ROOF MAKEOVERS SHOULD BE A ‘TOP’ PRIORITY The housing boom during the 1970s has left a large segment of people living in homes with old or outdated exteriors that can lower curb appeal and real estate value. For the same reason that disco albums and polyester leisure suits are gathering dust in the back of the closet, homeowners may be considering a makeover for their 30-year-old home. A new roof can make a bold statement and go a long way toward the exterior style of the home. “A roof can comprise up to 50 percent of the home’s exterior, so what you do with that 50 percent can have a tremendous impact on the overall look of your home”, said Brian Chambers, Owens Corning products manager for Residential Roofing. “Homeowners can improve their home’s curb appeal quickly and dramatically by changing the texture and color of the roof.” Curb appeal especially important when trying to sell a home. Many purchasing decisions are made upon arrival to see the house, so remodeling the exterior can provide an advantage over other sellers. Making home improvements plans during the fall or winter months may help the home sell faster when the spring and summer selling seasons come around. Replacing or updating the roof makes the home look as though it’s in prime move-in condition ---- a big plus in the eyes of potential buyers. Led by baby boomers, today’s homeowners demand more from home products, desiring an integrated appearance for their home, with color and style both inside and out. There are many roofing options available to help consumers make product and color selections that match their tastes and the styles of their homes. “Increasingly, homeowners are driving a trend toward customizing the home with products that will provide both aesthetic appeal and performance”, said Chambers. “Building material manufacturers like Owens Corning have responded to theses growing expectations by providing diverse color ranges, textures, styles and accessories. Now consumers have more options to tailor the color and look of their home and they can explore a variety of products that can add visual interest to the roof.”