Roof maintenance – to replace or not to replace?

If you are a homeowner who is planning to sellyour home soon but it needs a roof repair or replacement, should you do replace it? Here are some facts to help you make a better decision.

Self-inspect

If you know how to take a look at the roof and assess it yourself, then do it on your own – while being safe. The first step that you will want to take once you are up there is to clear off any leaves as well as other debris like branches or trash from your rooftop. This will give you a clear view of the actual roof structure.

Self-inspect depends on the height of your building and your level of comfort working on a ladder. Safety comes first at all times. The key is to have your roof cleaned off and clear, but also to give a clearer view to further assess the roof’s condition.

If you see a few broken shingles and it is only a few of them, you can likely fix them yourself. However, if you see many shingles broken or missing, you should hire a roofing contractor to repair your roof for you. If your roof has not been replaced in some time, this would be a good time to put on a new roof.

Serious leak

If the roof has a hole or the cement has been dislodged from its original position, this canlead to a serious leak. If this happens, you just have to fix the roof. If you don’t make this roof repair, you might get less money for your homeor may even have trouble selling it. Plus, a roof is one home improvement that yields a good return on investment as a roof can represent up to 40% of a home’s “curb appeal”, increasing its resale value.Repairing or putting on a new roof is best done when the weather is warm and sunny. This ensures the shingles will be supple, so they do not crack.

Small repairs

If the roof only needs a small repair, then you would need to evaluate whether it’s worth the cost. Get a reliable and professional roofing specialist to inspect your roof to assess the extent of problem. Get a quote for the roof repairs required. If you decide not to fix your roof, it would be a good thing if you can pass the quote to the buyer when you sell your home.

Housing market assessment

Another tip that can help you decide whether to fix a damaged roof is to review the current housing market. Evaluate which homes are selling and which are not, and how much are the houses going for. In a slower market, you should fix the roof and make sure that everything else is in good shape. Some buyers refrain from purchasing a house that needs fixing, especially when they have a choice between one that’s in good shape and a fixer-upper. They are more likely to choose the home that’s in move-in condition.

If your future plans include selling your home, you may consider replacing an aging roof even if it does not show any current signs of deterioration. A new roof is an attractive feature for buyers and increases your property value.