Homes can degrade fast. If you live in a place that often rains, signs of water damage will show up not even a year after a home was built. Sunny days aren’t much better either. As long as humidity is high, your home will only stay brand-new for a couple of months.
That’s the reality for most homes in the Philippines. Our hot and humid weather makes it hard for us to maintain our abodes. We also can’t use certain materials because they don’t suit our climate. As a result, our options for design can feel limited. We may desire a country home with wood cladding and fences, but the monsoon rains will only ruin it.
But with the right materials, you can boost your home’s longevity and keep its style timeless. Trends in home design come and go fast, so it’s better to stick to practicality than aesthetics most of the time. Without further ado, here are the materials that will make your home timeless and long-lasting:
1. Metal Roofing
Metal is the most common roofing material used in the Philippines. It lasts about 30 to 50 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last even longer. Plus, the sound of rain pounding against metal roofs is relaxing.
The only issue you’d face with metal roofing is a leak. The material tends to suffer holes frequently. But it’s nothing an epoxy can’t fix.
Another long-lasting roofing material is clay or cement tile. It lasts 100 years or more if maintained properly. The material is more common in the U.S., though, so it might be hard to find a supplier of it in the Philippines. If you really like to deviate from the typical metal, consider slate. It’s the most long-lasting roofing material, being made of actual stone mined from quarries. That said, it’s not the most eco-friendly material, plus it’s expensive. Choose wisely, and ensure that your pick suits your lifestyle and area’s climate.
2. Galvanized Steel Piping
If you’ve experienced using a faucet that releases brownish water, that means the piping has rusted. It usually happens in old houses and buildings. But you don’t have to experience that in your home one day. Rusting in plumbing pipes is preventable.
Use high-quality galvanized steel tubing for your plumbing system. The material is coated in zinc, which acts as a barrier against corrosion. The zinc also protects against humidity-induced damage.
3. Durable and Stylish Flooring Material
When it comes to timeless flooring materials, you’ve got countless options. Most Filipino homes use tiles because they’re affordable. But if you can stretch out your budget, consider more high-end types, such as bamboo. Bamboo flooring is harder than traditional hardwood. Bamboo trees also replenish faster than any other tree, making them a more eco-friendly option.
Engineered hardwood is another good high-end option. Like hardwood, it also scratches, but it’s part of a wood’s appeal. In fact, the flaws are the charms of wood flooring. It shows your home’s age in a good way.
If the budget is really tight, consider vinyl or sheet vinyl. Vinyl comes in planks or tiles, while sheet vinyl comes in a huge roll. If you’d install sheet vinyl in a small bedroom, your floors won’t have seams. It’ll be easier to clean as a result.
Ceramic tile is a durable and budget-friendly option as well. It can mimic wood or natural stone floors. It’s also low-maintenance and moisture-resistant, but it has to be grouted well. Otherwise, moisture will just pass through the gaps and raise the tiles.
4. Durable and Sleek Window Frames
Jalousie windows are no longer cutting it. Most new homes no longer use them, in fact. Sliding windows are more common nowadays, as they do a better job at brightening a space.
In terms of the frame’s material, fiberglass is the best. It doesn’t crack, peel, bend, and warp. High and low humidity won’t affect its quality either; rain or shine, fiberglass won’t expand or contract.
As for the style, sliding windows are timeless, and so are double-hung and casement windows. If security is your top concern, casement windows can serve you best. You can place their hinges at the top, creating awning windows. Make sure that the windows won’t open beyond 20 or 30 degrees. In other words, the width of the opening shouldn’t fit a person. That way, you can avoid installing window grills, which diminishes your home’s appeal, not to mention block your way out of a fire. Luckily, these long-lasting and timeless materials are affordable. They allow you to create a dream home that won’t go out of style and budget. The value of your home may also increase over time, especially with proper maintenance.
