How Can My Roof Increase Curb Appeal?

Editor's note: This post was originally published on June 20,  2016 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

They say never judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to selling your home, that is where you have to start. Many things catch a prospective buyer’s eye, and your roof is certainly one of those things. So, if you are preparing your home for sale, one of the questions you should ask yourself is, how can my roof increase curb appeal?

When a prospective buyer is going from house to house looking for the one that is just right, it is unavoidable that they will notice what is on top of the house before ever stepping foot inside. So while you may not want anyone to judge a book by its cover, there’s another saying to keep in mind, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That first impression starts with the roof, and how it looks. There are a few questions that you should answer before putting that for sale sign in the yard.

Are there any missing shingles? 

If you’re missing enough shingles, this could mean you need to replace your roof. At the very least, you need to replace what’s missing. You also need to make sure the replacement shingles are a perfect match, not just in fit, but visually as well. Seeing mismatched shingles will not inspire confidence in a prospective buyer, even if there is no damage underneath. Leaving room for doubt in the roof will lead to a lack of confidence in those who look at the house. This could lead to a prospective buyer offering less or even opting for a home that gives them more peace of mind.

Are there any stains or weather damage? 

If there are, your roof may just need a good cleaning. But, if those stains prove to be stubborn, you could find yourself in the same situation where prospective buyers lack confidence in what they see.

Are any branches or limbs touching the roof? 

An experienced home buyer, or a good home inspector, will point out the need to remove any tree limbs that touch the roof. Tree limbs are the cause of 2 major roofing problems. They cause undue wear and reduce the lifespan of the roof. They also provide a direct path for insects to get to your house above the coverage of most exterminators’ work. Wood ants, termites, and countless other “creepy crawlies” can find their way to your home using a tree limb as a draw bridge. You can eliminate this problem by removing the limbs before putting your house up for sale.

Have you considered a skylight?

Skylights reduce energy consumption, increase aesthetic value, and are a natural draw when it comes to curb appeal. While providing many benefits inside the home, a skylight can also provide a “wow factor” to a prospect who can see it from their car.

What do the other roofs in your neighborhood look like? 

If you live in a subdivision where every roof looks the same, you may want to consider doing something different to make your home stand out. You would first need to check with your homeowners association to make sure you don’t violate any rules, but once you get the thumbs up from them, taking advantage of being bold could be a difference maker in selling your home. A few options to consider would be a metal roof or architectural shingles . Both provide many benefits, and allow you to stand out from other homes.

There are many other options for increasing curb appeal; upgrading your awnings , flashing , or gutters are two good examples. Once you get past curb appeal, taking care of your roof offers many other benefits like lower energy bills that you can show prospective buyers. Please contact us if you have any questions, or would like an estimate.