How Do You Upgrade a Roof? [4 Common Upgrades]

If it’s time for a roof replacement, you may be asking yourself, “how do you upgrade a roof?” Every roof has the option to be upgraded, and this comes with many added benefits. Upgrades can add value to your home, aesthetic appeal, and leave you with a roof and home you’re proud to show off. 

 

Some homeowners will opt out of upgrades due to cost, and in all honesty, they’re not for everyone. However, when it’s time for a new roof, Elite Exteriors wants to help you get what you’re looking for aesthetically and within your budget. In this article, we detail four popular upgrades we often see to answer the question, “how do you upgrade a roof?”

Table of Contents

– How Do You Upgrade a Roof?

  – New Shingles

  – Roof Vents

  – Roof Flashing

  – Metal Accents

– How Much Will My Roof Replacement Cost?

 

How Do You Upgrade a Roof?

 

Upgrades come in all shapes and sizes, from new shingles to accent panels. This means that upgrading your existing roof may be easier than you think. Keep reading to discover four common upgrades that will make your new roof turn heads.

 

New Shingles

 

Architectural vs 3-Tab Shingles
Upgrading from 3-tab asphalt shingles (left), to architectural asphalt shingles (right), is something we see often in the roofing industry

How do you upgrade a new roof? You may want to consider replacing your existing shingle type with something different. We most commonly see this in asphalt roofs, as there are three types of asphalt shingles. This includes 3-tab, architectural, and luxury asphalt shingles, each coming with a different price tag and offering a different look. 

 

The most common transition is from 3-tab asphalt shingles to architectural asphalt shingles. This is due to the longer lifespan and enhanced warranty that architectural shingles offer. Some homeowners stick to their 3-tab shingles due to cost concerns, but upgrading to architectural only costs about 15% more and has so many benefits. 

 

Even though you’re spending more, you’re getting a roof that lasts longer in return. Plus, you may even qualify for the 50-year non-prorated enhanced material warranty from the manufacturer when you make the switch. And let’s not forget about the dimension and curb appeal an architectural asphalt roof can add!

 

luxury asphalt shingles
Pictured above are stunning luxury asphalt shingles

You may also want to consider taking it one step further and upgrading to a luxury asphalt roof if it’s in your budget. This is double the cost of an architectural asphalt roof, but it comes with the same enhanced warranty, a longer lifespan, and a roof that looks similar to slate. Either way, each homeowner will have to decide if this is something they want and if it’s within their budget. 

 

For more information on upgrading from 3-tab to architectural asphalt shingles, click here.

 

Roof Vents

 

roof vent upgrade
During a roof replacement, many homeowners upgrade from ridge vents (left), to turbine vents (right)

How do you upgrade a new roof? Let’s talk about roof vents. Your attic’s ventilation and roof vents are essential to the health and longevity of your roof. Both active and passive ventilation systems get the job done, but they each come with different styles of roof vents. 

 

Something we see often is homeowners upgrading from a ridge vent with a baffle to a turbine vent. Some people do this because they simply like the look of turbine vents. Unlike ridge vents, however, turbine vents come with the benefit of keeping insects, debris, snow, and rain out of your attic. 

 

We also see people getting rid of static/box vents, and adding ridge vents with a baffle or turbine vents. This means making the switch from a passive ventilation system to an active one. With this upgrade, air is circulated multiple times a day, instead of relying on heat rising to push air out. This aids in keeping your upstairs area cool, and your energy bills down.

 

Roof Flashing

 

copper roof flashing
Pictured above is copper roof flashing, a popular way to upgrade your roof

How do you upgrade a roof? Let’s move on to roof flashing. Roof flashing is a thin metal material that’s used to direct water away from walls, chimneys, and roof valleys. This is also a crucial component for the health and longevity of your roof. 

 

Refinished steel is the most common roof flashing used today, but some homeowners decide to upgrade to a different metal. Copper roof flashing is a popular choice, as it not only adds curb appeal, but it’s a lifelong material. This means that, unless it gets damaged, you will never have to replace it. 

 

It’s important to mention that this can be a costly addition, so it may not be for everyone. However, if it’s in your budget, it’s a great investment, as you won’t have to spend more money down the road to have it replaced. Your roofing contractor will be able to discuss the different types of roof flashing metals with you, and assist you in choosing the one that’s best for you, your style, and your budget.

 

Metal Accents

 

copper metal accent panel
Recently installed by Elite Exteriors, this stunning new roof with copper accents won the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year award

So, how do you upgrade a roof? Metal accents! Metal accent panels are one of the most popular ways homeowners upgrade their roof for added curb appeal. Metal accents are a great way to turn heads and make your roof stand out. They can be added over porches, bay windows, and more!

 

The great thing about adding a metal accent panel is that you can choose the color that compliments your home the best. Again, it’s important to note that this upgrade will have a big impact on the bottom line, especially if you choose copper roofing. However, if it’s in your budget, this gorgeous upgrade is aesthetically pleasing, and can add value to your home.

 

How Much Will My Roof Replacement Cost?

 

contractors working on roof replacement
Contractors hard at work on a roof replacement

With the four common upgrades listed above, you now know our answer to the question, “how do you upgrade a roof?” We are also aware that cost plays a huge role in deciding if you should upgrade your roof during the replacement process. Whether you have a set budget in mind, or are still unsure, it’s impossible to start making decisions for your roof replacement until you know how much a roof replacement costs. 

 

Most people in the roofing industry don’t like to lead with pricing out of fear of intimidating potential clients. Elite Exteriors, however, believes in transparency, and that an educated consumer creates peace of mind and alleviates stress for both the client and the contractor. This is why we’ve created a Roof Cost Calculator, so you know what to expect when it comes time for the bill.

 

Please keep in mind that the Roof Cost Calculator is here to give you a general estimate, not an exact price. This is because every homeowner has different wants and needs, and there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to pricing that can only be included after an in-person inspection. However, our calculator will give you a rough estimate for your new roof, so you can see how much is left in your budget for upgrades.

 

 

Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier resource for unparalleled service, craftsmanship and quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only that, we offer NO-COST initial consultations and inspections. For more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or click here to fill out an online form.

 

Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial roofing resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship and incomparable quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty!
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