You don’t need to start from scratch to enjoy a more durable home. There are several simple improvements you can make to your current home to make it more weatherproof and long-lasting. Here are three ways to reinforce your home.

Strengthen Your Siding

The type of siding used on the exterior of your home is a major factor in the structural integrity of your home. It is easy to tell when your siding needs some reinforcement. Often it is peeling, warping, bending, cracking, or even falling off. While many people want to go with something obviously durable, such as brick or stone, it is a little-known fact that certain types of contemporary siding materials are just as sturdy . If you want the look of wooden siding, but don’t want the high maintenance of natural wood, consider trying engineered wood such as hardboard, veneered plywood, and oriented strand board. Another highly durable siding option is fiber cement. Fiber cement siding is engineered using a mixture of sand, cement, and wood fibers. Not only is fiber cement durable, but it is easy to maintain, non-flammable, insect resistant, and available in all kinds of attractive styles.

Replace Your Roof

Replacing your roof might seem like a massive undertaking, but it can save you a great deal of money to trade out cheaper, conventional materials for long-lasting, more durable materials. Some of the most durable roofing materials are slate, clay tile, and metal. Each of these materials can last over 50 years, and even up to 200 years! They are also all fire-proof and insect resistant. Metal roofs go one step further and are highly energy efficient. Furthermore, metal roofs are great at holding up against the elements that impact your home.

Install High-Quality Windows and Doors

As the major access points to your home, your windows and doors make a huge difference when it comes to structural stability. High-quality windows and doors offer increased energy efficiency, protection from severe weather, and they are stronger. Fiberglass doors filled with a polyurethane core are highly insulating and extremely durable . They are easy to maintain, and come in a wide range of finishes, including a stained wood look or a more typical flat look with a solid color. Composite framed windows with triple pane glazing are also good options for durability, energy efficiency, and weatherproofing.

Consider improving the strength of your home. While you improve the structural integrity, you will also be increasing your home’s value. Whenever you can grab a win/win, you should go for it!

Check out this article on how to maintain a healthy environment in your home .