Selling a home can be a lengthy, involved task. There are a number of repairs, cosmetic considerations, and replacements that must be done prior to putting a home on the open market. One of the most crucial items to address is the roof itself. A quality roof will keep intrusions from bad weather to a minimum while providing safety and comfort. A shoddy roof can collapse, cause injury, and have potential leaks (which could ultimately lead to worse problems, like mold or mildew growth). Nobody wants this outcome, least of all a potential buyer. So, the need to replace a home’s roof—or at least ensure it’s in good repair—is a key component of successfully selling a home. Even if you’re not selling, a functioning roof is necessary, and keeping it that way is in every homeowner’s best interest. It is for this very reason that many homeowners choose to enroll in a supplemental home warranty plan to cover such big ticket repairs. Here are four reasons to repair/replace your roof before putting your home on the market.

when to replace your roof

Many appraisers require a roof replacement

Before you can sell your home, it must be appraised. In order to pass an appraisal inspection, there are a few things you need to address. First, the roof should be performing its intended function. Are there any leaks? Any visible damage? Do you have mold and mildew inside the house from previous roof damage? Does the roof have at least two years of utility remaining? Depending on how the appraiser answers these questions, the roof may require a full replacement. Since every home is unique, an appraiser will look at yours from the roof to the basement, make any necessary recommendations, and give you the opportunity to take appropriate action. If your roof isn’t durable, shows signs of significant wear, or has any other issues, it may be time to get online and hire a roofing professional.

It boosts the home’s value

The idea of increasing your homes value by upgrading the roof is often met with mixed sentiment. Some may argue that a roof upgrade is purely functional, having a little to no effect on the value of your home. This is not quite accurate. Roof upgrades have the potential to increase a homes value by approximately 68%. In a cost versus value report from 2019 Remodeling magazine discovered adding a new asphalt shingle roof could dramatically increase a home’s value. The same applies to a metal roof. To get started with a roof upgrade, all you need to do is navigate to a home improvement aggregator, type in “find the top roofing companies near me,” and then go through the list to select the best possible roofer to tackle your roof upgrade/replacement.

It decreases homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance can end up costing a pretty penny over time. That’s why so many people look for ways to reduce the cost of their insurance premiums. Several home renovations can increase property value while simultaneously decreasing the insurance cost. Luckily, roof upgrades – or a brand-new roof entirely – can significantly contribute to a reduction/discount. Insurance companies may offer a roof upgrade discount anywhere between 5% – 35% annually. check in with your insurance agents to find out if you qualify for roof upgrade discount. Roof upgrades and prepares have another invaluable built-in benefit: they reduce risk for both you and your prospective buyer over time. A brand-new, well-constructed roof will go a long way toward instilling confidence in potential buyers as well as keeping the property safe.

It reduces heating and cooling costs

Energy efficiency is an essential component of living in a comfortable home. The trouble is sometimes the price tag for heating or cooling your home can climb quite high. Upgrading your roof with new insulation and additional vents can help provide better airflow for the house and protected from the elements. Vents are particularly useful because they help regulate airflow. Intake events bring cool air into the house. As it warms up, the air rises through the house, eventually exiting through the outtake vents that are located on the roof. Even changing the shingle color or choosing a granular colored paint for your metal roof can help you reduce issues energy efficiency issues. Overall, improving the energy efficiency of your home can be as simple as upgrading or renovating the roof over your head.