Want your home’s curb appeal to stand out from the crowd?
Homeowners tend to get wrapped up in interior design. They spend thousands on countertops, floors, and fresh coats of paint. However…
They rarely pay attention to the feature that makes the largest visual impact when someone is driving past their home.
The roof.
It’s referred to as the “fifth wall” for a reason. Your roof makes up up to 40% of your home’s visible exterior. You should care about how it looks.
Fortunately…
Learning more about your roof and its role in home design can help you make more informed decisions. Everything from maintenance to upgrades to curb appeal.
Let’s dive in…
Table of Contents
- What Makes Your Roof the “Fifth Wall”?
- How Roofing Impacts Your Home Value
- Choosing the Right Roof Design for You
- Maintenance Tips You’ll Want to Remember
What Makes Your Roof the “Fifth Wall”?
When discussing design, the fifth wall is any architectural feature outside of the typical four walls in a room.
When talking about exterior home design…
Your roof fills that role.
Look at it like this. Imagine someone is driving down the street. When they drive past your home, what do they see first? The roof! It’s literally the first thing people notice.
When your roof is worn down and falling apart, it screams “neglected.”
Missing shingles, roof discoloration, and sagging are tell-tale signs homeowners should seek out professional roof repairs right away.
However, when your roof is well kept and looking its best…
It creates a fantastic first impression and makes people take notice.
Here’s the thing…
Your roof does more than keep the elements out. It helps set the tone for how all other exterior aspects look. The siding, landscape, front door, etc.
How Roofing Impacts Your Home Value
You may think that your roof is just something that you need to keep your house protected.
However, with roof repair and replacement costs reaching $31 billion in 2024, homeowners are finally waking up to its importance.
It’s easy to see why.
On average, homeowners can recoup 57% of their roof installation cost when selling their home, according to the latest Cost vs. Value Report. But there’s more to gain than just added resale value.
A good roof can:
- Help your home sell faster
- Lead to less negotiation from buyers
- Save you money on insurance premiums
- Improve energy efficiency
The opposite is also true. If your roof is aging or has existing damage, it can be a huge red flag during a home inspection. Either the potential buyer will walk, or they’ll ask for a significant reduction in price.
Which would you rather?
It’s another reason why you should think of your roof as part of your home’s overall design. Conduct regular inspections and keep up with small repairs. Before you know it, your roof will take care of itself.
Choosing the Right Roof Design for You
Did you know not all roofs are created equal?
There is no one “perfect” roof out there. Your roof’s design will differ based on your home’s architectural style, the climate you live in, and your personal preference.
Architecture
You want your roof to flow nicely with the rest of your home. Metal roofs look incredible on modern houses but can clash severely with Victorian style homes. Traditional roofs look great on craftsman style homes. Slate tile roofs match beautifully with historical homes.
Climate
Where you live will play a factor into your roof decision, as well. If you live in a warmer climate, you’ll want to select a lighter shade for your roof. Not only will it look better, but it’ll reflect the sun and can decrease cooling costs. Darker colors work best for colder climates and can help keep your home warmer.
Materials you can expect to choose from:
- Asphalt shingles are your typical roofing material. They come in all different colors and styles and are one of the most affordable options.
- Metal roofs are gaining traction as they last up to 75 years. Talk about a great return on investment!
- Tile and slate are more high-end options but provide a great look to your home.
- Wood shakes offer a nice, textured look for cottage style homes.
There are pros and cons to each material option, so you’ll want to find a roof that works with your home’s character and your budget.
Colour and Texture: Importance Behind the Design
Here’s a fun fact most people don’t think about…
The colour of your roof can make or break the look of your entire home.
If you’re going to stick with a neutral color palette, charcoal, slate grey, and weathered brown are always a safe bet. Not only will you give your home broad appeal, but these colors work with just about any exterior home color.
But what about texture?
Texture plays a huge role when you’re wanting your home to stand out from the crowd. Architectural shingles provide shadow lines that create a 3D look to your roof. Wood shakes add texture and dimension like no other material. Metal roofs provide a smooth and sleek surface.
You want your home to look cohesive as a whole. Every aspect of your home’s exterior should complement one another.
Maintenance Tips You’ll Want to Remember
Putting time and care into your roof won’t do you any good if you’re not going to maintain it.
You wouldn’t buy a new car and never wash it. The same theory applies to your roof. Be sure to follow these quick and simple maintenance tips.
- Get bi-annual inspections from a roofing professional
- Clean your gutters to prevent clogs and water damage
- Tackle small problems before they turn into big ones (loose shingles, missing flashing)
- Keep debris and limbs off your roof
- Inspect your roof for moss, algae, or roof discoloration
A clean roof says you take pride in your home and that you plan on living there for years to come. Lopsided shingles, roof valleys filled with debris, and dark stains give off the complete opposite effect.
If you wait too long, your roof problems will become obvious to the outside eye.
Wrapping It Up
Roofs are the fifth wall of home design for a reason.
They make up a significant portion of your home’s exterior and are the leading style indicator when someone drives past your home. If you neglect your roof, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to make your home stand out.
Remember:
- Your roof makes up to 40% of your home’s exterior.
- The right roof can add substantial value to your home.
- Roof style, color, and materials should complement your home’s architecture and climate.
- Regular upkeep is necessary to keep your roof looking great and functioning properly.
- Don’t hesitate to contact a professional if you run into any problems.
Give your roof the attention it deserves and watch how it can make your home better than ever.