If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed at the thought of committing to pre-sale renovations. Which renovations really matter?

The trick is figuring out which renovations have the best return on investment. For example, will a $1,000 bathroom renovation raise the value of your home by at least $1,500, or is that money you’re unintentionally throwing away?

One question sellers always ask is whether or not new roofs should be prioritized.

We’re here to answer that question–and explain the reasoning–so keep reading to find out!

How Long Do Roofs Survive?

What is the average lifespan of a roof? It depends on where you live and the material that was used for your roofing.

Typically, slate, copper, and tile roofs can survive for about 50 years. Wood shake roofs, however, are only good for about 30 years and the increasingly popular asphalt shingle/composition roofing tends to survive no more than 25 years.

That being said, there are other factors at play, here. If you live in an area that gets a good amount of rain, snow, ice, or high winds, your roof will probably need replacing sooner. All that wear and tear can cause corrosion or knock shingles loose, making your roof–and your interior–vulnerable to further damage.

When Are New Roofs Worth a Seller’s Investment?

When should a seller look into professional residential roofing? If you’re on the fence about your roof, you can always call in a home appraiser or roof inspector to get a second opinion. However, there are some tell-tale signs that a new roof is worth the investment.

If you know your roof is a few decades old, it’s time to go ahead and replace it. Even if there’s no visible damage, the buyer’s appraiser is going to see an old roof as a liability. That means that your buyer won’t be able to get as large of a mortgage and will have no choice but to negotiate for a lower price or walk away from the sale.

No matter how old your roof is, any signs of visible damage call for roof replacement. Believe it or not, the blow to your property value is almost always going to run higher than the cost of roof replacement. Why?

A damaged roof tells buyers, appraisers, and lenders alike that there’s more damage than meets the eye. They’re going to expect structural damage and water damage as a result of your interior’s exposure to the elements. Staying on top of your roof repairs is the best way to avoid this issue.

Don’t Let a Shabby Roof Bring Down Your Property Value

Are new roofs a seller’s problem or a buyer’s problem? It depends on the state of your current roof, but if you’re asking yourself whether or not you should replace your roof before selling, the answer is probably yes.

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