If you’re looking to sell your home, aging or missing shingles are a definite turn-off. They can make an otherwise charming home look worn out and unattractive. A fresh new roof does wonders for curb appeal. It also gives buyers a sense of security when your roof passes inspection with flying colors. In fact, Remodeling magazine’s annual cost and value survey (which looks in depth at which upgrades make the most difference for resale) shows that a new roof offers an excellent return on investment. Basic asphalt shingles can add more than $11,000 while more upscale roofing can add nearly $20,000 in value.
Why Should I Replace My Roof?
When looking at resale value, there are three main benefits to putting on a new roof:
Curb appeal is the most obvious and possibly the most important from a buyer’s point of view. You want your house to look great from the outside so that buyers will want to come inside. A uniform roof without damage or missing shingles gives that neat, well-kept look that invites buyers inside.
Making sure your roof is watertight and weatherproofed is another key consideration. When you find the right buyer, you want to go into your home inspection with confidence that your roof is in great shape and free of leaks and other damage that could turn into a deal breaker.
A new roof can also bring significant energy savings by keeping your house cooler in the summer. New materials and technology in shingles offer significant cooling advantages, and in many cases, you can qualify for a tax credit by installing them. Lower energy costs are also a great selling point for house hunters.
What Materials Are Best for My New Roof?
We offer a range of roofing options for every budget. When choosing a material, you’ll want to consider your budget, home value, your neighborhood and surrounding homes. You’ll also want to consider how long you plan to stay in your home before selling. Here are the main choices for new roofing:
Standard three-tab asphalt shingles are a budget-conscious option. They’re resistant to mold, mildew and rot and are fire resistant. A new asphalt roof can give you a fresh updated color with no chips or worn or missing shingles. If you plan to sell your house with a fast turnaround time, a new asphalt roof will make a big difference at a very reasonable cost.
Architectural laminate shingles are a big trend. Made of higher quality asphalt with more layers, they are thicker than traditional shingles and are cut to give them more texture and depth for a richer look. Architectural shingles are more durable than the basic three-tab variety. They’re available in a range of gorgeous colors and can even be made to look like wood or slate. Architectural shingles are also known for their energy efficiency. Some are even made with special material designed to reflect the sun’s heat to help keep your home cool, and certain brands qualify for Energy Star tax credits. If energy efficiency is a high priority, be sure to talk with our team about the best option for your home. These stylish shingles are pricier than basic shingles but much less expensive than top of the line wood.
At the high end, our team is highly experienced with top of the line cedar shakes. This high-quality wood roofing offers a stunning look and durability. A wooden “shake” is thicker on the bottom end than a shingle, and the aesthetics are beyond compare, especially in our region known for historic homes. Treated cedar shakes are one of the most durable products out there. They’re resistant to algae and incredibly wind-resistant and when well cared for can last for 50 years or more.
Finding the Right Roof for You with DryHome
DryHome has been replacing roofs for homeowners in Northern Virginia for more than 30 years. We love working with clients to find the perfect option for you. If you’re looking to make a roof upgrade specifically for a speedy resale, a simple three tab shingle may be the best option. But we always encourage clients to take a close look at neighborhood trends: if everyone’s doing architectural shingles, it may be worth the investment to stay competitive in the resale market. Whatever your needs and budget, our team will work with you to make your home comfortable to live in and appealing when it comes time to sell.
