5 San Diego Home Improvement Projects
5 Home Improvement Projects for San Diego Homes
Here in San Diego, summer is an excellent time to start looking at areas of your home that might need some remodeling.
With cold winters and wet springs, a house can endure a lot of seasonal stressors.
Wind, snow, ice and rain all take their toll, which makes summer a great time to assess what damage has been done.
Though hot and humid, there tends to be less adverse weather in the summer months.
This removes certain complications that could come with winter construction projects, such as dealing with ice and materials that expand due to shifts in temperature and sunlight exposure.
While there could be any number of structural issues that require attention around the house, here are five renovation ideas to consider this summer in beautiful San Diego:
1. Clean, Repair or Replace the Gutters
A simple yet important task to consider this summer is examining the condition of gutters. After a year of seasonal changes, summer is an optimal time to schedule an inspection.
Strange leaks, water splashing out during rainstorms and standing water are all signs the gutters are going to need repair or even replacement.
You should also consider the possibility of installing self-cleaning gutters to help sustain their longevity throughout the years.
2. Install New Siding
Although the freezing rain and wind have passed, their effects can still resonate in your home’s siding.
The first step is deciding whether or not the current siding materials are helping the homeowner conserve energy.
Next, schedule a professional inspection of the siding to identify any current or potential problems.
If the material covering the house is vinyl, it’s very likely a large portion of the siding will have to be replaced if there’s been any damage from previous months.
This is because vinyl cannot be repaired.
If you need to replace your vinyl siding, consider experimenting with modern alternatives. For example, fiber cement siding is stronger than vinyl and is more prepared withstand the stresses of winter.
3. Repair and Seal Decks and Porches
Summer is a great time to enjoy sitting on the porch or deck, but before you get too comfortable, make sure these outdoor areas survived the winter.
During colder months, water can seep into the cracks of concrete and freeze, pushing the material out and causing cracks.
Frigid temperatures are also tough on wood decks, and in areas that experience snow, it’s sometimes hard to keep the wood healthy and in optimal condition.
Repairing these areas and sealing cracks can help ensure they last through another winter.
If you hire the right contractor to handle the job, your deck could possibly be just about as strong and visually attractive as when it was new.
4. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
During the past several years, there’s developed a growing interest in ways to keep temperatures low without the need for constant air conditioning.
This helps the environment and saves money at the same time.
Fiberglass and vinyl offer great energy-efficiency compared to wood, and they don’t require as much upkeep.
Looking into how different types of glass may be able to improve the functionality of existing windows is also a great idea.
5. Metal Roofing
If it fits the budget, installing a metal roof is one of the smartest decisions a homeowner can make.
It can easily increase the property’s value and reduce power cost.
Metal roofs also last longer than asphalt shingles—and with less maintenance.
The color and texture is entirely customizable, making metal a versatile roofing material.
Metal roofs are particularly effective at keeping the home interior cool during warmer months.
They reflect sunlight away from the house, an advantage that can be enhanced by special coatings and finishes.
Quality metal roofs also withstand snow, rain and even hail much better than traditional asphalt shingles, making them a practical choice to prepare a home for adverse weather.
Summer is not only a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also an opportunity to improve the condition of a building and even make it more energy efficient.
By taking the time to inspect the different areas of your home, and taking action to make repairs or replacements as necessary, you can help maintain your property’s value, as well as its structural integrity, no matter what Mother Nature throws at it.
