Looking to protect your biggest investment?
Your roof shields your home from the sun, wind, rain, snow, you name it.
But simply having a roof isn’t good enough.
If you’re not actively maintaining it, you’re leaving your home exposed to all sorts of costly problems.
Here’s the issue…
The average homeowner doesn’t think about their roof until something goes wrong.
And by that point, what started as a small problem becomes a roof replacement level expense.
The solution? Routine maintenance.
Roof maintenance is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to extend your roof’s life and protect your home.
Inside you’ll learn:
- Why Roof Health Impacts Home Value
- How Much Neglecting Your Roof Costs You
- Maintenance Tips That Save You Thousands
- When To Bring In The Experts
Why Roof Health Impacts Home Value
Your roof does more than keep the elements out of your home…
When buyers assess a home’s value they look to the roof to see if it’s been well-maintained or neglected.
A roof in disrepair sends immediate red flags that there could be problems elsewhere.
Buyers see a damaged roof and think, “That’s going to cost me.”
Let me explain…
Roofs are one of the first things home buyers notice when they look at a house (even if they don’t realize it). A damaged roof screams:
- Something’s wrong with this house.
- Someone didn’t take care of this house.
- Expensive repairs are in my future.
You guessed it. That drives buyers away.
The 2024 Cost vs Value Report found that homeowners can expect a new asphalt roof to recoup around 60.7% of their costs nationwide. In some cases, the ROI skyrockets to over 100%.
But how your roof impacts your home’s value goes deeper…
Mother Nature doesn’t care about your ROI. If you ignore your roof, water will enter your home and eat away at everything it touches. Think about it. Insulation becomes useless, wooden frames rot and mold can take over.
Not only will you have to fix your roof. You’ll have to repair the damage Mother Nature caused to your house.
Partnering with a trusted roofing restoration in Albany and their team of roofing contractors means you always have someone looking out for your roof’s health. Routine inspections allow them to spot problem areas before they become catastrophes.
How Much Neglecting Your Roof Costs You
Boy, do I have some statistics to share with you.
In 2024, Americans spent almost $31 billion on roof repairs.
That’s nearly a 30% increase from two years prior. And you know what? The majority of those costs could have been avoided with regular maintenance.
It costs you money by:
- Lowers ROI when it’s time to sell. A new roof can net you a nice ROI when selling your home. A damaged roof lowers that number drastically.
- Minor repairs grow into replacements. It’s that small leak you’ve been ignoring for the last six months. Now your roof deck is rotting and needs to be replaced. That’ll cost 10x more than if you would have addressed it right away.
- Your insurance won’t cut it. Your homeowners insurance isn’t going to cover damage caused by wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Sorry pal, you’re on the hook.
- Energy bills through the roof. Literally! A damaged roof allows heated and cooled air to escape your home. That means more work for your HVAC system and bigger energy bills.
Repairs can range from $600 to $6,000+. Replacement? Expect to pay anywhere from $9,500 to $30,000+. Easily.
Neglecting your roof can end up costing you thousands. Don’t be that guy.
Just as importantly, older roofs are more likely to file a claim.
Homes with roofs over 20-years-old have three times the chance of filing a wind or hail claim than homes with a newer roof. As your roof ages, it weakens. Which means it can’t stand up to severe weather like it used to.
Maintenance Tips That Save You Thousands
Maintaining your roof is easy. But like anything, you have to be consistent.
Here are the things you should be doing for your roof:
Annual Inspections
A licensed roofing contractor can spot issues you’d never see from the ground. Things like cracked flashing, worn out shingles, and damaged seals around roof vents.
Professional inspections usually cost between $100 to $600. Small price to pay for peace of mind.
Cleaning your Gutters
When gutters get clogged, rainwater has nowhere to go but under your roof shingles. Trapped water leads to rot, leaks and other issues that can spread.
Make sure to clean your gutters twice a year.
Trim back Trees
Trees are awesome. Especially when they’re not touching your house.
Limbs that drag along your roof act like sandpaper during a storm. They damage your shingles. And when they drop leaves and sticks, that debris traps moisture against your roof.
Keep tree limbs at least ten feet away from your roof’s surface.
Fix Minor Damage Right Away
There’s no such thing as a small problem on your roof.
Need a new shingle? Don’t wait. Spot granules in the gutter? Call someone.
The longer you wait, the bigger the problem gets. Remember, when it comes to roofing repairs. Time is not your friend.
Check Your Attic Ventilation
Hot air and moisture builds up under poor attic ventilation. That heat and moisture causes your roof to deteriorate from the inside out.
Ensuring your attic is properly ventilated is one of the most important maintenance tasks. And one that most homeowners don’t even think about.
When To Bring In The Professionals
While some tasks are DIY friendly. Others need the trained eyes of a professional roofing contractor.
If you notice:
- Multiple missing or damaged shingles
- Sagging in your roof
- Water stains on your ceilings
- Visible daylight through your roof boards
- Lots of granules in your gutters
- Signs of mold/rot
It’s time to bring in a roofing contractor to assess the damage. Attempting DIY repairs on these issues will likely make things worse. And you could void any warranty you have.
Contractors can also provide documentation that your roof has been properly maintained. That comes in handy when selling your home or filing insurance claims.
Tip: Establish a relationship with a local roofing contractor NOW. Not when your roof is leaking. When you build that relationship early, they become familiar with your roof and can spot problems quicker.
Wrap Up
We spend a lot of time making sure the inside of our homes are protected.
Don’t forget about the roof that protects it all.
Maintenance is the best way to prolong your roof’s lifespan and save you money. Simple inspections and routine maintenance protects your home’s largest investment and prevents serious (costly) damages.
Quick recap:
- Inspect your roof yearly
- Clean your gutters and trim trees
- Repair minor damage right away
- Ensure your attic is ventilated properly
- Build a relationship with your local roofing contractor
Don’t wait for a leak to appear in your ceiling. Contact your roofing contractor today for an inspection and start a maintenance routine that will keep your home safe for years to come.