The word curb appeal brings up a lot of associations in the mind of a homeowner – the yard, the general hardware, the driveway, plants and trees, paints, windows and immediate repairs etc. The roof is often neglected because there are no quick and easy ways to beautify it.
However, roofing is a key aspect of the whole house appeal, and it adds just as much value to a home as the other elements listed. Roofing can often cover as much as 50 percent of the area of the home that is visible. This means that the condition of the shingles, tiles and shakes is actually a good measure for the condition of the rest of the house.
The Role of Roofing in House Appeal
The role of roofing is unique when it comes to the curb appeal of a house. In fact, a roof in good shape may not attract any comments, but one that is in poor shape will most certainly create a poor impression to passers-by. When planning the curb appeal of a home, homeowners should plan repairs of loose or damaged shingles, cleaning of moss or algae stains, and ensure that the work is of the best quality. Poorly done repairs and mended shingles piled with roof sealers stand out immediately and do nothing for curb appeal. If the extent of damage is too great, it is best if the entire roof is replaced with decks, fascia, trim and underlayment just as they should be.
Tips to Improve the Curb Appeal of Roofs
Cleaning: Roofs that are dirty or stained should be given a thorough cleaning. Cleaning is important because it also increases the durability of the roof. Algae and moss build-ups can form in the shaded parts of the roof. All presence of dirt and soot from the surface can be removed with a vinegar or bleach solution. Commercially available products for the purpose are also available for homeowners to carry out the cleaning themselves. For roofs that require extensive cleaning, professional cleaning services that use high pressure water sprays can be engaged.
Replacing Damaged Roofing Materials: If the roofing materials are damaged beyond repair, it may be time to completely replace the roof. Since roof replacement is not done often during the lifetime of a home, it is important to select the right new materials with a long-term objective in mind. The shingles and shakes used for the roof are not just of structural importance, but they can affect the home’s appeal for many years to come.
Some premiere roofing material manufacturers offer high quality shingles that can keep their color and shape for as long as 30 years or more. The latest top grade shingles are often stain-resistant and help to cut costs of cleaning and repairs in the long run.
DIY Roofing: Of course homeowners needn’t hire professional roofers if they are a little handy with tools. Whether it is asphalt shingles, tiles or shakes, it is possible to follow instructions and install roofing with the help of the vast DIY home improvement community, guides and tutorials available online. It can help to use an aluminium scaffold for DIY roofing – these are adjustable scaffolds that can help roofers reach the most inaccessible parts of the roof in safety.
Laying down shingles is not very complicated as long as the right tools are available. It also helps if the slope of the roof is not too steep for safe installation. However, homeowners should be aware that it requires hard work. If they are willing to put in some effort and the roof is of a manageable size, then it is a reasonable and affordable project to take on.
Using Algae and Moss-Resistant Shingles: Many roofing manufacturers have come up with technologies to blend copper with the usual roofing materials. Copper discourages the growth and spread of algae. As a result, tiles and shingles that are created by blending this metal in are of top quality. They don’t require frequent cleaning.
Choosing the Color of Roofing Shingles: Choosing the shingles to lay down is a matter of climate as well as appearance. Light shingles keep the attic temperature down while dark shingles store heat and raise temperatures. The shingle color should also be coordinated as far as possible with other elements of the home such as stone, stucco, wood siding, bricks etc. Blue, gray or white homes look great with black or dark gray shingles. Tan, brown or cream houses are lent an appeal with brown or cream-brown roofing shingles. Homes with other colors have greater flexibility in choice of shingle color.
Enhancing curb appeal with attention to your roof will require some thought, but it definitely should not be ignored. Roofing in a home that will soon be sold may be a big expense, but on the flip side, it can raise the value of the home significantly. At the same time, to prevent such last-minute expenses, it is highly recommended to install the best quality and long-lasting roofing right at the outset.
My home needs a new roof, and while I’m definitely nowhere near the DIY level of being able to re-do my own roof, I do appreciate your tips on choosing materials that will increase curb appeal. The old roof is really shabby and definitely has been an eyesore for the neighborhood for a while, and getting a copper blend in our shingles to reduce algae and moss growth will definitely prevent one of the many issues that our current roof has. I’m not much of a designer, so I’m not sure what shingle colors will coordinate best with my home, but I’m sure that the contractor we get will have some great suggestions to make our roofing job the greatest investment possible in both function and aesthetics.