What Is The Best Building Material for Your McAllen Home?

Moving into our own home is one of the most cherished moments in our life. While it is possible to buy a ready-to-move-in home from a builder, it is even more rewarding to get it built from scratch. 

When you build your home, you have more customization options. You can add extra features as long as they do not violate the building code of your state. A home is much more than a building to stay in. It is your own private space and an extension of your personality. If you are looking to build a home in McAllen, we have got all the information you need. 

It takes a lot of money to build a home; it requires some homework, too. You cannot compromise on the quality because the strength and durability of your home depend on the quality of the building materials you use. If you are using high-quality home materials in McAllen, your home will withstand the elements and ensure the safety of your family in all weather conditions for many decades to come.

A home is made up of many components. Choosing the right building materials for each of these components is critical. Here is a handy guide.

Framing

When it comes to building a home, one of the most important aspects is selecting the correct framing. Framing gives shape to your home. It is the installation of steel or wooden pieces that provide support to the structure of your home. In McAllen, the most commonly used framing materials are wood, engineered wood, or steel. Steel framing is definitely more durable than wood framing, but it is also considerably pricier. Consequently, many homeowners prefer wood framing, as it is more budget-friendly in the short term. The cost of framing materials is typically higher than the cost of framing labor. So, if you are on a tight budget, wood framing probably is the best option for you. Framing plays a crucial role in increasing the durability of your home. If you allow framing to remain exposed, it may also increase the aesthetic appeal of your home. 

Roofing

Your roof should not only look impressive, but also provide protection from the elements. It should be made of durable materials so that your home can brave all weather conditions for decades. Make sure that you are buying roofing supplies from a reliable vendor who has a considerable range of roofing products from various manufacturers. Quality roofing makes your home safer and more energy efficient. It also increases the resale value of your property. 

While roof framing is important, choosing the right roofing materials is equally, if not more, important because it can enhance the appearance of your home to the next level and increase its value.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while picking a roofing material for your McAllen home. 

The heaviness of the material

If the roofing material is heavy, it might require special framing. This will increase the overall cost of building a home. 

Colors

Some roofing materials are available in a variety of colors. This allows you to select a color that complements the overall appearance of your home. 

Fire codes in your area

The roofing material you pick should meet the fire codes of your area. If you live in an area where fire is a major hazard, it is essential to pick a fire-resistant roofing material. 

You will probably also have to consider special installation or maintenance requirements. If extreme weather conditions are typical of your region, it is important to choose roofing materials that can offer excellent performance in inclement weather. 

Which roofing material is the best choice for you? Many roofing materials are available. Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing materials in McAllen. They are inexpensive and somewhat lightweight. They can also be installed easily. Asphalt shingles come in sheets that are layered on a roof. At a glance, they look like costlier single shingles that are installed one at a time. It is also possible to reinforce these shingles with fiberglass or organic materials like cellulose without altering their appearance. 

Asphalt shingles are inexpensive, available in a variety of colors, and easy to install. However, they have a comparatively shorter lifespan (20 – 25 years) than some other materials. Moreover, they do not provide insulation. They are suitable for traditional, suburban homes. 

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay tiles add elegance to your home. They are quite durable, but they are also quite heavy and need to be installed by a competent professional. Concrete tiles are less expensive than clay tiles; however, they are also very heavy. Both clay and concrete tiles are extremely durable and fire-resistant. However, they are expensive and may require additional framing to support their weight. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing materials can withstand extreme weather conditions. Copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc roofing materials are available. Metal roofs can come as shingles or panels. They are lightweight, recyclable, and durable, making them an ideal choice for people who are interested in rainwater harvesting. However, they are relatively pricier. Metal roofing can last 40 to 75 years. 

Slate Roof Tiles

Slate roof tiles are available in shades of green, black, gray, red, and purple. They look elegant and can be recycled. They are also fire-resistant. On the downside, they are heavy and expensive. 

There are also synthetic roofing materials that can look and feel like natural materials like wood and slate. 

Siding

With siding, you can add color and character to your home. Countless options are available now. The material used for siding should be durable, water-resistant, versatile, and easy to install. 

When it comes to siding materials, vinyl is the most popular choice. Some people are turned off by the plastic look of vinyl siding; however, keep in mind that vinyl siding products are available in a variety of styles and colors. They are highly durable and resist wear and tear to a great extent. 

Wood siding

Wood siding is another attractive option, but it requires careful maintenance. Durability can range from 10 to 100 years, depending on how well you take care of it. Wood siding requires an exterior finish like paint. This increases the overall cost. Moisture can damage wood siding, so if the home is not properly ventilated, wood siding can lead to problems. 

Brick siding

Brick siding is an extremely durable option. People have been using bricks to build homes for many centuries. However, its installation is labor-intensive, and hence, it is expensive. If you can afford it, this is a siding option worth considering. 

Metal siding

Metal siding is available in a variety of colors. When it comes to metal siding, the upfront cost is high because metal is a higher-quality material that has higher installation costs. On the bright side, metal siding is quite durable and requires very little maintenance. The main downside is that it is prone to denting. 

Fiber Cement Siding

When installed properly, fiber cement siding can look like wood, and it is resistant to the common problems affecting wood siding. It is durable but expensive. It can resist insects and rot. 

Insulated Siding

Insulated siding is a kind of vinyl siding that comes with an insulating layer. It makes your home more energy efficient. 

In short, all the siding materials have their pros and cons. What suits your neighbor may not necessarily be the right choice for you. So, choose a material that suits your budget, aesthetic preferences, and durability concerns. 

Flooring

When it comes to flooring, tile is the best choice, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. It is waterproof and does not suffer from wear or tear. The tile doesn’t stain or lose its color. It is slip-resistant too, even when it is wet. Needless to say, tile is the most popular flooring choice. Porcelain tile, which is a new kind of flooring, is the ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Tiles that look like stone or wood are also available now. Laminate and vinyl products are good choices too. Having said that, many homeowners absolutely love hardwood flooring, and homes with wooden floors tend to command a higher price than homes with tile or vinyl flooring. However, hardwood flooring is not suitable for areas that receive high traffic. 

Insulation

A home is a very valuable asset. For many people, it is their biggest investment and the result of years of hard work. It is much more than a place where you spend time with family. It is a reflection of your aspirations, personality, and commitment to the environment. These days, energy efficiency is the buzzword in the construction sector, and rightly so. Properly insulated, energy-efficient homes tend to consume 20% less energy. 

When building a home, comfort should be your first consideration. Insulation plays a major role in making your home comfortable in extreme weather conditions. Better still, insulated homes are more energy efficient. Spray foam is the most common type of insulation because it can be made to grow. It is a good thermal barrier for your home because it stops air from getting in at all. Depending on the weather, spray foam insulation can keep your home cold or warm. The biggest advantage of getting spray foam insulation is that it will reduce your energy expenses significantly. In summer, it will keep your home cool by preventing hot air from outside from getting in. In winter, it keeps your home warm. If you live in a noisy neighborhood and desperately need some quiet, you have yet another reason to choose spray foam insulation. It mutes outside noise. Spray foam also protects your home from mildew and mold and thus makes it healthier. 

Foundation

If the foundation is strong, your home will stand the test of time. A shaky foundation, on the other hand, not only jeopardizes the structural integrity of your home but also necessitates costly repairs on a regular basis. 

Concrete is definitely the best material for building the foundation of your home. It is durable, hard, and strong. Moreover, concrete is not affected by moisture. It is suitable for making watertight basement walls. Better still, it can be cast in any shape. It is a common practice to reinforce concrete with steel. While concrete has excellent compressive strength, its tensile strength is not particularly impressive. Hence, reinforcing steel is embedded in concrete to increase its ductility and tensile strength.

Precast concrete and preservative-treated wood are also used for building the foundation of homes. 

The foundation transfers the load of your home to the earth. It also resists loads exerted by the earth. Thus, the foundation gives stability to the home. 

Building a home requires a careful selection of construction materials. While the availability of too many options can make it difficult to choose the right materials for your home, we are confident that this guide will make it a little less difficult for you.