefit of window replacement. Manufacturers like Ply Gem Windows offer ENERGY STAR-rated windows with insulating values (R-Values) that far exceed traditional windows. Beyond energy efficiency, new windows offer the added benefit of style. Four key elements to consider for beautiful window design include operating style (such as double hung, casement or awning), grille style (such as simulated-divided-lites, or grilles-between-the-glass), grille pattern (such as Prairie, Colonial, Gothic or Renaissance) and color (contrasting or darker colors can complement darker siding options that are popular right now).
4. Add a Pop of Color
For homeowners who want an instant curb appeal boost, painting the shutters and front door is an easy way to add a pop of color. For a shutter upgrade, low maintenance options with realistic woodgrain textures are available in a variety of styles including raised panel, louvered and board and batten.
5. Stylish Stone Veneer
Stone veneer offers the rustic look of real stone, but is lighter weight and more affordable than solid rock. Stone veneer manufacturers such as Ply Gem Stone use casts made from molds of real stone to create an authentic-looking stone collection. Consider incorporating stone as an accent on your home’s façade. Or, add stone veneer as a kitchen backsplash, below an island counter, or on a fireplace. The use of stone veneer has also become increasingly popular in the design of outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, and as a finishing touch to landscaping. With warm weather approaching, it’s a perfect time to think about extending your living space outdoors!
For more information on products that can enhance a home’s look and performance, please visit http://www.plygem.com
