“Realistically, the products on the exterior of a home need to stand up to a wide variety of weather conditions, including high winds, hail, driving rain, and ice and snow accumulation in many parts of the country,” says Mark Clement, co-host of the MyFixitUpLife home improvement radio show. “Starting at the top of the house, it’s important to purchase a roof that is made to withstand these incredible weather scenarios while looking good on non-extreme weather days.”

Clement recommends a roofing product he’s installed on several homes in recent years. Polymer slate and shake roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes are tested to withstand hurricane-force winds, resist hail, fire and impact. Backed by a 50-year limited warranty, the manmade tiles replicate real slate and shake while featuring exceptional benefits to withstand almost any weather scenario.

Moving down from the roof, windows are another key area of the home that must be durable enough to withstand severe weather. “When investing in new windows, I tell homeowners to install impact-resistant laminated glass products, like Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows. These windows are made especially for coastal areas, but Simonton also offers a similar SafePoint glass package so that homeowners across the nation can be safe and secure in their homes.”

These durable windows are tested to resist flying debris during a storm, which is critical to keeping the “envelope” of the house intact. If the windows, door, garage door or roof are punctured, then air pressure can build up inside the home and ultimately destroy the house. Helping to protect the home with impact-resistant glass in energy efficient vinyl windows is a smart investment, according to home improvement experts.     

“For the louvers, shutters and other millwork, I like urethane and PVC pieces from Fypon because they’re easy to maintain and resist humidity, salt air, moisture and insects,” says Clement. “The selection is also impressive -- door and window trim, louvers, trellis systems, column wraps, shutters and structural balustrade systems. With these products, you can have your home’s exterior stand up to tough weather.”

For more insights into products that help protect the home from severe weather, visit www.myfixituplife.com.

Detailing your home with long-lasting, weather-resistant materials like vinyl windows and polymer roofing tiles can increase the longevity of these items and add value to the home, say experts. So by doing your best to weatherize your home you also can improve its curb appeal and your bottom line.