Over 20% of homeowners replace their roofs to add features and improve their livability. Consider these seven upgrades when replacing your roof to make your home more eye-catching, functional, and durable.
What Upgrades Should You Consider When Replacing Your Roof?
According to a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors in 2022, 51% of homeowners replace their roofs to upgrade worn-out materials while 21% do so to add features and improve their livability. Exterior remodeling projects increase curb appeal and many also increase the protection and energy efficiency of your home.
When replacing your roof, there is more to consider than just its outward appearance. Upgrades improve the overall functionality, performance, and longevity of your roof.
1. Upgrade Your Flashing
Flashing is part of your home’s weather-resistant barrier system, preventing water infiltration. It comprises thin strips of waterproofing material placed along the joints and seams of your roof.
Flashing comes in many materials, including galvanized steel, aluminum, and plastic.
Many homeowners choose to upgrade their flashing when they replace their roofs, and galvanized steel is among the most popular choices.
Some homeowners choose high-end flashing like copper to boost curb appeal and increase durability. However, keep in mind, copper is an expensive addition.
Install Eave Flashing
Eave flashing acts as an ice and water shield for your roof, preventing the formation of ice dams. Commonly used in cold climates, this specialized flashing comprises a self-sealing bituminous membrane.
2. Improve Your Roof Ventilation
While often overlooked, ventilation is the most important component of your roofing system. Your roof’s vents are essential to its durability and allow your home to breathe, increasing its structural integrity.
During your roof replacement, you can choose to upgrade your roof vents or overhaul your entire ventilation system, depending on your budget.
Replace Your Passive Ventilation System
There are two types of attic ventilation systems – basic passive systems and high-end active systems. While upgrading your roof, you can replace your home’s static box vents with ridge vents, converting your ventilation system from passive to active, and increasing energy efficiency.
Upgrade Your Ridge Vent
Ridge vents are more efficient than static box vents. Many ridge vents are baffle vent types. One of the most common roof vent upgrades is to replace your baffle ridge vent with a turbine vent. Turbine vents are the most energy-efficient option on the market and also keep out moisture, debris, and pests.
3. Install an Energy Efficient Chimney Cap
Chances are good that your chimney is costing you money. Your fireplace allows warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Normal chimney caps do a pretty good job of keeping out rain and critters. However, upgrading your traditional chimney cap to an airtight chimney cap during your roof replacement will save you money on your energy bills.
A professional roofer can install an airtight chimney cap while doing other roofing repairs or replacements. They are often spring-activated using a cable to open and close from inside your fireplace.
4. Choose Cool Roofing Materials
Your roof replacement is a great time to look at the roofing products your contractor will use. Consider upgrading the covering materials to a cool roof variety to save on energy costs.
As the name suggests, cool roofs are a collection of roofing materials that all share the same properties and keep your home cooler, stabilizing room air temperatures.
Roof options and cool-colored products include:
- Membranes: built-up roofing, single-ply membranes, PVC, TPO, EDPM
- Shingles: asphalt shingles
- Slate
- Composite: shingle, shake
- Metal: standing seam, stamped tile metal roofing, stone-coated steel
- Tile: clay, concrete
- Wood: cedar shingle
- Foam: foam core tile
- Reflective coatings: paint, asphalt shingle granules, silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, aluminum, SEBS, Urethane, Latex
- Green Roofs
5. Install Low-Maintenance Gutters
Your gutter system directs water away from your home. It is an essential component to the durability of your home’s foundation and outer walls. A traditional gutter system requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent clogs.
There are two upgrades you should consider when replacing your roof to increase the durability and functionality of your gutters and downspouts while reducing their maintenance needs.
Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters, also known as continuous gutters, increase curb appeal and decrease maintenance. These high-end gutter systems cost more than conventional gutters. However, the custom-made pieces ensure they are leak-resistant and have a long lifespan of around 20 years.
Gutter Guards
Gutter systems are naturally open at the top to catch rain and direct it away from your home, but this allows dirt and debris to build up, increasing your chance of clogged gutters and overflow. Consider installing gutter guards on top of your existing gutter system.
Gutter guards install over your gutters to keep debris out. They reduce property damage, cleanup, ice dam formation, and pest infestations. Common types include:
- Micro mesh
- Foam
- Brush
- Reverse curve
- Screen
6. Add a Skylight
Like dormers, skylights add natural light, and there is no better time to install one than when you are replacing your roof. Skylights provide many benefits, including reduced energy bills, more healthy sunlight, and increased aesthetics.
7. Add Insulation
Poor attic insulation leads to drafts and higher energy bills. When we think of insulation, we normally think about trapping heat, but insulation works both ways. It is not just necessary to prevent drafts and lock in heat, it also keeps it out in the summer.
At its most basic, attic insulation slows down the transfer of heat between the outdoors and your living space. Properly installed quality insulation can reduce your overall energy costs by up to 11% when applied to your attic and roof deck. On average, insulation installation costs $2,500, including labor.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof
For 61% of homeowners, durability and long-lasting results and materials are the number one priority when replacing their roofs. While roof replacement is not high on anyone’s list of favorite things, damage can sneak up on you, especially if you live in an area prone to severe weather.
Watch for these telltale signs it is time to replace your roof:
- Damaged, loose, curled, missing, or mossy shingles
- Damage or discoloration around vents, chimneys, or skylights
- Sagging areas
- Visible leaks or water damage
- Grit (flakes of asphalt shingles) in your gutters
- Your roof is over 20 years old
- Neighbors are having their roofs replaced
FAQ About Roof Upgrades
A new roof requires more than just removing shingles and nailing down new ones. The cost of a roofing system includes coverings, attachments, and all structural components. Nationally, new roof systems cost between $8,000 and $21,500, for an average cost of $14,500.
Wouldn’t it be nice if choosing roofing materials was as easy as selecting the next paint color for your kitchen? Don’t be the homeowner who makes the mistake of selecting materials based on aesthetics alone. Consider the following factors when making your decision to ensure you have a functional and eye-pleasing new roof that will last.
● Climate
● Roof design and slope
● Aesthetics
● Budget
● Warranties and durability
ENERGY STAR-rated roofing materials, or cool roofs, can help lower your energy costs by up to 25%, and the average home saves up to $500 per year. Energy-efficient roofing pays for itself, and you can recover 100% of your investment when installing a new roof.
Ready to Make Roof Upgrades
Roofing projects are far from glamorous. However, 54% of homeowners experience an increased sense of enjoyment after replacing their roofs. Snazzy roofing upgrades may be something to celebrate after all.
If it’s time to replace your roof, or you want to look into add-ons and upgrades, contact a local roofing contractor and increase the value of your home, its energy efficiency, and your sense of joy.
Main Image Credit: Pxhere
