home improvement
Resilient Home Upgrades
Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Resilient Home Upgrades
(Family Features) In an era when extreme weather events are increasingly common, resilient home upgrades are now more of a necessity than a luxury. Homeowners and builders alike are seeking materials that can withstand harsh conditions while maintaining high-end aesthetics.
This shift is driven by not only the need to protect homes from severe weather and reduce long-term maintenance costs, but also to create seamless indoor-outdoor design continuity. In fact, indoor-outdoor coherent design is a top outdoor living trend, according to nearly 80% of design experts surveyed by the Brick Industry Association. Furthermore, Zillow data found eco-friendly, resilient surfaces can boost a home’s resale value by up to 2.8%.
To improve your home’s ability to stand up to harsh weather, pests and more while enhancing curb appeal, consider these low-maintenance, long-lasting upgrade ideas from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products, a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design and production of exterior and interior building products.
Protect Your Home from Above
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Investing in storm-resistant roofing materials can reduce the risk of damage during severe weather events. Modern roofing solutions are designed to withstand high winds, heavy rain and even hail, providing peace of mind and long-lasting protection.
Incorporate Durable, Lasting Beauty
Siding plays a vital role in protecting your home from extreme weather, ground contact and insect damage while contributing to its aesthetic appeal. Durable siding solutions, such as TruExterior poly-ash siding, crafted from a blend of fly ash and polymers, provides the aesthetic of real wood with enhanced durability and performance. With a range of profiles – board and batten, nickel gap, channel, channel bevel and shiplap – it can be cut, milled, glued, stained and painted, catering to diverse design preferences and various architectural styles.
Or for a rich, authentic stone appearance without added installation time, consider Versetta Stone siding. Bold and neutral tones allow for a variety of design styles, from modern to timeless, in traditional, quarried stone and rugged, irregular profiles. Its panelized format hangs with screws for easier, faster installation compared to traditional masonry.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Modern windows and doors are designed with advanced materials and technologies, such as impact-resistant glass and reinforced frames, that enhance their resilience. High-quality, storm-resistant windows and doors can prevent water infiltration, withstand high winds and provide security against break-ins. They not only improve safety but can also help improve energy efficiency and reduce noise.
Keep Water and Pests Out
Trim is an often-overlooked component when it comes to protecting your home from water infiltration and pests. Elevate your exterior with the timeless look of painted wood – without the cracks, warping or constant repainting – with an option like Kleer PVC trim. With its tongue-and-groove design, it’s suitable for modern or traditional styles and ideal for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. It replicates the warmth and character of real wood, but is engineered to resist moisture, termites, dirt and UV damage, keeping your home looking fresh year after year.
Additionally, architectural PVC trim and mouldings from the Grove Collection come in six colors including American walnut, oak ridge, natural cedar, smoke grey, weathered oak and charred timber, allowing for customization to match the architectural style of outdoor living spaces, porch ceilings, soffits and more. Low-maintenance, long-lasting and moisture- and insect-proof, the column wraps slip over existing columns with a hidden, color-matched fastening system that enhances curb appeal.
Maintain Your Home’s Structural Integrity
Proper drainage prevents water from pooling around the foundation, which can lead to serious damage over time. Installing a well-designed drainage system – complete with gutters, downspouts and drainage tiles built to withstand heavy rainfall – ensures water flow is efficiently directed away from your home, helping protect it from potential issues.
Visit westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com for more ideas and inspiration to make your home more resilient.
Photos courtesy of Westlake Royal Building Products
Resilient Home Upgrades
SOURCE:
Westlake Royal Building Products
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Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Budget-Friendly Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal
(Family Features) Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank.
These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.
- Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue – it’s all up to you.
- Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.
- Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.
- Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design.
- Replace worn welcome mats. A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.
- Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.
- Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.
- Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage.
- Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync.
- Add seasonal decor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.”
Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
Family Features
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Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank.
These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.
- Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue – it’s all up to you.
- Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.
- Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.
- Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design.
- Replace worn welcome mats. A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.
- Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.
- Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.
- Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage.
- Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync.
- Add seasonal decor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.”
Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
Family Features
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Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Winter weather, while often beautiful, can prove challenging for homeowners. Snow and ice accumulation can cause damage or disruption to many components of homes and properties, including heating systems and appliances, communication and access to and from property.
Utilizing a reliable, efficient and affordable energy source like propane can help power critical systems – home heating, cooktops, ovens, fireplaces, boilers and water heaters. Because propane is stored on-site, it’s resilient enough to withstand some of the dangers of winter weather, such as power outages that interrupt access to the electric grid. Available in a variety of capacities to fit the needs of any size home, propane-powered generators can provide supplemental power in as little as 10 seconds after an electrical grid failure, ensuring vital systems like home heating, cooking and smoke and fire detection systems are not interrupted when you need them the most.
Consider these tips from the experts at the Propane Education & Research Council to help prepare your family and home for winter weather and find more resources at Propane.com.
Get to Know Your Propane System
If you’re unfamiliar with your propane system, take a few minutes to review it. Identify core components, including the tank, regulators, meter, piping and supply valves, as well as any appliance vents. Locate the main gas supply valve in case you need to turn off the propane in the event of an emergency. Call a propane professional to inspect the system before restoring it.
Ensure an Adequate Supply of Propane
Establish a regular delivery schedule with your propane provider – particularly during the winter months – or call to schedule a delivery when the tank gauge reads 30% to give your provider enough time to make a delivery and ensure you have an adequate supply in your tank.
Mark Your Tank
Especially if your home’s propane tank is buried, be sure to mark its location with a brightly colored stake or flag taller than the maximum anticipated snow depth. This will help propane suppliers easily locate your tank, ensuring they can refill it during scheduled appointments.
Ready Your Furnace
If it’s time to upgrade your home’s climate control system, it’s a smart idea to do your homework and explore all options. Consider propane-powered furnaces, which last 50% longer than electric heat pumps for a lower lifetime investment. Propane furnaces also provide warmer air than other heat sources (115-125 F), are less impacted by outdoor temperatures and produce 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electric furnaces and 12% less than fuel oil furnaces.
Take Advantage of Your Fireplace
The warm glow of a fire isn’t only comforting; it can be a practical and effective way to increase the heat inside your home. Not only do propane fireplaces offer 5-6 times the heating capacity of electric fireplaces, they’re also more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, convenient to use and easier to install than woodburning models. They also emit less soot and other emissions.
Install Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Installing UL-listed propane gas detectors and carbon monoxide detectors can provide you and your family with additional peace of mind. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location and maintenance.
SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council
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