It might surprise you how much roof repair or replacement can change the appearance of your home and how other people react to it. Additionally, the more neighborhood homes need roof repair, the lower property appraisal values for the area will be. We will touch briefly on the importance of roof repair, and then take a closer look at how a roof replacement will change the appearance, value, and integrity of your home.
Safety
Roof repair is a lot more valuable to you than changing how the home is received, though. A roof leak will damage fascia boards, soffits, walls, and ceilings if it is not repaired diligently. A small puncture from a fallen branch has the potential to cause damage throughout your home. Keep in mind also that water dripping in your walls may contact electrical junctions and outlets, creating a serious fire danger.
Explore the Possibilities
There are a lot of options for roof repair or replacement. asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and ceramic or vinyl tiles are only the beginning of your choices because most roof materials are available in various colors, and some– including ceramic, vinyl, and metal– are available in a wide range of styles. Mix and match roof and siding styles and colors to make your home more unique and eye-catching.
Area Aesthetics
Not only is putting a new roof on your home good for your own property appreciation, it also helps maintain property values in your neighborhood. A word to the wise, however: check with your homeowners’ association before making your choice because some subdivisions have neighborhood rules regarding home appearance.
Roof Materials
The materials you use for roof replacement determine the roof’s longevity, cost, and other factors. A metal roof will last the longest at as long as 70 years, but ceramic tile isn’t far behind with a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. Asphalt shingles are probably the least expensive, but they are only rated for around 20 years. You could save money now and still have an attractive roof, but investing a little more can double the longevity. A partial list of the most popular roofing materials includes:
- Asphalt – This is the most economical roofing material, but it is available in several types and an assortment of colors. This material has an expected longevity of around 20 years.
- Architectural Asphalt – These shingles use a more modern design that encourages water run-off and improves wind resistance. Because of the improvements, you can expect the roof to last between 20 and 30 years.
- Clay Tile – The major drawback to clay tile is that it can be expensive to install. Tile is a heavy material, so the underlayment will have to be up to the task. On the other hand, you have a choice of several colors, improved insulation, and an expected roof life of 40 years or more.
- Metal – Metal roofing has a lot to offer, including giving your home an appealing new look. Metal can reduce your heating and cooling costs by as much as 12 percent, is ecologically friendly, and only needs to be cleaned periodically to remove leaves and debris. If you want a lightweight, cost-effective roof that will last for as much as 70 years, metal is one of the best choices on the market.
Styles and Colors
Once your old roof is torn off, you have the option of rebuilding the entire roof structure, and there are a dozen or more conventional roof styles to choose from. When all of your options are considered, including the roofing material, style, color, and roof style there are hundreds of ways your roof can completely alter the appearance of your home.
- Gable Roof – This type of roof is popular because of its simplicity. A gable roof typically has one long peak and 2 sloping sides that form a triangle when viewed end-on. This design helps reduce the visible roof surface and creates appealing slopes and angles.
- Hip Roof – In the same price range, and only slightly more complex, a hip roof typically has 4 sides that slope gently together at a single peak.
- Flat Roof – Flat roofs are single-sided roofs. With most roofing materials, the flow of water is channeled to one side of the roof. An angled flat roof provides increased wall space on the longest edge, perfect for transom lights that reduce energy usage by maximizing natural light.
- Clay Tile – Clay tile is very popular, but it is also very heavy and fragile. The good news is that this type of material can be replaced in individual tiles if and when repairs are needed.
Reduced Maintenance
The different roofing materials each have their own maintenance demands, ranging from almost none to periodic leaf and debris removal, gutter cleaning, and the like. In general, the amount of maintenance required is commensurate with the longevity of the material used. There are exceptions to this, however, such as the need to remove debris from a metal roof to prevent corrosion and related damages.
Boost Home Value
A new roof signifies that you value your home to anyone who notices it. It tells them that you care about the safety and longevity of the home, and want to keep your family comfortable. If you are planning to sell your home in a few years, home improvements such as a new roof will dramatically increase the property value, how potential buyers react to the home, and more. To be sure, a new roof is a big investment, but the value it adds to your property goes well beyond the actual cost.
Every home is going to need roof repair or replacement eventually. Maybe you’ll never need more than minor repairs, but that will depend on the age, type, and quality of the existing roof. When you make the decision to replace yours, spend a little time researching and talking with local roofing contractors before you make a final choice. There are a lot of options available, and each type and style will have its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so plan slowly and carefully.
Peak Roofing & Exteriors
If you’re looking for an honest and experienced team that can handle your residential roofing project in Northwest Arkansas, Northeast Louisiana, or West Texas, look no further. Peak Roofing & Exteriors can take care of your home or business with quality and integrity. Contact us today and book a FREE inspection!