Delaware Homes Are Fighting Back Against Mother Nature’s Fury with Climate-Smart Exterior Solutions
As Delaware faces an unprecedented era of extreme weather events, homeowners across the First State are discovering that traditional home exteriors simply aren’t enough to protect their most valuable investment. People in Delaware will experience especially increased risks from precipitation, heat, and fire due to climate change over the next 30 years, with climate change primarily taking the form of sea level rise, increasing temperatures and more frequent intense storms, including heavy precipitation and flooding.
On average, someone in Delaware will experience about 35 extremely hot days in 2050, with an extremely hot day in Delaware being about 93ºF. Meanwhile, Newark historically experienced an average of 1.6 inches of rain about 10 times per year, but in 2050, it is projected to experience an average of 1.5 inches of rain about 13 times per year. These dramatic shifts demand a new approach to home exterior design and construction.
The Perfect Storm: Delaware’s Climate Challenges
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Delaware’s climate is changing. The state has warmed two degrees (F) in the last century, heavy rainstorms are more frequent, and the sea is rising about one inch every seven years.” This combination creates a particularly challenging environment for home exteriors.
The EPA warns that “towns along the Delaware shore will be increasingly vulnerable to storms and erosion as sea level rises. While hurricanes are rare, their wind speeds and rainfall intensities are likely to increase as the climate warms. Rising sea level is likely to increase flood insurance rates, while more frequent storms could increase deductibles for wind damage in homeowner insurance policies.”
Recent events have demonstrated these risks aren’t theoretical. Dozens of homes in New Castle County, Delaware were damaged or destroyed by falling trees and strong winds, with the National Weather Service confirming that straight-line winds caused the damage and New Castle County officials estimating at least 50 homes were damaged, including several that are uninhabitable.
Climate-Adaptive Exterior Solutions: The New Standard
Forward-thinking Delaware homeowners are turning to climate-adaptive exterior solutions that go far beyond traditional materials and methods. These systems incorporate advanced materials and design principles specifically engineered to withstand the state’s evolving climate challenges.
Climate-adaptive roofing solutions incorporate several innovative features designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and improve overall building performance, using highly durable materials engineered to withstand severe weather events. These materials, including specialized asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and alternatives made from concrete or recycled resin, offer superior protection against hailstorms and flying debris.
For siding applications, the focus has shifted to materials that can handle Delaware’s temperature extremes and moisture challenges. A weather-resistant siding material like fiber cement is durable in all temperatures, and FEMA has certified Hardie siding as flood-resistant, meaning that fiber cement siding is highly resistant to floodwater damage.
Professional Installation: The Critical Factor
Even the most advanced climate-adaptive materials are only as good as their installation. Professional contractors who understand Delaware’s specific climate challenges play a crucial role in ensuring these systems perform as designed. As roofing contractors in New Castle County know, local conditions matter. Therefore, they consider factors like regional weather patterns when suggesting materials and installation techniques, resulting in a roof that is well-suited for your specific location.
When selecting Exterior Contractors New Castle County residents can trust, it’s essential to choose professionals with deep local experience. With over 27 years of experience in roofing, siding, window, and door replacement, skilled carpenters are equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle any project with precision. They believe in using only the best materials for every project. Whether it’s premium roofing shingles, durable siding, energy-efficient windows, or stylish doors, they ensure that your home gets the quality it deserves.
Comprehensive Exterior Protection Systems
Modern climate-adaptive exteriors require a holistic approach that addresses multiple vulnerability points. This includes impact-resistant roofing materials that can withstand metal roofing (usually aluminum, zinc or copper) designed to withstand winds up to 160 mph and impact resistance.
Window and door systems must also be upgraded to handle increased storm intensity. Storm shutters can close over windows and glass doors to prevent damage from flying objects in the event of a hurricane, with storm panel shutters that can be attached to your home only when you need them and stored elsewhere when not in use.
Proper drainage systems become even more critical as precipitation patterns intensify. Keeping gutters clean is essential for safeguarding your home against costly water damage. Blocked gutters can lead to a host of issues, from leaks and foundation erosion to roof damage. Regular cleaning removes the buildup of leaves, dirt, and debris that can clog your gutters and downspouts, allowing water to drain safely away from your property.
Investment in Long-Term Value
While climate-adaptive exterior solutions require a higher initial investment, they provide significant long-term value through reduced maintenance costs, lower insurance premiums, and protection against catastrophic damage. Many of these home upgrades are not cheap, but many will save you significantly in the end if you live in an area prone to any of the above disasters. And as climate change research shows, the areas prone to these disasters are only expanding.
The mission is simple: to provide exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding customer service with every project undertaken. Understanding that your home is one of your biggest investments, contractors are dedicated to making sure it’s protected and beautiful for years to come.
The Future of Delaware Home Protection
As Delaware continues to face increasing climate challenges, the homes that will maintain their value and provide reliable protection are those equipped with properly designed and installed climate-adaptive exterior systems. The state of Delaware is actively addressing the challenges of climate change through a variety of climate adaptation projects and initiatives. State facilities will be more resilient and cost-effective, providing long-term cost savings and ensuring reliable, uninterrupted services.
For Delaware homeowners, the question isn’t whether to upgrade to climate-adaptive exteriors, but rather how quickly they can implement these critical improvements. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, every season of delay increases the risk of costly damage and puts families at unnecessary risk.
The future belongs to homes that can stand strong against whatever Mother Nature delivers, and that future starts with making informed decisions about climate-adaptive exterior solutions today.