Residential metal roofs stand out in beauty from the asphalt shingle rooftops of neighbors. In addition, they can cut heating and cooling costs and last a lifetime.

Many designers place considerable weight on a system’s warranty. However, warranties should not supplant a thorough review of a systems design and performance history.

Curbside Appeal

Curb appeal, or the attractiveness of a property’s exterior when viewed from street level, is important because it gives potential homebuyers a first impression that can influence whether they decide to tour a house. A well-maintained lawn, vibrant paint job, intact roof and clean edges are all indicators of good curbside appeal.

If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, curbside appeal is an essential investment because it may help you fetch a higher sale price. Relatively inexpensive tasks like removing weeds and cleaning water features can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance.

Create a welcoming garden with contrasting plants and shrubs in prime locations along walkways, driveways and the front of your house. A beautiful and colorful landscape is a sure way to increase your property’s value and provide a relaxing space for you and your family. Decorative shutters and trim are another quick and effective way to improve your home’s aesthetics, with options including wood, aluminum, vinyl, or composite resins.

Materials

Depending on your home’s location and climate, as well as its style and architecture, you have many options when choosing roofing materials. From traditional asphalt shingles to clay, concrete and slate roofs.

Wood roofs offer a natural, earthy look that enhances cottage-style and Craftsman homes. Cedar, red cedar and cypress are popular choices for shingle roofs, while shakes feature a rugged split appearance and offer enhanced energy efficiency.

Metal roofs are an ideal choice for homes in cold regions, and rolled or sheet metal roofing material assemblies are also great for flat or low-pitched roofing. Aluminum offers lightweight benefits and resists corrosion.

Installation

A well-installed roof enhances your home’s curb appeal and safeguards your family and belongings from the elements. Choosing the right materials, hiring a contractor, preparing your property and monitoring the installation process are the keys to a long-lasting, durable roofing system.

The first step is to find a qualified roofing contractor. Check their experience, customer testimonials and licensing, which is typically available on state or local government websites.

Next, clear the area where work will take place. Remove any outdoor decorations, furniture or plants in the immediate vicinity of your house so that the contractor can work safely. Also, temporarily remove any hanging photos or mirrors from your upper floor to reduce the risk of them falling during a roofing job.

Maintenance

Residential roofing is a significant investment and requires ongoing maintenance to protect that investment. A few simple tasks can go a long way in maintaining the performance and appearance of your roof.

One of the most important aspects of maintenance is cleaning debris off the shingles, eaves and gutters on a regular basis. Gutters that are clogged with leaves and other debris prevent water from flowing off the roof, leading to moisture issues in your home. If you don’t have a ladder that is tall enough to reach, it may be best to hire a professional gutter cleaning company.

Other regular maintenance tasks that should be completed include tightening gutters, removing moss, and inspecting the attic for signs of water intrusion (such as mold or wood rot). These simple tasks are critical to the longevity of your roof. Frequent preventative maintenance will help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.