5 Reasons to Replace Your Roof (before the snow flies!)
- Aug 7, 2016
- 3 min read
1. Selling your house.
Thinking about selling your home in the next few years? If your roof is nearing the end of its life, replacing your roof can be a smart move to increase your home’s value. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2015 Cost vs. Value Report, a new roof returns an average of 71.6% of the investment! Exceeding a bathroom (70%) or a major kitchen (67.8%) remodel! Your new roof will also enhance your home’s curb appeal and make a great first impression on potential home buyers, which is key to selling your home quickly and getting the best offer.
2. Buying a house.
If you’re in the market for a home, one of the things you must consider is the age and condition of each property’s roof. If you're willing to replace a roof on a prospective home purchase, you gain leverage to negotiate a better offer. Many sellers simply don’t have the time or the funds to invest in replacing the roof, especially if they are trying to sell during the late fall, winter or early spring. Buying a house at a better asking price is a great deal, especially if you have an efficient roof repair company on deck for a spring roof replacement!
3. Energy efficiency (and a tax credit).
Replacing an old roof with one that improves your home’s energy efficiency can save you money on your heating and cooling bills. There are also a number of federal tax credits for residential energy efficiency that have recently been renewed, including for a credit for Energy Star certified metal and asphalt roofs. These roofs have colored coatings or cooling granules designed to reduce heat gain. If you replace your roof with one of these types before December 31, 2016, you may be eligible to claim a tax credit of up to 10% or $500 next year on your federal return. You may also be able to take advantage of state or local programs to incentivize improving energy efficiency in your home.
4. Time to update.
Your roof’s appearance can really change the look and feel of your home. An outdated roof is not only less energy-efficient; it can make your home an eyesore. A modern choice is steel roofing, which can be designed to look like other, more natural or traditional materials like asphalt, slate, cedar, shake, or clay. !Steel roofs are tough, durable, and fire resistant, often lasting 40–70 years before needing to be replaced! Steel roofs can withstand up to 120-mph winds, resist corrosion, and seal out moisture - preventing mold, mildew, and rot. Steel also reflects solar heat and defends against UV radiation.
5. It needs it.
If your roof is leaking or has suffered damage from wind, falling debris, or hail, you may be able to repair it, but it will reach a point where it just needs to be replaced. Depending on the type and quality of materials, a roof can be expected to last 10 or more years. You’ll probably need to replace your roof sooner if you don’t have it professionally inspected yearly, perform regular maintenance, and take care of any issues in a timely fashion. Other factors that contribute to shortening your roof’s life are harsh weather conditions, the pitch of your roof (steeper roofs may last longer than flat roofs), and the orientation of the surface (south-facing surfaces, which get more sun, may need to be replaced more frequently).
Not sure if your roof is in need of replacement or repair? Give us a call today for a no-fee consultation: (585)414-4265 or email us at ThreeKingsConstructionNY@gmail.com.
Comments