Depending on what type of material your roof is made of, you can expect the structure to last anywhere from a few decades to over 50 years. Simple asphalt shingle roofs last around 20 years, whereas metal or slate roofs have a near indefinite lifespan.
Factors like how your roof was installed and the care you put into keeping your roof in a healthy condition, also determine the longevity of this important home structure. Read on to discover how making repairs to your roof, or replacing your roof entirely, can benefit your home.
1. Increased Energy Efficiency
Much of your home’s energy loss leaves your house via your roof — this is especially true if your roof is made of dated materials that offer little to no energy efficiency. Heat escapes your home through compromised parts of your roof’s structure, leaving you with higher energy costs every month and a home that is more difficult to heat or keep cool.
If you have a basic shingled roof, then replacing your entire roof with modern shingles is a wise investment. Shingles (especially asphalt shingles) are the lowest-cost roofing material, costing an average of $0.85 per square foot for an upgrade.
2. Increased Home Value
There are many ways repairing or replacing your existing roof improves your home’s overall value. The investment of a new roof itself is easily recouped when you sell your home, allowing you to get back 70 percent of your investment.
Furthermore, a new roof increases your home’s curb appeal, giving your property a modern, streamlined appearance. Potential homebuyers are attracted to homes with new roofing installations because of the peace of mind that a new roof, that won’t have to be replaced again for several decades, offers.
3. Increased Financial Stability
A roof in need of repairs or replacement will eventually fail, be it due to a large windstorm or heavy rains. Once a roof is compromised in one area, the weakened part of the roof is susceptible to sagging, leaking, and other potentially dangerous — and expensive — damages.
If your budget does not allow for entire roof replacement, then you can repair the damaged or weakened areas instead. The average cost to repair a leaking roof, for example, is around $650 per 100-square foot area. Avoid replacing ceilings, walls, and furnishings from a caved-in roof by making simpler, cost-effective repairs now.
Your roofing installation specialist will inspect your roof, marking areas of high concern, and give you an estimate for both repairs and replacement of your roof. In many cases, it’s wisest to replace the entire roofing structure for greater peace of mind and overall savings in the long run.
4. Increased Home Appreciation
Your roof represents your home and a faded, dated roof makes the rest of your home improvements fade into the background. When improving other areas of your home, such as windows, entry doors, and patio spaces, it’s wise to also update your roof so that the structure matches the rest of your property’s appeal.
Simply replacing a top layer of shingles with new, attractive shingles can make a huge difference in your roof’s quality. Your roofing installation specialist will suggest a few ways you can improve your roof without fully replacing the structure if simple curb appeal is what you are seeking. Call a licensed roofer to determine what your roof needs and start planning your budget accordingly for home repairs.
Your home benefits from new roofing materials in many ways. Our team of specialists at Clear Choice Exteriors can inspect, repair, and replace your roof. We have many roofing options to choose from; give our office a call today to schedule an appointment.