Your roof is one of the most important exterior features of your home. A solid roof protects your home from the elements and can even lower your energy bills. For Atlanta homeowners, replacing an old or damaged roof is a wise investment that can pay off for years to come.
Take a closer look at the wide range of benefits that can come with a roof replacement in Atlanta.
FAQ: Why Roof Replacement Is a Smart Investment for Atlanta Homeowners
When should I replace my roof in Atlanta?
Most Atlanta roofs need replacement every 20-25 years, especially after years of heat, humidity, and storm exposure. If you're seeing frequent leaks, shingles curling, or higher repair needs, it may be time for a full replacement.
How does a new roof improve my home's value?
A roof replacement can increase your property value and attract more buyers. Many Atlanta homeowners see up to a 70% return on investment, adding an average of $12,000 or more to their sale price.
Can a new roof improve energy efficiency?
Yes. Modern roofing materials—including Energy Star-rated shingles—help reduce air leaks, reflect more sunlight, and lower cooling costs in Atlanta's hot climate. Darker shingles can also help retain warmth in winter.
Will replacing my roof help lower my homeowners' insurance?
Often, yes. Insurance companies may offer discounts for new, impact-resistant, or wind-resistant roofing systems. Replacing an aging roof can also help maintain full coverage.
Is it cheaper to replace my roof instead of repairing it repeatedly?
Yes. Frequent repairs on an aging roof add up quickly. If you need multiple repairs in a short period, a full roof replacement is often the more cost-effective solution.
How do I know what type of roof is best for my Atlanta home?
Start with a professional inspection. A local roofing expert can evaluate your roof's condition and recommend the best materials for Atlanta's heat, storms, and humidity.
Who should I call for a roof inspection in Atlanta?
Tom and Jerry's Roofing provides detailed roof inspections and personalized recommendations for homeowners across Atlanta. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Repair Long-Term Roof Damage
When a heavy storm damages your roof, you might know to schedule professional roof repairs right away. This type of damage is often easy to spot. Because the roof is your home's first line of defense, fixing obvious issues promptly helps you protect your home's structure and interior.
But roof damage is not always clearly visible. Wear and tear is more subtle because it happens over a longer period of time. This type of damage results from daily exposure to the elements.
After a couple of decades, your roof will start to show the signs of failing. You might need more frequent repairs, and mild storms can cause more damage. Replacing a roof when you notice these early warning signs can reduce your storm repair costs in the long run.
Give Your Property Value a Boost
Installing a new roof can help you invest in the resale of your property in two ways. First, potential buyers are more likely to look at homes with new roofs. Mention the roof replacement in your market listings to attract people who are looking for turnkey homes. Buying a house with a recent roof replacement alleviates a common buyer concern.
Second, a roof replacement can increase the value of your home. While many home remodeling projects have negligible effects on property values, real estate experts estimate that roof replacements offer returns up to 70% of the home's value.
This can raise the sale price by an average of $12,000. Along with kitchen and bathroom remodeling, roof replacements are among the few projects that can help you sell for a higher price.
Enhance Your Home's Curb Appeal
When you're selling your home, it's important not to overlook its exterior appearance. Good curb appeal can go a long way in attracting potential buyers who may not see your online or printed listings. While regular landscaping and a well-maintained yard are helpful, installing a new roof can give your entire property a refresh.
This is a key benefit even if you're not planning on selling your home. When the exterior of your home looks fresh and beautiful, outdoor entertaining is more comfortable and enjoyable. You'll also avoid complaints from neighbors and potential conflicts with your HOA.
Improve Energy Efficiency
A decades-old roof might seem to function well enough, but there's a strong chance that it's not holding up as it should. It likely offers less protection and has air leaks that impact your indoor energy efficiency.
That's because those leaks allow treated air to escape your home while letting outdoor air into your house. A new roof can immediately solve this problem.
In addition, there are many energy-efficient roofing options available today. For example, look for shingles with a higher Energy Star rating. Manufacturers design these shingles to reflect more sunlight.
With these modern options, you can see a reduction in your cooling costs. On the other hand, if you're concerned about your winter heating bills, you could choose darker shingles, since they absorb more of the sun's heat.
Save You Money on Your Homeowners' Insurance
As your roof ages, you might notice changes in coverage on your homeowners' policy. That's because insurance companies recognize the deteriorated quality of older roofs. They won't want to offer full coverage for a home that has a low-quality roof. Replacing your roof can help you restore or maintain your insurance coverage.
Before you design and install a new roof, communicate with your insurer. Certain types of roofs and features will earn higher premium discounts. You can save a considerable amount by installing impact-resistant shingles or materials that are more weather-resistant, for example. Hip roofs, or roofs with slopes on four sides, also tend to earn higher discounts because they're more wind-resistant.
Guard Against Water Damage
While a weaker roof with years of wear and tear damage will produce air leaks, moisture is just as likely to get through those gaps. Even a very small crevice might let rainwater into your home.
This can cause the underlying roofing materials to rot, or water will spread to your rafters. Before long, you may need more than a standard roof replacement to restore rotted rafters.
Rainwater can leak into the rest of your home as well. Keep an eye out for water stains on your ceilings and walls. Discolored stains or bubbling walls can indicate some type of water leak.
If the cause is a damaged roof, you won't be able to begin water remediation without addressing the need for a new roof. Otherwise, rainwater will continue to cause problems.
Keep Your Household Healthier
The moisture and air that get into your home through an old roof can affect the health of everyone in your home. If you notice that family members get sick frequently, consider that exposure to drafts and moisture could be part of the problem. If you notice roof leaks in your attic, schedule a roof inspection as quickly as possible.
A new, strong roof reduces the risk of mold growth in your home. Otherwise, attic moisture combines with humidity to promote mold growth. As mold develops, it releases airborne spores that will travel to your living spaces.
Some people have mild reactions, such as sinus irritation. However, mold exposure can also result in very serious conditions, including respiratory infections.
Ensure Your Home Is Safe for Living
Additionally, prolonged exposure to wind and moisture through roof damage has a lasting effect on your home's structure. As your rafters and other wood materials in the home's peak moisten and rot, they lose the ability to provide support. You can spot this problem sooner by regularly inspecting your attic for roof leaks.
Even without strong winds or heavy rainfall, rotted rafters will eventually collapse. Watch for a drooping roof or bowing rafters. Feel for moisture on the rafters in your attic. If you fail to catch this problem soon enough, your roof might eventually collapse. The roof's collapse can injure anyone in the home and cause significant property damage.
Prevent Repetitive Roof Repairs
A roof replacement is unavoidable in some cases. For instance, a storm or high winds can cause widespread damage to an older roof that requires you to schedule an immediate replacement. This can actually help you save money, though, because you can avoid the problems that come with gradual deterioration.
Without significant storm damage, an older roof will continue to deteriorate at a slower pace. You might schedule repairs more often, without realizing how much you're spending on roofing services.
Before long, the cost of repairs can exceed the price of a new roof. If you need multiple repairs within the same season, you might save money by replacing the entire roof.
Start With a Professional Roof Inspection
The pros at Tom and Jerry's Roofing are committed to providing exceptional service to homeowners throughout Atlanta. We can inspect your roof thoroughly and recommend the best options for your situation. Contact us to get started with a free, no-obligation quote today.