There are many big-ticket home renovation and remodeling ideas worth your consideration: a new kitchen, a new bathroom, an addition or a finished basement are all tantalizing propositions that can become a reality. Realistically speaking, however, money isn’t unlimited, and we want to prioritize projects that provide a reasonable return on investment, both in increased livability and greater home value.
Many of our clients have asked us, “Is a new roof an investment that pays off in the long run”? If your existing roof is 15 years or older — particularly if it’s made of cedar shingles — then a new roof is worth the investment cost, as it will both ensure your home is thoroughly protected from the elements and play a large role in helping you sell your home when you’re ready to move on.
At Cedar Roof Coatings, we’ve worked with many clients in Fairfield and Westchester counties over the years to ensure their cedar roofs look great and last as long as possible. Let’s look at some of the benefits of roof replacement and how a cedar roof could be a great choice for your house.
Why Get a New Roof?
Though they comprise a variety of materials, roofs all have one thing in common: They don’t last forever. In Fairfield and Westchester counties, we experience a wide variety of weather events that can take years off the life of an otherwise heavy-duty roof.
In the winter, ice dams present a particularly difficult challenge for roofs. Think of an ice dam as an iceberg that has set up shop on your roof. This solid mass of frozen water is troublesome for a few different reasons:
Warped beams: The weight of ice can strain the structure of your roof, causing warped beams.
Leaks: Ice dams can trap unfrozen water on the surface of your roof, which can find its way through cracks and holes into your home.
Rotting drywall: Like a domino effect, leaks can soak into your drywall, causing it to rot and creating optimal conditions for mold growth.
In the summer, strong storms can blow shingles off, mess up your gutter work, and leave debris on your roof. Like a chunk of ice, a particularly heavy branch can weigh on the structure of your roof if it isn’t removed, causing structural strain.
Your roof system may also have holes and cracks that allow water into your home under less extreme circumstances. Standing water in your home is generally a condition we advise our clients to prevent, as it can compound over time and end up costing you more to alleviate in the long run.
If you find that your roof seems to be in rough shape after a particularly icy winter, or if a large chunk of debris seems to have impacted the structural integrity of your roof, a new roof will increase the appraisal value of your home, provide protection against weather events and help increase your home’s energy efficiency through the utilization of more modern materials and building techniques.
Is a Cedar Roof Worth It?
Is cedar roofing worth the price? There are a few benefits you should take into consideration when debating on installing a cedar roof:
Aesthetic: A cedar roof can add a charming, rustic, distinctive appearance to your home. If you own a house that displays a more traditional aesthetic, a cedar roof can help maintain its appearance.
Efficiency: Cedar is naturally a rather energy-efficient material, helping you save money on your energy bills. Its superior insulating qualities minimize heat loss and can help maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature year-round.
Wind resistance: A cedar roof is a good choice if you live in an area that’s particularly prone to high wind gusts. Cedar offers excellent wind resistance, reducing the likelihood of lost shingles during a strong storm.
Cedar Roof Coatings — Your Cedar Roofing Experts
If you’re considering a cedar roof in the Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY areas feel free to contact Cedar Roof Coatings with your questions. We’re a Stamford-based company that specializes in cedar roofing maintenance, preservation and restoration.