When potential buyers are looking for a new home, they of course want a beautiful, clean and updated space that is stylishly put together. But these are the finishing touches that convince them that your home is in excellent condition. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting to do real repairs in favor of a new coat of paint. Take the time to identify any problem areas and address them quickly.
Potential buyers are looking for any red flags when they tour your home. The roof is a key item and can show signs of damage and wear on both the outside and inside of your home. If the roof looks like it is sagging or there are water stains on the ceilings this is an immediate red flag to buyers. Ensure that you show a well presented home by fixing any roofing issues before you place your house on the market.
When replacing a roof, you will need to decide upon a roofing material. There are several factors to consider. How old is your roof? What is the shape of your roof? What type of climate do you live in? What is the style of your home? These questions will determine what type of material is best for your home. When selecting a roofing material there are many different options: asphalt, metal, wood, tile, and slate. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
An asphalt shingle roof is the most popular roofing choice for 75% of Americans. It is an affordable option at $50-$150 per square (1 square = 100 square feet). It is easy to install and comes in a variety of colors and textures. Asphalt can even mimic the look of the more expensive wood and slate shingles which means it’s a great look for any architectural style. However, there are some drawbacks. Asphalt rates as the least green option for roofing. It has a low insulation value and is a non-recyclable material. Asphalt while inexpensive has the shortest life span lasting only 10-15 years.
Metal roofs are becoming more popular as they are durable, lightweight and low maintenance. Metal roofs are a great investment, lasting up to 50 years. They fit equally in a rustic farmhouse setting and a modern home. Metal roofs come in a variety of metals such as copper, aluminum and stainless steel. Metal is a reasonably green material as it is recyclable and has a high insulation value and reflects sunlight. This will save you money when it comes to heating and cooling costs. Metal can start out as a reasonably priced roofing material at around $100 square. However, depending on your metal of choice and any protective coatings it needs the price can escalate quickly. Noise can also be a factor for metal roofs. If you live in an area with high rainfall make sure you opt for soundproof insulation.
Wood shake roofing gives instant curb appeal and character to a home. It is great for historic, cottage or contemporary styles. The most popular shakes use cedar, redwood, or southern pine. While the initial installation is not costly, around $150 per square the upkeep can increase the price. The challenging nature of wood shakes requires regular maintenance so that the shakes don’t fall victim to cracks, mildew and mold. Depending on how often wood shakes are maintained this type of roof can last up to twenty-five years.
Using clay and concrete tiles is a wise choice for homes that deal with extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. Tiles are able to withstand high winds and prevent mold from heavy rain (as long as the concrete is properly sealed). It is one of the greenest options as both locally sourced clay and sustainable concrete tiles reflect solar energy, lowering heating and cooling costs. Tiles have a long life expectancy lasting upwards of fifty years, however this comes with a high cost upfront, in the range of $200-$600 per square. The weight of both concrete and clay tiles should also be taken into consideration and ensure that the house is properly structured before choosing this option.
Slate is the most expensive roofing option costing up to $1,000 per square. However, this pricey tag will likely never have to be paid for again by you or future future owners. Slate tile can last upwards of one hundred and seventy-five years. If you have a historic home, slate will add to the charm and character while providing an extremely durable roof. Spending thousands on a roof that will crush your home is not an ideal situation; make sure that that the structure can withstand the weight of the roof caused by heavy slate tiles.
Algae, moss, ice, rain, snow and sun are all contributors to a failing roof. Keep these factors in mind when you are deciding on replacing your roof with one of the roofing materials from above. If you are trying to sell your home for top dollar don’t automatically choose the least expensive option. Factor in the character of your home, its location and local weather conditions. Remember, the most profitable roofing solution is one where your roof is standing and keeping your home dry!