As a homeowner in Houston, you know that home remodeling isn’t just about making a space look good; it’s about building a home that can truly withstand our unique climate. The combination of intense summer heat, relentless humidity, and the threat of severe storms puts a surprising amount of stress on your home.
Choosing the right home remodeling materials Houston is the single most important decision you can make. The wrong choices can lead to warped floors, peeling paint, high energy bills, and even wood rot. The right ones, however, will protect your investment and keep your home beautiful and comfortable for years to come.
This guide is your blueprint for smart, durable remodeling. We’ll show you why certain materials are a perfect fit for a Houston home, and which ones are best left to other climates.
Table of Contents
The Houston Climate Challenge: Why Materials Matter
Our climate is a “perfect storm” for home deterioration, and it is a major factor when selecting home remodeling materials Houston. Here’s what you’re up against: relentless humidity, sweltering heat, and heavy rain.
With average humidity levels often over 75%, moisture finds its way into everything. This can cause natural materials like wood to swell and warp. It’s also a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Intense heat and UV exposure fade paint, crack siding, and force your AC to work overtime.
Water is a constant threat from heavy rain and hurricane season. Materials that absorb moisture or are easily damaged by high winds are a major liability. The right home remodeling materials Houston can help you combat all of these issues, making your home more resilient.
To learn more about the weather patterns that affect your home, visit the National Weather Service website. To combat these forces, you need home remodeling materials Houston offers that are durable, moisture-resistant, and energy-efficient.
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1. Flooring: Home Remodeling Materials Houston Homeowners Can Trust
The right flooring choice is essential to combat Houston’s humidity. You’ll want to select materials that can handle moisture without warping or swelling.
The best choices for home remodeling materials Houston homeowners can trust include porcelain or ceramic tile, concrete, and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). These materials are non-porous and waterproof, meaning they won’t warp or swell from humidity or a sudden water leak. Tile and concrete are also naturally cool underfoot, which is a major bonus during our long summers. For more information on waterproof options, read this guide on the best flooring for flood-prone areas.
While beautiful, solid hardwood is highly susceptible to warping, cupping, and swelling in high-moisture environments. If you want the look of wood, a high-quality LVP can provide a stunning, maintenance-free alternative that can handle our humidity.
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2. Siding & Exterior: Protect Your Home from the Outside In
The exterior of your home is your first line of defense. The best home remodeling materials Houston has to offer for this area are built to last.
We recommend fiber cement siding and brick/masonry. Fiber cement (like HardiePlank) is engineered to withstand everything Houston can throw at it. It’s rot-proof, insect-proof, non-combustible, and holds paint extremely well in humid conditions. Brick and masonry are also incredibly durable and timeless options that require very little maintenance.
Without constant upkeep, traditional wood siding can rot, crack, and become a target for termites and other pests in our humid climate.
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3. Roofing: A Shield Against the Sun and Storms
Your roof is the most exposed part of your home. It needs to be able to protect your home from both intense heat and severe storms.
The best choices are metal roofing or Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles. Metal roofing is not only highly durable and resistant to high winds, but its reflective properties can also significantly reduce your home’s cooling costs. For a more traditional look, modern, impact-resistant shingles are a great choice for their ability to withstand hail and severe weather.
Traditional asphalt shingles can absorb a tremendous amount of heat, driving up your energy bills. They are also more susceptible to wind damage.
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4. Windows & Doors: Seal Out the Elements
Windows and doors are a critical component for both energy efficiency and security.
We recommend energy-efficient windows with Low-E glass and fiberglass or steel doors. New, double-paned windows with Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings are a must. They reflect heat away from your home in the summer and are a major factor in lowering your energy bills.
For doors, opt for fiberglass or steel, which won’t warp or rot like a traditional wood door.
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5. Decking: Low-Maintenance, High-Performance
A deck can be a beautiful addition, but choosing the right home remodeling materials Houston can be challenging.
We recommend composite decking or hardwoods like Ipe. Composite decking is a fantastic solution for the Houston climate. It provides the look of wood but resists rot, warping, and insects without the constant maintenance required of traditional wood. For those who want natural wood, hardwoods like Ipe or Teak are naturally resistant to moisture and pests, making them a more durable choice.
An Investment in Your Home’s Longevity
Choosing the right materials is about more than aesthetics; it’s an investment in your home’s durability, comfort, and value. A home built with Houston in mind will require less maintenance, cost less to cool, and give you peace of mind during the next big storm.
For all your home remodeling materials Houston needs, trust our expert advice.
Want to learn more about how to protect your home? Read our guide on Houston Hurricane Season Home Prep.
Ready to remodel with confidence? Contact Square 1 Home Solutions today for a consultation. We’ll help you choose the right materials to create a beautiful, durable, and truly Houston-proof home.