Many aspects affect your home’s value, but a well-maintained roof is one of the most impactful ones. When you keep your roofing materials in good condition, you don’t just protect your roof from damage, but you also make your entire property more appealing to potential buyers in the housing market. Maupin Roofing understands how much a well-maintained home roof elevates property value, so we’ll break down everything you need to know! We’ll discuss the benefits of a well-kept roof, provide helpful tips to maintain your roofing system, and suggest other home improvement ideas to further increase your property value.
Does a Well-Maintained Roof Increase Home Value?
It’s an undeniable fact that keeping your roof in top shape can significantly increase the value of your home. It can be a strong selling point when working with a real estate agent, and it reassures potential buyers that the property has been taken care of and likely won’t need extensive repairs soon. Additionally, roofs with transferable warranties can also make the property more attractive.
Remember—many buyers are looking for a house they can see themselves living in for a long time, or a property that can easily draw tenants. This means they want a property that’s structurally sound and can last for many years. A sturdy roof in excellent condition gives your home a higher value, making it a worthy investment in the eyes of prospective buyers.
Other Benefits of a Well-Maintained Roof
How much value does a well-maintained roof add to a property? The exact figures vary, but when you properly take care of your roofing material, you can experience its benefits firsthand. Aside from an increased home value, here are the other advantages you can expect when you properly tend to your property’s roof:
It Can Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
A person forms their first impression of your property based on your home’s curb appeal. With a well-kept roof, you can improve your property’s aesthetic appeal while also enhancing your overall home value. Think about it—the roof is one of the largest and most noticeable parts of a home. So, the condition of your roof has a major impact on how other people perceive your property.
It Prevents Extensive Damage
Maintaining your roof is also a good personal finance decision. When you regularly address roof issues and prevent potential problems from developing, you’re guarding against extensive damage which would require roof repair and cost you a pretty penny. Neglecting your roof can also lead to a total roof replacement, which is far more expensive than if you had regularly maintained it.
It Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
If you’re a homeowner, then you know how important an energy-efficient home is. Having a well-maintained roof is one of the energy-efficient upgrades you can make to lower utility bills as it does a good job of keeping indoor temperatures stable. It helps you save money because your cooling or heating systems aren’t being overworked in an attempt to regulate your home’s temperature. For peak energy savings, you can also consider investing in energy-efficient appliances.
It Can Lengthen Your Roof’s Lifespan
Depending on your roofing material, a roof’s lifespan typically lasts anywhere between 15 and 100 years. Proper roof maintenance can extend the overall lifespan of your roof, meaning you can benefit from it for a longer time. Paired with other home improvements and home renovations, taking care of your roof can increase the value of your home and help you fetch a higher price when you finally decide to sell your property.
It Protects Your Home From Safety Hazards
When not properly maintained, your roof can develop all sorts of issues like leaks, shingle damage, moss growth, and wood rot. Left unaddressed, these issues can worsen over time and potentially lead to problems as extreme as structural collapse. To keep the house’s occupants safe, it’s best to stick to a regular maintenance plan to prevent your roof from compromising your property’s structural soundness.
How to Properly Maintain Your Current Roof
If you’re thinking of selling your property in the near future, you should start maintaining your roof right away. To make sure you’re doing it right, here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
Inspect and Clean Your Roof Regularly
Make a habit of regularly inspecting and cleaning your roof at least twice a year. This includes checking the health of your roofing material and checking for damage like missing shingles, gaps, holes, and leaks. When you find issues early on, you can address them before they get worse, which can save you from the hassle of repairs.
To clean various roofing materials, follow these tips:
Metal Roofing and Asphalt Shingles: If you have a metal or asphalt roof, you can use a soft-bristle brush, mild detergent, and garden hose. Focus on areas with debris and dirt buildup and try not to put too much pressure as you clean as it can cause damage to the material. For the same reason, don’t use pressure washers.
Clay or Concrete Tiles: The cleaning process for clay or concrete tiles is similar to the previous one. You can use a soft-bristle brush, mild detergent, and garden hose to scrub and wash dirt away. However, try your best not to walk on the tiles as it can lead to damage.
Wood Shingles or Shakes: For these types of roofs, you can also use a brush and garden hose, though we recommend getting a cleaner specifically designed for wood to prevent mold and mildew.
Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Throughout the year, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean. Keep an eye out for twigs, leaves, and debris, as this can lead to clogs. In turn, this can cause water to accumulate on your roof and possibly lead to leaks, water damage, and mold growth. With well-maintained gutters and downspouts, you can be sure that rainwater is being properly drained from your roof.
Repair Minor Issues Immediately
If you find any roof issues, we recommend addressing them as soon as possible. They may appear minor, making them easy to ignore, but leaving these problems untreated can only worsen them. Since they won’t disappear on their own, you’re going to have to repair them at one point anyway, so the smart move is to resolve the issues while they’re still easy to fix. Don’t wait for it to get worse because then you’ll have to deal with costlier repairs.
Check Flashing
Check the roof flashing around the chimney, vents, and skylights. If they’re damaged, water and moisture may seep in through the cracks and gaps, which can lead to water damage. To repair them, you’ll need sealant and caulking to seal. This protects the edges and joints from water infiltration.
Trim Tree Branches Close to Your Roof
Trees on your property can be harmful to your roof if their branches are straying too close to the roof surface. It’s a good idea to trim overhanging tree limbs or branches so they don’t end up scraping the roof and causing damage. Additionally, you don’t want these branches to snap off during a storm and land on your roof; the heavy impact can dislodge shingles and lead to cracks.
Arrange Professional Roof Inspections
While maintaining the roof yourself is beneficial, it’s still important to schedule professional roof inspections annually. Professional assessments by roofing companies like Maupin Roofing can identify potential problems and address them before they cause even worse issues. These roofers can find problems you may have missed and carry out residential services to save your roof from potential damage.
Is It Time to Get a New Roof?
Sometimes, roof maintenance just doesn’t cut it anymore. The other option is to get a new roof to increase the value of your home. Installing a new roof is a significant investment, so many homeowners are hesitant to undertake the project. However, the benefits often outweigh the costs of new roofs, so it’s generally a good financial decision. A common question, though, is this: how do you know if it’s time for a roof replacement?
Here are some of the factors to consider:
Roof Age
With an older roof, there’s a higher likelihood that it needs a replacement. If your roof is close to exceeding its expected lifespan, it might be a good decision to replace it with a new one.
Here’s a quick guide to the lifespan of different roofing materials and when they might be considered near the end of their service life:
Asphalt Shingles: 20-30 years
Metal Roofing: 40-70 years
Wood Shingles or Shakes: 20-40 years
Clay Tiles: 50-100 years
Concrete Tiles: 30-50 years
Extensive, Irreparable Damage
If you’re dealing with extensive and irreparable damage, especially problems concerning the structural integrity of your roof, then it’s definitely time for a roof replacement. In such cases, it’s more cost-effective to just replace the whole roofing system than to carry out multiple, extensive repairs.
Frequent Roof Repairs
Frequent roof repairs often mean you have recurring issues that just won’t go away no matter how many times you repair them. Most of the time, the smart decision here would be to opt for a total roof replacement rather than pay repeatedly for repairs.
Other Home Improvement Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Value
Alongside the proper maintenance of your roof, homeowners can further add value to your home through various home improvements. Doing so can make your home stand out from other properties, so when it’s time to sell, you can attract more buyers and possibly get a higher price for your property.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint to Your Home
The cheapest way to give your home a fresh, new look is to paint its interior and exterior. Start by deep cleaning the walls, and then carefully choose paint colors that fit the rest of the house’s atmosphere. It’s a quick and easy way to upgrade your home’s appearance and make it look neat and inviting.
Update Plumbing Fixtures
Consider replacing old faucets, showerheads, and sinks with something more modern. It’s another easy hack to update the appearance of your bathroom without having to do too much renovations. Aside from that, newer plumbing fixtures also come with convenient features and better functionality.
Upgrade Your Garage Door
Aside from your roof, your garage door is also one of the most noticeable parts of your home. To boost your curb appeal, you can upgrade your garage door so it not only looks great, but also offers better insulation and security. This can be a big plus for many potential buyers.
Enhance and Expand Your Living Space
Another home improvement project to increase your home’s value is to plan a better layout to maximize your property’s square footage. You can make a room more spacious by taking down some walls and changing the layout. Other ideas include converting the attic into an extra bedroom or office. If you do this, adding insulation and proper ventilation is essential to keep the space comfortable.
Remodel Your Kitchen
Give your kitchen a remodel to increase the value of your property. Think new countertops, the latest appliances, and stylish cabinets. Many buyers are very particular about kitchens since they want the space to be as functional and appealing as possible, so make sure your kitchen can be a major selling point.
Call Maupin Roofing OKC for Professional Roofing Solutions
Whether you’re planning to sell your home or simply want to give your property an upgrade, our roofing contractors are ready to take on any roofing project.
Give us a call at 405-703-3843 today to get started!
Premium Roofing Materials for Discerning Homeowners
When it comes to your roof, you want materials that not only look great but also stand the test of time—especially with Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather.
Top Trends and Innovations in Residential Roof Design
Lately, there have been countless trends popping up in residential roof design, from flat roofs to eco-friendly roofing material options that combine style and sustainability.
How Your Roof Can Withstand Oklahoma’s Climate
Oklahoma’s climate can be extreme and unpredictable. From scorching summers to severe storms, high winds, and hail, your roof plays a critical role in protecting
How a Well-Maintained Home Roof Elevates Property Value
Many aspects affect your home’s value, but a well-maintained roof is one of the most impactful ones. When you keep your roofing materials in good
Preserving Historical Homes with Careful Roofing Choices
Preserving a historic landmark isn’t just about making sure the structure stays upright over the years—it’s also about keeping the original character and elements of
The Role of Flat Roofing in Commercial Building Design
Flat roofs have undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once considered less desirable, they’ve emerged as a versatile and efficient choice for commercial building
