The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior when it comes to the look and feel of your home. The outside is the first part that people see before they even enter your home, after all. So, you should want to keep the look updated and on-trend. Here are just a few of the new exterior trends to consider using on your home this year.

1. Laminated Roofing Shingles

Before you consider any other part of the exterior of your home, you need to be sure your roof is looking good and up-to-date. According to John Anderson of Severe Weather Roofing in Golden, CO, a very popular roofing option people are turning to is laminated roofing shingles. These shingles look like the traditional shingles that most older houses have, but are far more durable than asphalt shingles, due to the way that they are designed. Replacing your roof may is a bit of an investment, but one that will ensure you have a roof that will last for years to come.

2. Steel Log Siding

One way to really make your home stand out from the rest is with the type of siding that you put on it. There are so many different options, but one new emerging trend is steel log siding. This type of siding mimics the look and feel of a log cabin, without any wood actually being present. Being a style of metal siding means that it is extremely durable and long-lasting. From being fire and insect resistant to denting and paint chipping, your steel log siding will always look like new. It is a perfect option for those that love the rustic, cozy feel of log cabins!

3. Fiber Cement Siding

On the other hand, maybe the look of a log cabin is not your thing, and you prefer a more traditional home look. If that is the case, then another type of siding that you can consider using to update your home’s look is fiber cement siding. This type of siding is made of a special mix of composite cement materials that also make it an incredibly durable and easy-to-maintain siding option. Like steel log siding, fiber cement house siding or cementitious siding is made to withstand warping due to extreme heat and fire and insect resistant.

4. Privacy Fences

If you are updating the look of the exterior of your home, you cannot forget your yard. Depending on where you live, your backyard may become your preferred summer hangout spot, so it is important for it to look the part. One trend to consider making use off is a privacy fence. These fences are different from an ordinary fence in the sense that they are taller and meant to create a sort of wall between your property and that of your neighbor. In other words, your neighbor will not be able to see into your yard and you will not see into theirs—making your backyard more protected and more like a private oasis!

5. Wooden Decking

Going hand-in-hand with the idea of a privacy fence, all backyards could use some nice wooden decking. Companies these days are turning to new techniques and materials to make their wooden decks more weather resistant. This means that they will last longer and be much more durable overall. The new kinds of treatment also mean that they will require less maintenance as compared to traditional wood decking. But, you don’t even have to make an actual deck; some people take the decking material and turn it into furniture or pathways. The options are endless!

If you are looking to update the exterior of your home, then this list is the perfect place to start! These are just a few of the current housing trends that are growing in popularity this year. Even adopting just one of these trends for your own home can make a huge difference, and really give your home a whole new look and feel. Plus, you get the added benefit of knowing that these changes will not just make your home look more attractive and modern, but you will also be raising the resell value of your home!