Despite its obvious importance, roofing is one of the most overlooked aspects of homes in America. Since it’s above our heads and out of sight, we tend to forget that it can easily wear out, and that a shabby roof can decrease curb appeal significantly. If you’re getting ready to sell your home—or even if you just want it to look nice—you can increase your home’s curb appeal with new roofing.
Of course, you might not need new roofing if it’s been done recently or if you’ve used quality materials. Some roofs come with thirty-year warranties and can stand up to the harshest of weather, while others begin to fall apart after a decade or so. Thankfully, you can conduct your own examination to determine if you need to increase your home’s curb appeal with new roofing.
When was your roof last repaired or replaced?
If you haven’t even taken a look at your roof in the last 15 years, it’s time to do it now. The longer it goes without inspection, the worse damage will get as time goes by. A simple torn shingle or unpatched hole can cost thousands of dollars in damage to your home, therefore decreasing your home’s curb appeal. New roofing is an important aspect to a healthy house, so don’t overlook it.
Are shingles missing or torn?
Hope up on the roof and see if there are any torn or missing shingles, which could indicate a problem. When shingles are torn off by heaving winds or even just ripped in half, it exposes the under-materials to rain, which leads to rot and mildew. In fact, a single missing shingle can result in a five-foot-square leak within three years simply because the water damage spreads. If this is the case, you probably need new roofing.
How does the flashing look?
Flashing is the metal strips that protect the area around your chimney, skylight, vent pipe and other things on your roof. Sometimes, flashing is even installed around the perimeter of your gutters. When flashing begins to rust or break apart, you need to increase your home’s curb appeal with new roofing. Eventually, the damaged flashing will result in significant leaks, particularly into the attic space.
Have you checked gutters and downspouts?
Sometimes, you don’t have to climb all the way on top of your house to know if you need new roofing. Significant damage, rust or leaks in your gutters and downspouts can indicate problems with your roof, which need to be repaired immediately. When your roof begins to break down, it will flood your gutters with chips of paint and missing shingles, so make sure you climb on a ladder and check at least once a year.
New roofing can easily increase curb appeal not only because it looks better on top, but also because it looks better from the street. Flyaway shingles and leaks can make your house look old and decrepit, while a new roof will give your home a sparkling new shine.
