For most people, replacing the roof of a home is one of the most daunting home improvement tasks. It is on par with adding a new room to a house or remodeling a kitchen. However, ensuring the structural integrity and functionality of the roof is by far one of the most important home maintenance tasks there is.
Of course, if you are looking to sell your home, you might be considering what your home improvement project should be to increase the home’s value. If you have neglected caring for your roof over the years, then installing a new roof may be the best choice. After all, the condition of the roof is one of the first things that potential home buyers look at when shopping for a new home.
If you are not sure about whether a new roof will increase your property’s value, then keep reading. The information below will explain all of the roof repair and replacement options available and how they can help put a higher price tag on your property.
Options for Roof Replacement or Repair
Most people cringe at the idea of having to replace a roof because of what they believe the price will be to finish the job. However, there are several options homeowners can choose from depending on their budget and the status of their current roof. These options include replacing just the singles, a partial roof replacement, and a full roof replacement.
Shingle replacement is typically the least expensive option. It involves replacing just the shingles on the roof, but not repairing or replacing any of the supporting materials underneath. This option is typically best for roofs that have had some shingles damaged by wind or tree branches.
Partial roof replacement is the best option if only part of the roof is in need of major repair. There are only so many times that a roof can be partially repaired, as it can cause an uneven slope to develop. If the roof has several layers of shingles already or it is damaged beyond repair, then homeowners will need to choose the last option, which is a full roof replacement.
How Much Does a Brand New Roof Increase the Value of a Home?
While the cost of replacing a roof can be high, the national average a homeowner spends on a new asphalt shingle roof being around $22,000. However, according to NARI’s 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, the investment can increase the home’s value by more than 100% in some circumstances. That means that homeowners who invest in a new, high-quality roof may even make a profit, after all, is said and done.
Best Roofing Materials to Choose
Roof replacement is a big undertaking, so it is critical that homeowners make the right choice about what material to use on their roofs. If the homeowner is just replacing shingles or a portion of the roof, then they will need to match whatever material is currently used on their roof. However, homeowners can consider the following for new roof installations:
- Asphalt. Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular options available. They are both durable and affordable, lasting an average of around 25 years. Asphalt shingles are also available in several colors.
- Tile, Cement, or Clay. These materials are incredibly hardy, lasting anywhere from 50 to 100 years. They are popular on spanish-style homes and can be a sophisticated and stylish roof option. Unfortunately, they do cost up to three times more than asphalt shingles.
- Wood. Wood shingles are incredibly beautiful, but they are high maintenance. Since wood is not insect or water resistant, their lifespan depends on how much work is put into them each year. They will require yearly cleaning and restaining to last their estimated 30 year lifespan.
- Slate. Slate shingles are one of the most durable roofing materials. In some cases, these shingles can last over 100 years. However, they can be up to 20 times as expensive as asphalt shingles, so they are a very pricey option.
- Composite. Composite or synthetic shingles are manufactured to have the look of other materials, like wood or slate, but without the price tag. Instead, these shingles cost around the same amount as asphalt. They also require far less maintenance and can last up to 50 years.
- Metal. Metal roofing is extremely durable, but it is also fairly expensive. This type of roof lasts 50 years or longer and is made from large metal sections rather than shingles. Metal roofs are common in areas that receive a lot of snow, as snow doesn’t stick to it the same way that it does other roof materials.
Get the Most Value From Your Home Today
As you can tell, replacing the roof of a home increases its value significantly. Homeowners who elect to do so may be able to recoup the cost of the roof and then some. If you are looking to sell your home and get the most out of it, consider replacing your roof as soon as possible. That means that homeowners who invest in a new, high-quality roof may even make a profit, after all, is said and done.
