
9 Ways a New Roof Improves Your Home
Replacing asphalt shingles costs an average of $24,700, but what do you get for that investment? The return on investment for a new roof with asphalt shingles is 65.9%, so you recoup some of your costs right away.
There are a lot of other new roof benefits to consider as well. If you have roof damage or an outdated roof, the replacement can make your home more comfortable and safer as soon as the work is done.
Keep reading for nine new roof benefits that you can enjoy to help you decide if the investment is the right move.
- Increased Home Value
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense from weather and anything that falls from above, which makes it an important part of keeping your home safe. Investing in a new roof immediately increases your home’s value due to both the function and the aesthetics.
That means your roof upgrade is a good investment even if you’re planning to stay. If a move is in the near future, a new roof can be a big selling point for potential buyers, which can boost your selling price. They know the home is secure, and it eliminates a major expense once they move into the home.
- Improved Curb Appeal
You might not think about your roof much, but it’s a large part of your home and affects the overall look. Replacing an outdated or damaged roof improves the curb appeal of your home. Even if the existing roof isn’t damaged, a roof upgrade gives your home a fresh, bright look that draws the eye.
The color, material, and style of the roofing you choose impacts that curb appeal. Color can impact how well the roof coordinates with the home and can even impact energy efficiency, with darker colors absorbing sunlight and making your home hotter. Learn more about the best roof colors in this blog post.
- Better Energy Efficiency
Replacing an old roof can increase your home’s energy efficiency significantly. If your old roof is in disrepair, holes and gaps can let your heated and cooled air out. Those leaks waste a lot of energy and make your HVAC system work much harder.
A new roof seals up those gaps and leaks to keep your air inside the home. Newer roofing material can add to the energy efficiency by deflecting heat from your roof to keep your home cooler in the summer. Some shingles carry the Energy Star rating, which indicates that they’re energy efficient.
- Access to Modern Roof Technology
Roof technology has changed significantly over the years. A modern roof is not only more energy efficient, but it also lasts longer and provides other protections that older roofing materials can’t provide.
Newer roofing technology also offers a wider variety of roof styles. Advanced architectural shingles accurately replicate various roofing materials with less weight and lower maintenance, giving you more flexibility in your roof design.
- Corrects Roof Damage
If your home has roof damage, a new roof installation corrects those issues. Maybe your roof endured a major storm that damaged a large portion of the shingles or a branch fell on the roof and damaged the roofing.
In many cases, the roof simply reaches the end of its useful life and starts to deteriorate. Common asphalt shingles only last 15 to 30 years. Replacing your older shingles protects the structure of the roof with newer shingles without wear and tear.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty
A new home roof comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers certain types of damage. The warranty can cover expenses such as materials and labor if your roof needs to be replaced within the warranty period, which is usually around 25 years for quality asphalt shingles and sometimes longer for other materials. Roof warranties only go into effect if the roof is installed by a qualified roofing contractor.
A new roof warranty can give you peace of mind and save you money on future roof repairs. If your current roof is older, the warranty is likely over, so you don’t have the coverage.
- Increased Safety
Roof repair can help minor issues, but if your existing roof is dangerous and full of issues, it can be a safety issue. An unstable roof could collapse if it’s in bad enough condition. The risk is especially high during severe storms.
Old roofs make it easier for critters to enter your home, which can introduce droppings and other potentially dangerous materials in your home. They also allow moisture to enter the home, allowing mold and mildew to grow. That growth can be hazardous to your health.
A roof replacement gives your contractor the chance to stabilize the structure, ensuring your roof is safe and can withstand strong wind and storms. It also seals up the upper portion of your roof, keeping out potentially hazardous items to keep your home safer.
- Coordinates With Overall Changes
When you’re planning a larger home renovation, installing a new roof often makes sense. If you’re replacing the siding and windows, an older roof will stick out. Adding a roof installation to the updates gives your entire home a fresh look.
Another good time for a new roof is when you build an extension to your home. Instead of using different roofing for the addition that will stand out for looking different, redo the entire roof so everything looks the same.
You might also update the roof if you decide to install skylights, replace your chimney, or do other home improvements related to the roof.
- Lower Roof Maintenance
Older roofs often require lots of maintenance and repairs. You might have shingles that are curling or missing that you have to replace. Certain roofing materials, such as wood, require more maintenance than other materials.
New shingles can make roof maintenance easier. While you’ll still need to do regular roof inspections to ensure there aren’t any problems, the new material typically holds up well and protects your home reliably without much maintenance. If roof maintenance is a concern, choose a material with easy upkeep, such as slate or metal.
Enjoy Your New Roof
With a new roof, you get a range of benefits, including aesthetic, functional, and financial perks. The investment in a new roof often pays you back and is a smart home upgrade.
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