Property prices are constantly going up and down because the real estate market is influenced by a lot of different variables. However, there are also a number of variables that are relevant to your particular property that will influence how much you are able to sell it for. There are plenty of examples of homes that were sold for twice, or even more times, the price that they were initially purchased for, within a short span of time. This is only possible when a developer or a homeowner understands exactly what it is that drives property prices in that area.
Among the variables that influence a property’s price are some variables that can be considered constant factors. This includes things like the condition of the home, the flooring, the available space, and the roofing quality.
These are things that will play a role in the price of a home no matter where it is. In certain localities, there can be other additional things that might be considered a good value-adding feature but the basics always remain the same. The roof also happens to be one of the most neglected parts of a property. It isn’t visited very often and over time it develops serious problems that are expensive to fix. At that point property owners just want to get rid of the property but they are forced to settle for a deal that is far less than the home’s value because of the condition it is in. Working on your roof can drastically improve the price that you get for a home. This is what you need to know.
Factors To Consider When Replacing A Roof
If you aren’t an expert in roofing even a bad roof can look fine, because you don’t know what to look for. Before you decide on whether you want to repair the roof, overlay the roof, or install a completely new roof, here are a few things to consider.
Age
The most common kind of roofing today is shingle tile roofing. These tiles are rated to work for around 20 years, but exceptions do exist. Again, the big factor in determining how long a shingle tiled roof will last is maintenance. If you have conducted average maintenance then consider 20 years the mark at which you should get a new one. With very poor maintenance you might need a new roof in just 10 years, excellent maintenance may increase the roof’s life to 30 years.
Leaks
Leaks are a huge problem for the health of the roof and the health of the home’s structure. Just a small leak can pass through an incredible amount of water over the course of several years. If a roof has multiple small leaks all over it, this can significantly damage the roof itself, the walls, the attic, and even the foundation of the house. If you have insulation in the home, this will also be affected by leaks in the roof. If you find that you have to keep re-patching and repairing old leaks in the roof, it might be time to get a new roof.
Growth
If you notice that your roof is starting to fade or it is starting to develop dark spots and patches all over it, you might have a problem with micro-bacterial growth. Some of the most common roof pests include algae, fungi, moss, and small insects such as termites and mites. The roof has access to sunlight, water, air, and plenty of nutrients. This makes it a great place for microorganisms to grow. If the growth has significantly compromised the health of the roof your best option will be to change the roof entirely.
Stability And Damage
Over time the roof can also get imbalanced. You may notice that the roof has sunk in places or that it has become unfastened from the foundation. Things like branches, birds, or even small animals can break and damage the roof. If you have solar panels that are installed incorrectly they can also place excessive stress on the roof and damage it. In such situations, fixing a certain part of the roof might look like you have resolved the issue but the underlying instability still exists. The only way to permanently fix this problem is with a new roof.
Types Of Roofs To Consider
If you have diagnosed your problem and decided that a new roof is the best solution for your situation, it is time to look into what kind of roof you should get. Different roofing options can vary in cost, their life, the features and functions they provide, and the kind of look they create for the home. Here are some of the most common kinds of roofing options to consider.
Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common kind of roofing option for homes. They are easy to install, they are cost-effective, they serve a decent amount of time, and repair and maintenance are straightforward. The challenge here is that they aren’t the most durable, especially if you live in a region with extreme weather. When exposed to snow or extreme heat and direct sunlight, asphalt shingles will wear out faster than other roofing materials. The main advantage of shingles is the cost and convenience. They are also available in a number of different colors so you do have the option of customizing the roof according to your preferences.
Metal
Metal roofing is preferred in a lot of commercial applications such as warehouses because of its durability and versatility. You can have any sized building and metal roofing can be used. Moreover, there are many different kinds of metal sheets that you can use as roofing material which gives you more options and allows you to address the specific needs of the structure. If you are considering metal roofing then one of the tips for hiring a good roofer is to ask them what kind of welding they do. If possible, have a look at their previous projects to see how well the welds have held up.
No matter how good the metal sheet itself is, if the welding is done poorly, it will ruin the metal sheet. This is a very durable and long-lasting option and it is excellent for cold weather. However, it is not a great choice for hot weather, unless you have good insulation.
Tiles
If you are looking for a more stylish look then consider a tiled roof. The most common materials are natural clay tiles that have the same color as bricks. You can also get concrete tiles, synthetic tiles, metal tiles, and many other kinds in this category. Clay tiles are an excellent choice for hot climates since they have heat-reflecting properties. These tiles are slightly more expensive but they have a much longer life span and can easily last several decades. Just like shingle tiles they are quite easy to maintain and can easily last you several decades.
Slate
Another option is to get slate tiles. This is a very premium option, it is quite expensive, but it is a very unique material to use. It is usually used in large houses or large commercial buildings that want to have a unique aesthetic. Slate is a natural material that is extremely durable and these tiles can easily last you a century or more. It’s great for protecting the home, and reflecting heat, and it can bear a lot of weight in case you want to install solar panels. The only problem is the price of installation and the price of maintenance. If you can afford it, there is nothing better than slate.
Advantages Of A New Roof
Whether you have a small house or a large house, getting a new roof is never a small job or a cheap proposition. It can take quite a bit of time and cost quite a bit of money. However, there are some major benefits to getting a new roof rather than an overlay or getting roof repairs.
Full Warranty Cover
You get a completely new warranty and a complete warranty cover with a new roof, just like how you get a complete warranty for any brand new product. A lot of homeowners don’t realize that even if you use brand new tiles for an overlay, you don’t get any warranty cover because the integrity of the new tiles is compromised by the existing tiles. Similarly, even if you repair your roof to 100% you still will not get a complete roof warranty.
Higher Home Value
A new roof can drastically improve the value of the house. You can look to get an additional $15000-$30000 for the home with a new roof. More importantly, the ROI on a new roof is excellent. Most homeowners easily see an ROI of 50%-75%.
Looks Better
You make a much better impression on buyers with a new roof. Just looking at the property the buyer starts to assume good things about the house. Even though we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, it is human nature. This good image of the house is something you can cash out when you sell the house.
Safer
A new roof improves the safety of the house tremendously. This is something that is going to help you with insurance charges, tax, regulation checks, and many other things. With a new roof, your home will easily meet or exceed any regulations and requirements in your area. This is not only great while you live in the home but it also adds a lot of value for the new buyer.
If your roof is in poor condition there are a number of possible solutions. However, none of them will be as effective or as profitable as a new roof. If you are looking to get the best return on the home or you want to provide the highest quality asset to a buyer, then invest in getting a good roof. It is a solid investment that will last you several years whether you choose to live in the home yourself or sell it to someone else.
