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Green Exterior Renovation Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2021

green exterior renovation trends

As society works to become carbon neutral, sustainable homes are becoming increasingly in-demand on the real estate market. To this effect, while most people may think home sustainability is focused on features such as high-quality insulation and energy-efficient appliances, the exterior design of the home is equally important in reducing a house’s energy consumption. Therefore, if you are planning an exterior renovation in 2021, keep these trendy green exterior renovation projects in mind to help ensure your home’s sustainability. 

Composite Roofs

A poor roof can compromise a home’s energy efficiency in a number of ways. For example, a roof that is easily damaged, and susceptible to air and moisture leaks, will lead to elevated heating and cooling bills. This can be exacerbated in roofs without any insulative value. Finally, roofing materials requiring a lot of resources, manpower, and machinery to fabricate and install will also have a negative impact on the environment. 

While most roofing products will perform well when new, their negative properties begin to rear their ugly heads over time. Popular products like asphalt shingles and wood shakes are easily damaged by wind and harsh precipitation, while metal roof tiles have very little insulative value, readily transferring exterior heat inside the home.

This has led to the rise in synthetic and composite roofing options. Not only do these innovative roofs come in a variety of styles to match the appearance of popular products, but they provide a strong layer of insulation and have elite impact resistance. In addition, many composite roofing materials are fabricated with elements such as recycled glass and paper products, making them a responsibly sourced alternative to most traditional options. 

Statement Windows

Large windows have been a trendy feature in contemporary home design. This is because the increased sunlight flowing through a home creates a pleasant atmosphere and limits the amount of time electric lights need to be used. In addition, technologically-advanced products such as smart glass, triple-pane, and double-hung vinyl windows allow homeowners to enjoy the natural light without causing any unwanted heat transfer.

On top of the energy-efficiency benefits, statement windows are becoming a modern aesthetic preference. Many builds for multi-story and carriage-style homes are including oversized windows on the second story to show off bustling kitchens and living spaces. If you ever want privacy or an additional layer of insulation during times of extreme weather, consider adding some sleek exterior shutters to match with the house’s siding. 

Reclaimed and Recycled

One of the best ways to ensure a green renovation is by using products which require few resources to fabricate. This is most effectively accomplished by choosing discarded items and repurposing them for your home renovation. 

Previously used doors can add a touch of character to your home, while entire decks are being made out of recycled plastic. In fact, there is even a popular trend known as “cargotecture” in which homeowners side their houses with old cargo containers, helping form a tough building envelope from items that would have otherwise been sent to the landfill.

If you think using recycled materials will create an eyesore, think again. Modern technologies are able to effectively fabricate used materials into attractive composites. These, when combined with small touches such as striking windows and garage door trim, can make a “recycled” house nearly indistinguishable from brand-new builds. 

Xeriscaping

Not only does keeping a lush lawn perfectly manicured take a lot of effort, but it requires a ton of water, as well. Not to mention the fuel and electricity to operate lawnmowers and other landscaping appliances. 

This has led many environmentally-conscious homeowners to xeriscape their lawns. By choosing low-water plants, stone, and pea gravel in place of grass, they are able to maintain an attractive appearance while consuming few of the resources. 

Conclusion

Creating a sustainable home is a top priority for contemporary homeowners. Not only does it help them save money, but it will be more appealing to a socially-conscious market. As such, if you are planning an exterior renovation in 2021, keep an eye on the green projects listed above to make your home stand out.


Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

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