After an unusually moist spring in the Rockies, it finally feels like warm weather has arrived for the season.
This has Colorado residents hopping on mountain bikes and hitting the trails. It also has homeowners turning their attention outdoors. From planting a fresh set of annuals to updating the patio furniture, people are getting their homes ready for some epic summer gatherings.
With this in mind, one aspect of the preparation process that should not be overlooked is exterior surfaces. Worn and weathered hardscaping not only looks unappealing, but it can also compromise safety and functionality. Keep reading as we offer some pro tips on what to consider when refreshing outdoor surfaces.
Why Refresh Outdoor Spaces?
The exterior of a home has come under the microscope in recent years. Remote professionals, online students, digital creators, and any other people with the flexibility to stay at home all day want–you guessed it–an escape from home.
This makes functional exterior space the logical solution. Creating a stylish, high-performing exterior space establishes curb appeal, enhances functionality, and can provide a substantial boost to property value among buyers who want a change of scenery without leaving their premises.
Show Some Love to Concrete
There is no material more ubiquitous in finished exterior spaces than concrete. From sidewalk upkeep to concrete patio maintenance, keeping these areas in top condition is crucial for the ongoing performance and aesthetics of your exterior.
According to Jeff Russell, Regional VP of QUIKRETE, prep work is the key to concrete longevity. Whether you are sealing or repairing, “prepping the surface area that you’re going to be repairing/restoring is key because if you don’t prep it right before placing the repair material, it may not stick and could pop off or crack.”
As such, clean spills immediately; concrete can be quite porous, so don’t give liquids a chance to settle in. Regularly sweep upstanding leaves and sediment. This can also create stains that undermine concrete surfaces. Seal the concrete with a high-quality water repellant. This will limit the threat of moisture-related damage. Address small cracks before they have the chance to spread.
Provide Some Shading
As the old wisdom goes, the best way to fix something is not to break it in the first place.
When it comes to exterior surfaces, one of the best ways to protect against premature breakdown is to provide some shading. Excessive UV exposure dries out materials, making them more susceptible to cracking, warping, and splintering.
A pergola is a great idea. In addition to weather protection, it offers an element of architectural intrigue that ties an outdoor space together. Other ideas include retractable awnings, canopies, and decorative screen panels.
Keep Up to Date with Deck Maintenance
Deck maintenance is crucial for safety and performance.
It is also time-consuming.
Because many homeowners barely have enough time to start the dishwasher at night — let alone stain the deck — they are looking into ipe decking and engineered composites as a way to reduce maintenance requirements.
While these materials are undoubtedly more durable and less labor-intensive than standard cedar or redwood, they do require some periodic attention. Sweeping and wet cleanup limits unsightly buildup and reduces the threat of pests. Hosing or wiping down with a mild detergent can knock away any corrosive elements. Oiling ipe boards help limit UV damage and preserve their original color.
Ensure Optimal Drainage
Sun and water are two of the building blocks of life on this planet.
However, just like UV exposure, uncontrolled moisture will wreak havoc on exterior surfaces.
Plan for optimal drainage to guarantee that this never becomes an issue. Install steel gutters and keep them free of blockages. This will keep water from overflowing and splashing where it is not supposed to. Keep the terrain sloped away from the home and any finished landscaping to keep runoff from pooling in the wrong places. Add some low-profile slot drains to patio floors if they are located in an area susceptible to heavy moisture.
Consider Whether Gravel Driveways Are Worth It
As mentioned, concrete is a popular, albeit somewhat high-maintenance, hardscaping material.
Nowhere is this more abundantly put on display than with concrete driveways.
Heavy vehicles, leaking car fluids, and substrate erosion can quickly turn new driveways into an eyesore.
For these reasons, many homeowners are exploring the benefits of permeable gravel options. The system uses a series of substrate pavers to hold surface aggregates in place. This limits the shifting inherent to traditional gravel driveways while leveraging the natural drainage properties of crushed stone. This guarantees that no matter how heavy the snowfall or swift the runoff, the driveway maintains a consistent stone appearance with little intervention required by the homeowner.
Stay Ahead of Exterior Maintenance for Stylish Spaces
With warm weather finally here, homeowners are turning their attention outdoors. Of the many tasks on the to-do list, be sure not to overlook surface maintenance. From showing the concrete some love to establishing adequate drainage, consider any of the pro tips listed above when refreshing outdoor surfaces. For more of the latest home improvement trends, explore the content at Robinson Painting of Colorado for the leading insights in the Rocky Mountain region!
Andrew Wesley is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on roofing projects and materials. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Andrew’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.