Least Sexy Home Improvement Project Is The Roof Over Your Head
It happens every year like clockwork but homeowners are routinely caught off guard because it’s human nature to gravitate towards cool design projects that are more visible.
Homeowners often procrastinate on essential but less glamorous home maintenance projects like roof replacement in favor of more exciting renovations.
While it’s true that potential buyers don’t generally fly over the roof, come to the showing wielding drones or get up on a ladder to inspect it per se, if your core infrastructure is vulnerable to the elements, the pretty facade fades fast.
That said, although not the primary consideration, curb appeal is a factor. The color and texture of your roof should complement your home’s architectural style. So while a colonial style home might feature traditional shingle roofing, a contemporary one could be dressed up in sleek, metal roofing.
The right roof should complement your siding, doors and landscaping designs from a color perspective and in terms of texture as it plays a crucial role in both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a home’s roofing system.
Architectural shingles create more depth and mimic the texture of wood or natural materials, adding visual interest to the roof.
For a rustic appearance, wood textures can add warmth and character to a home. Cedar shakes have a rugged, uneven surface with varying thicknesses and irregular edges.
If your house is more Mediterranean or Spanish-style, Terracotta tiles sporting warm, earthy hues can really drive the design theme home.
Meanwhile, slate roofing is a high-end option known for its luxurious looks as the natural stone texture pops with dramatic color variations.
If you’re not sure what the best choice for your house is, set up a design consultation to explore creative options and get free advice from our roofing design experts.
Walk Before You Run
Homeowners tend to focus on projects that provide high profile visual impact and enjoyment like kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, new decks, patios and lush landscaping.
But before focusing on the bells and whistles, tackle unpopular projects that protect your new renovations going forward. Although that new patio or deck is more visible, a new roof takes priority because it protects your investment for years to come while also playing a supporting role in boosting curb appeal.
Insurance Companies Demand Regular Inspections
Homeowners often underestimate the critical role a roof plays in protecting their entire home. Nearly a third don’t realize that delaying maintenance can impact insurance coverage.
Putting off roof repairs can lead to more extensive and expensive damage over time so the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality leads to neglecting roof issues until they become severe.
Tripping Over Dollars To Pick Up Pennies
While cost is a major factor in delaying roof replacements, 78% of homeowners have deferred maintenance due to inflation and rising prices.
What many of them don’t realize is that with the right installer, roof replacement is extremely affordable and can be completed much faster than other types of improvements. Ask about our deep discounts for installations completed this winter.
We encourage you to take the mystery out of the decision to get your roof inspected and request a free estimate before the inevitable winter storms approach with hail, ice, falling branches, mold and water damage to the interior of your home.
Unless there are visible leaks or damage, homeowners may not feel a sense of urgency about roof replacement, underestimating how quickly roof issues can escalate into expensive problems.
While it’s understandable that homeowners are drawn to more exciting renovation projects, neglecting critical maintenance like roof replacement can lead to severe consequences.
Educating homeowners on the importance of proactive roof care and the potential risks of delay is crucial for protecting their homes and finances in the long run.
Infrastructure Improvements Are Boring But Brilliant
As you enjoy a sense of security in your dramatic scene safe inside, when winter rears its ugly head, although it may seem cozy and warm inside your house, it could be wreaking havoc on your roof and the home below it as it can no longer shield you from the harsh elements.
Average annual snowfall in upstate New York ranges from 24 to 48 inches in many areas, with higher amounts in lake effect snow belts such as the Fingerlakes region.
It Doesn’t Take A Hurricane To Cause Havoc On Your Roof
Even in the absence of a major climate calamity, winter storms are right around the corner. Residents regularly experience heavy snow events that drop 8+ inches in 24 hours.
Ice storms pose significant hazards in upstate New York, freezing rain can accumulate 1/4 inch or more of ice on surfaces while ice accumulation can down trees and power lines.
Although less common in winter small hail or ice pellets may fall during transitional precipitation events. Severe thunderstorms in warmer months are more likely to produce larger hailstones.
So while major blizzards and ice storms make headlines, routine winter weather is a regular part of life in upstate New York from late fall through early spring.
Residents generally adapt to these conditions, but even typical winter storms can cause disruptions and hazards that require caution and preparedness.
This Isn’t Las Vegas
For those who failed to prepare for major storms like Hurricane Ida and Tropical Storm Harry, these catastrophic weather events are a painful wake up call that gambling on the weather is rarely a good bet.
The unpredictable and potentially devastating nature of these disasters underscore the importance of battening down the hatches before every storm season.
So as storm season returns with a vengeance over the coming weeks, homeowners who have been procrastinating about getting their roofs inspected may end up wishing they had been more presicent.
A solid, well-maintained roof is your first line of defense against severe weather. East Coast storms, particularly hurricanes and tropical storms, often bring torrential downpours.
Water Management Systems
A robust roof with proper drainage is essential to prevent water infiltration and potential flooding inside your home. Even small leaks can lead to significant water damage, mold growth, and compromised structural integrity if left unchecked.
Loose or damaged shingles can be ripped away, exposing your home’s interior to the elements. Now, obviously we’re not suggesting that you are in imminent danger of losing your roof but the argument that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is valid.
A solid roof not only protects your home during storms but also preserves its value. Many insurance companies require regular roof inspections and maintenance to maintain coverage. Neglecting your roof could lead to denied claims or increased premiums, especially in storm-prone coastal areas.
To ensure your roof is ready for the challenges of storm season, schedule a professional inspection with us before storm season begins and address any repairs promptly, no matter how minor they may seem.
Be sure to clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage and trim overhanging tree branches that could damage your roof in high winds.
You may also want to consider upgrading to impact-resistant shingles or other storm-resistant roofing materials such as IKO which offer superior protection against wind uplift and water infiltration.
In future articles we will discuss the most heavy duty, weather resistant roofing options and the nuts and bolts of how it all works.
Remember, the cost of preventative maintenance and timely repairs is far more affordable than the potential expense of major storm damage or a full roof replacement.
As East Coast residents know all too well, storm season can be a nerve-wracking time. However, with a solid roof overhead, you can face the coming weather with confidence, knowing your home is well-protected against nature’s fury while being the envy of the neighborhood.
Thank you for reading our blog article. Next Level Contractors is a home improvement and remodeling company serving the Capital District in the Albany, New York area. We specialize in exterior remodeling projects, including window, roof and exterior door installation.