Should You Replace the Roof Before Selling a House?


Home with a new roof currently for sale

Taking advantage of the red-hot real estate market tasks homeowners with making improvements to maximize the listing price and offers. Selling a house that needs a new roof prompts property owners to gather estimates, weigh them against their budget, and calculate the potential return on investment (ROI). 

In terms of recouping the initial costs of a home roof replacement, the upgrade typically delivers upwards of 68 percent. A report by the National Association of Realtors in the U.S. pegged the ROI at 107 percent. It isn’t easy to pinpoint precisely how much you’ll recover after making a home roof replacement. But the following information will help you answer the question: Should I replace my roof before selling?

Does the House Need Home Roof Replacement or Repair?

There’s a significant difference between selling a house that needs a new roof and one that requires repair. Before reviewing its condition, consider its age. 

For example, an asphalt shingle roof typically has a life expectancy of 25-30 years when adequately maintained. Look up when the roof was installed to determine its age. If the roofing system has passed 80 percent of its life span, home roof replacement may be the right decision. 

An outdated roof will likely hamstring the home’s value and reduce buyer enthusiasm. The same holds true when buyers see obvious damage to a roof that should otherwise be in its prime. If you can see any of these telltale roof damage signs, you require repairs and may need a home roof replacement.

  • Hail damage to roofing shingles
  • Missing, torn, or curling shingles
  • Cracks in sealants or misaligned flashing
  • Granules building up in gutters or flowing out of downspouts
  • Water spots in ceilings
  • Mould growths in the attic or behind walls

These are usually signs that a residential roof has issues that need to be addressed. Before deciding one way or another, we advise homeowners to schedule a roof inspection. With a detailed roof inspection report in hand, you can weigh the differences between making repairs or a home roof replacement.

Advantages of Roof Replacement Before Selling Your Home

The potential ROI remains a driving factor when making a roofing decision. But beyond the underlying financial aspects, there are other reasons to replace a roof before putting the house on the market. These rank among the key benefits worth considering.

  • Energy Efficiency: Savvy buyers take a long look at energy costs. Knowing the house has a new roof reduces those costs and makes it more attractive.
  • Life Span: Buyers generally include necessary home improvement costs when purchasing a property. A new home roof replacement means they won’t need to spend money in the near future.
  • Curbside Appeal: A well-manicured front yard, pressure-washed siding, and a recently replaced roof make the property look like new construction.

Working with a contractor to make a complete home roof replacement often results in sellers shortening their property’s time on the market. And upgrades such as a new roof may push offers above your asking price.

Choose A Trusted London, Ontario, Roofing Contractor

If you are unsure about selling a house that needs a new roof, our experienced professionals can thoroughly inspect its condition. We also provide reliable home roof replacement estimates. Our professional team of roofing contractors works with industry-leading products and performs high-quality workmanship on all our roofing projects. Contact Davidoff Roofing at our London, Ontario, offices today to get an estimate of your roof today.