Published: 8/31/2022

Curb appeal is so important when you’re trying to sell your home, especially when you’re trying to get the best possible sale price. Most buyers are looking for a home that embodies the idyllic Florida lifestyle, making one’s abode feel like their own little slice of paradise.

Improving curb appeal can raise your home’s sale price by as much as 5-11%. Making certain changes before listing can maximize the number. In fact, replacing your rooftop has proven to be one of the most effective price boosters, bringing a 105% return on investment.

In this post, we recommend some of the best materials for a roof replacement that enhances your home’s curb appeal. We’ll look at not only aesthetic factors, but critical performance markers like lifespan and durability, too.

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Architectural Shingle

Also known as “Dimensional” or “Laminate”, this type of shingle is a step above the standard 3-tab. It has a more pleasing appearance than the flat look of ordinary shingle, thanks to a multi-dimensional structure that consists of more than one layer of asphalt. The resulting look is one that is very similar to traditional wood shake, or in some cases, even natural slate. They come in a wide variety of colors: everything from warm browns and greens, to stony greys and bold reds.

Architectural shingle can last as long as 30 years. Compare that to basic shingle, which often only holds up for 7 to 10 years in harsh environments like Southern Florida. Architectural shingle is far more resistant to our climate’s heat, humidity, rain, and storm winds.

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Luxury Shingle

Yet another step up the shingle ladder is luxury shingle. This premium product has a more finely crafted design than architectural shingle, offering a truer representation of classic shake and slate roofing. While the color options tend to skew more natural, it’s easier to find multi-tonal selections that mimic the natural hue variations found in organic materials.

Luxury shingle offers improved durability, even in the face of hurricanes. The typical lifespan of this top-grade shingle is 40-50 years, but there are some that come with a lifetime warranty.

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Tile Roofing

Driving around the Sarasota-Bradenton area, chances are that you’ve seen tile roofs. This is a common type of roofing here, largely because Mediterrannean and Spanish architecture styles are so prevalent. Matching your rooftop can help your home fit in cohesively with the local aesthetic, and give off more of that “coastal villa” vibe that is in such high demand. Tile roofing is available in either clay or concrete options. Color choices tend to skew warm, inspired by Southern European color palettes.

While clay tiles are more authentic, and more commonly used here in Florida, concrete is an increasingly popular choice because it’s a more affordable option. Both are extremely durable, but clay tiles have been known to stand strong for multiple centuries. They are resistant to fire, hail, and hurricane-force winds. Concrete lasts about 30-50 years, and offers good performance in terms of hardiness as well.

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Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is becoming quite trendy among Bradenton’s more modern neighborhoods. The sleek lines and finishes are well-suited to contemporary and minimalist architectural styles. In addition, a wide variety of color options allows for a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing a roof that will make the most wow-worthy impression. Specialty hues are available, including metallics, iridescents, and even those meant to mimic an antique patina. Some options are structured to resemble traditional tile roofs, making metal roofing a good option for more traditionally-styled homes as well.

A metal roof offers one of the highest ROIs at the point of resale, and is outstandingly resistant to Florida’s extreme weather conditions. Standing seam panels can also accommodate seamless rooftop solar systems with ease. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40-70 years. Many manufacturers provide a 50-year warranty, and a few even offer lifetime coverage.

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Give Your Home a Facelift with a Brand New Roof

If you need expert advice on what type of roof upgrade is the best choice for your Bradenton home, call AKVM. Our experts will be happy to come out, inspect your roof, and recommend the best options in terms of curb appeal and overall value. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.