Why Is It Important to Maintain a Roof?
Most homeowners don’t realize just how expensive a roof system is until they have to replace one themselves. According to Angie’s List, the average cost of a new roof comprised of basic materials like asphalt can vary in price Higher-end materials or a roof’s complexity can change the final tally.
With these figures in mind, you’ll certainly want to maintain the roof you have instead of paying a fortune for replacement, especially if your roof still has some quality years left in its lifetime. Protecting your roofing investment has a slew of benefits, more than sheer replacement costs.
Energy Efficiency
The roof that sits above your head is responsible for much more than falling debris and protection against a passing summer storm. Your roof keeps your home cool in the hot weather months and warm in the winter months.
A roof that’s in top shape and well-maintained will initially reflect the sun’s radiation and heat—that’s the job of the shingles or whatever roofing material you’ve gone with. Proper ventilation systems like ridge vents, insulation, and attic fans will push hot air from beneath the roof. This circulation is crucial for keeping your roof cool while the sun beats down overhead.
You’ll feel the difference throughout your home because the temperature is regulated. You’ll also notice that your home doesn’t have to work nearly as hard to heat or cool the inside, thus saving you on energy costs.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal shouldn’t be underestimated, especially when it comes down to your roof. All veteran homeowners know that the first major part to scope out on a home is the roof. It tells them whether or not they’ll be dropping a couple thousand dollars to replace it or if it looks new, well-maintained, and cared for so they can save that money instead.
Even if you’re not considering selling your home for a few years, curb appeal is crucial for when that time does come. Passersby, neighbors, and potential buyers will remember what they’ve seen, and word gets around fast. A roof is a huge expense, so maintain the one you have will make it look appealing and help you draw in a crowd when the time comes to sell.
Protection & Safety
The main purpose of a roof is to protect your home and those who dwell in it, giving meaning to the phrase “a roof over your head.” Imagine if you didn’t maintain your roof—what’s the worst thing that could happen?
Shingles can be warped, blown off, or become cracked or broken from nasty storms. Missing this exterior protection portion of your roof can lead to dire consequences. A roofing system depends on each component and layer to protect the interior of your home, so even a missing shingle can be damaging.
Water can leak and impact the integrity of your home’s structure, especially the attic. This can impact the supporting layers of the roof system and before you know it, you’ll be seeing expansive water damage throughout your home if this isn’t addressed.
If that sounds like a living nightmare, remember that it’s much easier and cheaper to quickly repair a few missing or broken shingles than it is to face expensive water damage.
Resale Value
It’s never a waste to increase the value of your home and for many home projects, you’ll end up seeing a return of investment when you go to sell it. A roof is among these valuable investments you can make and has a high return of investment for sellers. It may seem like you’re spending some serious cash if you go for a full replacement roof, but even then, you’ll see your money come full circle.
Repairs and maintenance on your current roof are an even more cost-effective way to increase your resale value. The cost of a full-scale replacement can vary, depending on your location, the materials, the cost of labor where you live, and how large and complex your roof is. Skip this overwhelming replacement cost by being a dutiful homeowner and repairing and maintaining the roof when necessary, and you can extend the lifespan of your roof.
Maintaining a roof can bring about plenty of positives:
- Avoid the cost of a full replacement
- Extends the lifespan of your current roof
- Prevent water damage and pricier repairs
- Increase curb appeal
- Boost your resale value
Maintain
Essentially, you’ll save money by keeping your roofing system happy and healthy. You’ll stop water damage before it becomes threatening and costly, you’ll do your future-self a favor by having an aesthetically pleasing roof to attract potential buyers, and whatever money you do spend on your roof, you can expect a nice return of your investment. There’s no reason not to maintain your roof, unless you want headaches.
Time for a New Roof?
There are a lot of great benefits to keeping your roofing system up to date. One is it can safe you money on not getting a new roof. Most of the time, asphalt shingles are drastically better than slate, solar, shake, wood, and tile. All the benefits from great energy efficiency to great exterior protection from extreme weather conditions. Speak to a specialist and get a free quote online today.
