Selling your home can be competitive, so making your property stand out is key to securing top-dollar offers. One of the most effective ways to attract buyers and boost your home’s value is by replacing the roof.
In fact, a 2022 survey by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found that a new roof is the most appealing exterior feature for buyers.
In this blog, we cover:
- Why your roof’s condition is a crucial factor for home buyers
- The benefits of installing a metal roof before listing your home
- Common questions about replacing your roof before selling
Upgrading to a stone-coated metal roofing may be exactly what you need to maximize your home’s value. Here’s why, with insights from real estate experts.
Why Your Roof’s Condition Matters to Home Buyers
When potential buyers first pull up to your home, the roof is often the first thing they notice. If it’s in poor condition, with missing tiles or loose shingles, it raises immediate concerns about costly repairs or replacements before they even step inside.
“A well-maintained roof that is relatively new can be an attractive selling point for a home,” says Mark Buskuhl, Founder and CEO of Ninebird Properties. Buyers want peace of mind, knowing they won’t face major repairs soon after moving in. Plus, a well-kept roof significantly boosts curb appeal, making the property more inviting and adding to its overall aesthetic.
“A roof replacement can improve the curb appeal of the house, boost its resale value, increase its energy efficiency, and help sell it faster,” agrees Zev Freidus, Founder of ZFC Real Estate.
By investing in a new roof, you not only enhance your home’s appearance but also show buyers that the property has been well cared for. This can help justify a higher asking price and make your listing stand out in a competitive market.
The Benefits of Installing a Metal Roof Before Listing Your Home
Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers, advises homeowners to “carefully examine the return on investment (ROI) on different roofing materials. For example, it may be worth it to install metal roofing prior to selling.”
Why metal roofing?
Installing a metal roof before selling your home offers several advantages that can help you stand out in a competitive market. Metal roofs are known for:
Durability
Most metal roofs come with warranties for wind and hail protection. DECRA, for example, is warrantied for hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter and winds up to 120 miles per hour. DECRA Metal Roofs also undergo rigorous testing to withstand wind-driven rain, meeting the TAS-100 Wind-Driven Rain Test, a requirement for compliance with Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade County regulations. This is a major selling point for buyers looking for properties in coastal areas.
For those in fire-prone regions, a metal roof can be an even bigger advantage. DECRA roofs carry the highest UL fire rating (Class A), proving their effectiveness against even the most extreme fire tests. Unlike other materials, DECRA’s stone-coated metal roofs provide flame resistance as standalone products—without the need for chemical treatments or additional underlying materials.
This image made headlines after the Lahaina fires. The roof? Metal. The same goes for these homes that survived the Los Angeles fires.
Longevity
One of the biggest advantages of a metal roof is its impressive longevity. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 and 80 years, depending on the material and maintenance. That’s two to three times longer than traditional asphalt shingles, which typically need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years.
This long lifespan adds value to your home, as potential buyers will appreciate the reduced need for maintenance. Plus, many metal roofs come with warranties that reflect their durability, further increasing their appeal.
For instance, DECRA roofs come with a Lifetime Limited Warranty that’s transferable to a new property owner within 20 years of the initial installation. This can justify a higher price tag for your home, especially in areas with extreme weather.
Energy-Efficiency
The 2023 NAR Sustainability Report found that:
- 63% of agents and brokers said mentioning energy-efficient features in their listings was beneficial.
- 48% of agents and brokers said homebuyers cared about sustainability.
- 50% of agents and brokers said they helped a client buy or sell a property with green features during the past 12 months, a notable jump compared to 32% in 2021.
As more environmentally-friendly roofing materials enter the market, traditional options like asphalt shingles are falling out of favor. Asphalt shingles, which are petroleum-based and not widely recyclable, contribute to 11-13 million tons of landfill waste each year.
Metal roofs, on the other hand, are among the most energy-efficient options available. They can help homeowners save up to 40% on energy costs, thanks to their unique installation methods.
There are two ways to install metal roofing: batten and direct-to-deck. Batten installations create an air gap that improves ventilation by raising the panels off the deck. This method is compatible with DECRA Tile and DECRA Shake.
In direct-to-deck installations, metal panels are secured directly onto the roof deck. While this method lacks the air gap, it still offers energy-saving benefits due to the roof’s emissive properties.
Many metal roofs, including DECRA, are also solar panel-compatible–an attractive feature for energy-conscious buyers. With lower utility costs and long-term durability, homes with metal roofs often have a higher return on investment (ROI) as buyers recognize their value.
Low Maintenance
Unlike wood shakes that are prone to moss and mildew, metal roofs require minimal upkeep to stay in top condition. Their smooth, non-porous surface prevents moisture retention, making it difficult for organic growth to take hold.
With no need for frequent chemical treatments, potential buyers can enjoy a roof that maintains its appearance and performance with little effort. Occasional rinsing and inspections are typically all that’s needed, making metal roofs a hassle-free, long-lasting option.
For potential buyers, this means less maintenance, lower long-term costs, and a roof that stays looking great for decades.
>>>Related Resource: This guide walks you through how to clean a DECRA roof.
Other Benefits
Beyond the practical benefits, a new metal roof can boost your home’s resale value by up to 6%. Homeowners typically recoup up to 85.9% of installation costs, with some areas in the east seeing recovery rates as high as 95.5%. This makes investing in a metal roof not only a practical choice but a financially rewarding one when it comes time to sell.
And don’t worry, the industrial strength of metal roofing doesn’t have to come with industrial aesthetics.
DECRA Metal Roofing’s line of stone-coated metal roofing products has the design versatility to suit any style. From classic clay tile roofs to rustic cedar shakes, DECRA stone-coated metal roofing provides the strength and style that today’s homeowners demand–and will pay a premium price for.
FAQs About Replacing Your Roof Before Selling
Should we have our roof inspected before listing?
Yes, a pre-listing roof inspection helps identify potential issues that could affect your sale. If problems are found, it allows you to address them proactively.
What are some signs that the roof needs replacing?
Signs include visible damage, sagging, water stains, leaks, or mold. These indicate the roof's condition may deter potential buyers.
Do we need to disclose roof defects to potential home buyers?
In many states, you’re legally required to disclose roof defects and/or leaks to someone interested in buying your home. An inspection can prevent unexpected surprises during negotiations.
Can a metal roof be installed over asphalt shingles?
Yes, in many cases, a metal roof can be installed over existing asphalt shingles. This process, known as a roofover, can save time and money by reducing labor and disposal costs. However, factors like local building codes, the condition of your current roof, and the added weight must be considered. Talk to your contractor to determine if a roofover is the right option for your home.
What if we need to replace the roof in winter?
DECRA metal roofing can be installed year-round, even in winter.
How can we show buyers the value of our new metal roof?
No matter if you installed the roof three months or three years ago, work with your agent to include keywords like ‘DECRA’ and ‘metal roof’ in the listing. You’ll also want to emphasize terms like ‘durability’ and ‘efficiency’ to help buyers understand the long-term benefits of a metal roof.
Install DECRA Metal Roofing for Short- and Long-Term Benefits
Investing in DECRA Metal Roofing is not only a practical choice but also a smart financial decision to boost your return on investment. With its durability and longevity, a DECRA roof can make your property more attractive to buyers and increase its resale value. Request a complimentary sample to get started, and enjoy both the short- and long-term benefits before your home hits the market.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in November 2023 and has been updated with relevant information.
