New Construction: Building Your Home Right from the Start
Why the Exterior Package Matters More Than You Think
A properly designed and built exterior package:
Creates an energy-efficient thermal envelope that saves on utility costs
Stands up to local weather conditions specific to your region
Provides effective moisture management to prevent rot and mold
Requires less maintenance and fewer repairs over time
Maintains its appearance and value for decades
Let’s break down the key components of a quality exterior package and what you should be looking for in each.
Roofing: Your First Line of Defense
The roof system is arguably the most critical component of your new home’s exterior. A well-designed roof does much more than keep rain out:
Roof Structure Design
Adequate roof pitch for your climate and roofing material
Proper ventilation systems to prevent moisture buildup
Ice dam prevention in cold climates
Hurricane straps or clips in high-wind areas
Roof deck preparation with proper sheathing and underlayment
Roofing Material Selection
Asphalt shingles
The most common choice (70%+ of new homes) due to their balance of performance and cost. Look for architectural styles with 30+ year ratings.
Metal roofing
Growing in popularity for its 50+ year lifespan and energy efficiency. Consider standing seam for maximum performance.
Tile or slate
Premium options that can last 75-100+ years when properly installed, though they require substantial structural support.
Composite materials
Modern alternatives that mimic slate or wood appearance with lower weight and maintenance requirements.
Siding: Beauty Meets Performance
Your siding choice impacts both curb appeal and long-term durability:
Modern Siding Options
Fiber cement
James Hardie and other manufacturers have revolutionized siding with these durable, fire-resistant products that mimic wood but require minimal maintenance.
Engineered wood
Products like LP SmartSide offer wood's warmth with enhanced durability and pest resistance.
Vinyl siding
Modern vinyl offers improved durability and an expanding range of styles, including insulated options for better energy efficiency.
Stone and brick veneer
Add texture and high-end appeal, often used in combination with other siding types.
Each option offers different benefits in terms of appearance, maintenance requirements, and performance characteristics.
Proper Installation Practices
Even the best siding materials fail when installed incorrectly. Key considerations include:
Appropriate house wrap and moisture barrier systems
Proper flashing around windows, doors, and other penetrations
Correct spacing for expansion and contraction
Ventilated rain screen systems in high-moisture areas
These details might not be visible once construction is complete, but they determine whether your siding lasts 10 years or 30+ years.
Windows: Where Energy Efficiency Meets Aesthetics
Windows represent a significant investment in your new home and impact everything from energy bills to comfort levels:
Window Technology Advancements
Double and triple glazing
Multiple glass panes significantly reduce heat transfer
Low-E coatings
Reflect infrared light, keeping heat in during winter and out during summer
Gas filling
Argon or krypton between panes improves insulation
Warm-edge spacers
Reduce condensation and heat transfer at the edge of glass units
Fiberglass and composite frames
Provide better insulation and durability than vinyl or aluminum
The right window package can save 15-25% on energy bills compared to older window technologies.
Installation Quality
Window performance depends heavily on proper installation:
Correct flashing sequence to prevent water intrusion
Proper insulation around frames
Appropriate sealants for your climate
Level and square installation for smooth operation
I’ve torn out too many 3-year-old windows that failed due to poor installation rather than product defects. This is one area where expertise really matters.
Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living areas add tremendous value and enjoyment to your new home:
Integrated Design Approach
The best outdoor spaces feel like natural extensions of your home:
Seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces
Complementary materials that echo your home's architecture
Strategic placement for privacy and optimal sun exposure
Infrastructure for outdoor kitchens, lighting, or heating elements
Material Selection for Longevity
Composite decking
Virtually maintenance-free with warranties up to 30 years
PVC decking
Zero maintenance with excellent stain and scratch resistance
Porcelain pavers
Outdoor tile that's frost-resistant and non-porous
Treated lumber
systems with enhanced protection against rot and insects
Investing in quality materials up front eliminates the maintenance cycle of sanding, staining, and eventually replacing wood decking.
Gutters and Water Management
Proper water management might not be glamorous, but it’s essential to protecting your investment:
Complete Gutter Systems
An effective system includes:
Appropriately sized gutters for your roof area and local rainfall
Sufficient downspouts (ideally one per 20 linear feet of gutter)
Downspout extensions or underground drainage to direct water away
Gutter guards in tree-heavy areas
Foundation Protection
Proper grading that slopes away from the foundation
French drains or other solutions for problem areas
Foundation waterproofing (not just dampproofing)
Sump pump systems where appropriate
These elements prevent the leading cause of foundation issues: water accumulation around the foundation.
The Coordinated Approach to Exterior Construction
One advantage of working with a comprehensive exterior company like Roof Panther for new construction is the coordination between systems. Each component of your exterior package affects the others:
Roof overhangs impact siding exposure and window protection
Window placement affects wall framing and siding layout
Deck attachment methods interact with siding and flashing systems
Gutter placement coordinates with fascia and soffit design
Common New Construction Exterior Mistakes
After working on countless new construction projects, I’ve seen the same mistakes repeated. Here’s how to avoid them:
Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Function
Make sure decorative elements don't compromise water management
Verify that architectural features include proper flashing and drainage
Confirm that unique design elements have been properly engineered
Sub-par Material Compromises
Builder-grade materials often fall short. Know where to invest:
Underlayment and moisture barriers (synthetic vs. felt)
Flashing quality (aluminum vs. proper materials for each application)
Fastener quality (galvanized vs. stainless steel or coated)
Sealant types (painter's caulk vs. appropriate exterior sealants)
Inadequate Specification Documentation
Vague specifications lead to problems. Look for detailed callouts:
Specific product names and model numbers
Installation methods and standards referenced
Flashing details for all penetrations and transitions
Clear scope definitions for each trade
Poor Trade Coordination
Who flashes the window, the window installer or the siding crew?
How do the gutter and roofing teams coordinate their work?
Who's responsible for sealing penetrations that cross multiple systems?
The Roof Panther New Construction Process
At Roof Panther, we’ve refined our approach to new construction exteriors through hundreds of successful projects:
Early Planning Integration
We get involved during the design phase to:
Review plans for potential issues
Suggest cost-effective enhancements
Ensure proper integration between systems
Address site-specific concerns
Material Selection Guidance
We help you navigate options with:
Samples and showroom displays
Performance data for different products
Clear cost-benefit analysis
Local climate considerations
Coordinated Installation Schedule
Work within your construction timeline
Coordinate with other trades
Sequence our work for optimal results
Maintain clear communication with your builder
Quality Assurance Process
We verify quality through:
Multiple inspection points during installation
Final walkthrough with client and builder
Documentation of all systems for your records
Proper warranty registration and documentation
Building a Home That Lasts
By working with exterior specialists who understand how all these systems interact, you create a home that not only looks beautiful on day one but continues to perform and protect your investment for decades to come.
At Roof Panther, we bring our exterior expertise to each new construction project, ensuring that your home stands up to the elements while standing out in the neighborhood.
Ready to discuss your new construction exterior needs? Contact us for a consultation and learn how our comprehensive approach can benefit your project from foundation to finishing touches.
Contact Us! (Please provide your contact information below.)
We Look Forward To Working With You!
Roof Panther
903 N High Cross Rd. Urbana, IL 61802
By Appointment Only
Phone
(217) 530-8570
roofpanther@gmail.com