If you’ve been considering replacing your roof soon, you may well think it’s best to wait until spring!
Featured Image By: Thompson Custom Homes
The weather is warmer, your spring cleaning energy will have set in, and you’ll get to see that beautiful new roof under the light of those sunny spring mornings! Plus, if you’re getting ready to sell in the spring, you’ll have a brand new roof to tout to potential buyers. What’s not to love about that? Well, the truth is that there’s really no need to wait. Here’s why.
A new roof will save you heating costs during the winter. If your roof is in need of a replacement, it’s already losing plenty of heat. In general, about 25 percent of your home’s heat is lost through the roof, though that number can climb if the roof is old and the seals aren’t as tight as they were earlier in its life. By putting in a new roof now, you’ll prevent your home from losing more heat through the roof than it has to and keep your heating bills manageable.
New roofs can increase the home sale price. According to HomeAdvisor, a new roof typically increases home value by a national average of $12,000.
This is an important point, as not all improvement projects actually increase home value. A roof, however, is one of those top home renovations that provide value for both buyer and seller, and can help you sell your home more quickly and for more money. You’ll avoid additional damage from intense summers or harsh winters. If you live in an area of the country with intense summers or harsh winters, replacing your roof as soon as you’re able to will give you greater peace of mind.
Winter weather can cause further damage to an already compromised roof. Heavy snow can cause shingles to separate, while snowmelt can refreeze as it runs into your gutters, preventing the snow and water from leaving your roof. This can create leaks and even a bowed roof if the weight of all that snow gets heavy enough. Heavy winds are also common in winter, and these can separate shingles, peel them back, or even tear them off completely.
Likewise, if you live in an area that sees temperatures higher than 100 degrees regularly during the summer, you can end up with shingles that split or crack. High humidity can also cause condensation to settle beneath your shingles, resulting in water damage. These problems are all more likely to occur when your roof is older. Exterior features are more important for your home sale than you may think.
When you’re getting ready to sell your home, plenty of attention is given to the inside—but how about the outside? Curb appeal should go beyond planting a few flowers and raking your lawn. Your home’s exterior should be in tip-top shape, and that includes everything from the fencing, to your siding or paint, to your roof.
Additionally, since replacing a roof is a major investment, homebuyers who know that they’ll need to replace your home’s roof in the next few years are almost certain to offer a lower purchase price—or forego your home altogether. Replacing your roof as soon as you’re able to can save you a lot of headaches and potential damage. Not only that, it can help your home sell for more when it’s time to put it on the market! So—what are you waiting for?