For those looking to find the most important portions of their home to evaluate, look no further. Turns out your roof is at the top of the list when it comes to maximizing energy efficiency, while simultaneously serving as a building block for weather protection, insulation, and exterior design.  Furthermore, roofs have a large influence when it comes to resale value, as homes with outdated, insufficient roofs are more susceptible to energy loss, storm damage, and structural problems.  Here’s why you should care…

NEW ROOFS RAISE RESALE VALUE

Surveys have indicated that a new roof accounts for more than a 65% ROI in home resale value alone. This means that a homeowner looking to replace their roof can offset more than half the project costs right off the bat, and provide themselves with additional leverage to raise the price at the point of resale.  To the same end, a roof can also be a major deal breaker for a potential home buyer, as replacing one can be time consuming and require the right team to install the roof properly.  Having a new roof also greatly adds to curb value and exterior design.  More often than not, the roof is one of the first places a home inspector will examine when going to analyze the value of a home in its entirety.  Starting a home inspection off on the right foot can ultimately go a long way in the final property evaluation, while having an old, damaged roof at the point of resale tells an inspector there’s a major undertaking that will have to be paid for.  In the meantime, having a damaged roof also leaves your home susceptible to gathering asbestos in the material, or allowing leaks, which can damage belongings and weaken the structural integrity of a home. 

The 65% ROI figure comes from the fact that a new roof will raise your home’s value by $12,000 on average, while simultaneously representing a long term investment for a homeowner .  With the average roof lasting over two decades, installing a new one with great insulation, weather protection and a tight fit, can ultimately check roofing off the list for a long time while simultaneously yielding returns in energy bill savings.

ROOFS PROVIDE WEATHER PROTECTION

Your roof is one of the greatest points of protection against wind, rain, snow, sleet and sun.  As such, it is one of the most important aspects of your home. Evaluate your roof’s efficiency at protecting your home from weather and debris.  A roof that has insufficient infrastructure, is starting to bow or sag, is gathering mold, or has loose areas surrounding its shingles, will often fail to protect a home against the external elements.  In some instances, the roof could even allow them to enter a home. One way to increase the weather protection you are getting from your roof is to install underlayment, which is a waterproof barrier installed directly onto the roof deck. While your shingles are designed to reflect sunlight, hold out rain and snow, and prevent wind damage, they often have small openings where water can seep in.  Underlayment adds an additional layer of moisture protection and is especially helpful in areas that are prone to storms.

Having a roof that is built to hold out the elements can ultimately save you valuable time and money down the line, as wind and rain can ultimately strip shingles, warp wood, and even damage the belongings in your home.  Water damage can end up being a pricey and time consuming fix, as swapping out warped wood in your home’s infrastructure can ultimately end up being a major undertaking. Making sure your home is protected from the weather before dealing with the aftermath is the best way to go. 

ENERGY EFFICIENT ROOFING

The roof is responsible for venting heat and humidity from the home, and serves as a major insulation point.  If a home has a compromised roof, homeowners will end up spending more money running theiR heating and cooling units, especially in the winter, when hot air rises and escapes through cracks or holes.  Replacing your roof will provide an immediate upgrade in energy efficiency.  Some roofs even qualify for tax credits due to their limited environmental impact, while others have been shown to reduce surface temperatures by over 50 degrees, drastically cutting the amount of cooling needed to maintain internal temperatures in the summer.  This can represent a substantial decline in a home’s energy consumption habits. 

Adequate insulation not only saves a homeowner dollars on their energy bills, but it can also extend the life of your roof itself, ensuring those savings represent a consistent return.   You can cut energy costs even further by utilizing a radiant barrier, which is a layer applied during a re-roofing project, and is designed to reflect solar heat, and reduce the overall surface temperature.

On the other end, if you have an old, or cracked roof, it could be costing you more money on those same energy bills. In the summer months, hot air can become trapped in the upper areas of the home, especially the attic.  If a roof does not have proper ventilation, this can raise internal temperatures to the point of warping wood and compromising structural integrity, while simultaneously causing you to pump more money into air conditioning.  

SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW ROOF

Even if you’re not necessarily thinking about your roof, there could be some signs around your home that indicate your roof is having widespread effects. Here are a few warning signs that could indicate you need to replace your roof.

1. Ceiling Stains
   Noticing water stains or marks in the ceilings of your rooms is typically a sign that your roof is leaking. Leaks can cause big problems such as mold, warping, and broken electronics.
2. Damaged Shingles
   Damaged shingles will not only allow more wind, rain, and sun light to enter the home, but can also be susceptible to blowing off in strong winds.  This could be a major hazard during a storm, while also leaving your home susceptible to damages. 
3. Mold
   If you see mold at the point your roof and exterior wall meet, or even on the exterior walls themselves, this could be a sign you have a leaky roof.  This will compromise structure, and will continue to get worse if left unaddressed. 
4. Sagging Roof
   If your roof sags, it could be a sign that the wood below is starting to rot, or that the roof rafters or trusses are starting to fail.  This could ultimately turn into a major cost if left unaddressed, as rotting support wood could be a potential indicator that your roof is on its way out. If your roof is sagging, have a professional inspect it.
5. Roof Over 20 Years Old
   Bottom line: if your roof is old, it should be inspected. Old roofs can have major internal structural problems, as well as clear insulation and ventilation issues.  Even if your roof is still structurally sound, you could still be wasting dollars on energy inefficiency and lowering your home’s resale value.

LOCAL ROOFING EXPERTS

Builders & Remodelers has been in business for over 60 years, providing outstanding, high quality products and unmatched installation teams to the MN area. Our easy financing program means no money down and no payment for up to 12 months, while our range of products means we have the options you’re looking for.  We cover all aspects of your roofing needs from roof installation and replacement, to maintenance and inspections.  With a range of options from CertainTeed, TAMKO, Timberline, Landmark, GAF, and Owens Coming, finding the perfect choice for your home renovation has never been more accessible.  Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.