Your roof plays a more important part of your property than you may realize. Roofs create a significant part of your home’s curb appeal - and therefore value. They also protect your home from the elements and play a role in your home’s energy efficiency and energy costs.
While a few roofing materials are capable of lasting for decades or even hundreds of years, most eventually reach the end of their usefulness and their lifespans. If your roof has been leaking, has cracks, is missing shingles, or shows significant algae growth, it may be time to look into getting a new one. And with so many new and innovative materials on the market today, you may find that you’re able to get a roof that can not only improve on your existing one, but that can improve things like your energy efficiency and overall performance as well.
We’ve outline five of the newest and hottest roofing technologies and materials below, so you can learn more about what might be a good fit for your home.
Storm Resistant Roofing
Storms are one of the biggest causes of roof damage. Hailstones can break and bruise roofing shingles, while cracking tiles and denting metal panels. High winds can rip many types of roofing right off the top of a home. With climate change increasing the number of storms in recent years, this has led to the need to re-roof a number of homes.
By investing in roofing that is designed to resist hailstones and high winds, you can better protect your home and prevent the need for reroofing after the next storm. Many luxury types of architectural shingles and some types of concrete and metal roofing are now able to withstand the worst that mother nature can bring. Expect costs to start around $15 a square foot installed for these materials, around $30,000 for a 2,000 sq.ft. roof, which compared to the average cost to replace a roof ($7,000 - $12,000) is significantly higher, but you’ll be much less likely to need to re-roof any time soon.
Solar Roofing
Most people have heard about solar panels and know the benefits that they can offer. But did you also know that in addition to the large, heavy and unsightly panels you normally see, there are also several types of solar roofing as well? Solar roofing installs just like regular roofing material in the form of shingles or metal roof panels. They contain solar cells, however, just like standard solar panels. This means that while your roof is sitting in the sun all day, it will also be producing energy to help power your home.
It’s important to note that individual solar shingles and roofing panels do not produce as much energy as full-sized solar panels. However, by covering your entire roof in them, you are likely able to get the same results. Compared to the average cost to install solar panels -between $15,000 and $21,000 - the cost of solar roofing is high - $60,000 to $70,000 on average. However, this system will work as a roof and will also help pay for itself over time in lowered energy costs.
Cool Roofs if you live in a hot climate, then you’re well aware of what can happen to your roof after a day in the sun. The sun heats the roofing shingles, which transfer that heat to the attic. The attic transfers that heat to your living area, and you’re running the A/C at ever higher rates to cool down. Not to mention all of that heat can cause your roofing materials to deteriorate even faster, so you need to replace your roof more often.
Enter cool roofs. Cool roofs look like any other asphalt, architectural shingle, or composite roof. But, they contain materials that help them reflect the sun’s rays, rather than absorbing them. This keeps your roof cooler, which keeps your attic cooler, and in turn means that you can stay more comfortable without the extra A/C. These roofs are not a good fit for homes in cool climates, but can work exceptionally well in hot areas. They cost about the same as other, non-cooling roof materials of the same time, meaning that a 1,500 sq.ft. roof would cost around $10,000 on average.
Plastic Shingles
When you think about the material to roof your home with, you likely don’t think about plastic shingles. But plastic roofing has a lot of benefits. This low cost material is also extremely durable and lightweight. It resembles the look of more expensive materials like cedar or slate, but at a fraction of the cost. Best of all, you don’t need to reinforce your roof deck to install it.
Plastic shingles also resist storms and hail damage, while lasting upwards of 50 years. Look for brands that use post-consumer material in their production, and you can even get a more sustainable roof at the same time. Plastic roofing costs around $8,000 to $12,000 for a 2,000 sq.ft. roof that resembles slate, which is a lot less than the $30,000 you would pay for real slate roofing.
Green Roofs
If your home has a flat roof or a low-slope roof, you may want to consider a green or living roof. Green roofs use plants, earth, and container systems to cover your roof in a layer of insulating, live material. This has many benefits. Green roofs can last for decades while helping to enhance the energy efficiency of your home and help reduce the overall temperature in cities. They can also help manage rainwater and prevent issues from run off. The thick layer of material insulates your home, so you stay more comfortable year round.
Green roofs come in three different levels, which can influence the type, layout, and cost. Many roofs are eligible and once you get them established, they don’t take as much maintenance as you may imagine. The cost of a green roof is about $22,000 for a variety of plants - which is at the high end of the average cost to roof a home - $7,000 to $24,0000 - but which can outlast many other materials, while offering plenty of benefits at the same time.
Bring Your Roof Up-to-Date
If your roof is old, in poor condition, or just isn’t serving its purpose any longer, consider updating your roof with one of these newer materials. Today’s roofs do more than sit on your home; they really enhance your home’s appearance and its performance long term. No matter where you live, what your climate, or your budget, you’re sure to find an ideal roof to fit your needs.
If you're planning on selling your home, it's in your best interest to repair or replace the roof. Your home’s exterior is the first thing a buyer sees — and your roof is part of that crucial first impression. A few cracked shingles may not deter most buyers, but if your entire roof is in poor condition, you’ll want to take care of it before listing.
While a new roof can be expensive, it might be worth it when you consider the negative impact your current roof could have on your sale:
Fewer offers: A home that needs a lot of maintenance won’t appeal to buyers looking for something move-in ready, so you may get less interest in your property.
Longer sale process: It may take longer to sell because buyers may want to negotiate the sale price, or they may request a roof repair or replacement before closing.
Reduced offer price: Anticipating the cost of replacing the roof later, buyers may not be willing to pay as much for your home in its current state.
Mobile: 919-675-5366
E-Mail: Jean.Scott@kw.com
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Raleigh: 4700 Homewood Ct., Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27609
Wake Forest: 1744 Heritage Center Dr., Suite 201, Wake Forest, NC 27587
