Energy efficient roofing pays off for most older homes, mostly through better roof ventilation and air sealing. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor and woman-owned exterior remodeling company with 7,000+ installations completed since 2011, serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
Sealing minor gaps reduces home air leakage by 25% to 30%. Older houses gain the most, since about 89% of United States homes are under-insulated.
What Older-Home Owners Need to Know
- Ventilation first: Proper ventilation moves warm air out through vents and keeps attic insulation in good condition. Request a free estimate to review your attic airflow.
- Age threshold: A roof over 20 years old with recurring issues deserves a professional review. Understanding how long a roof lasts in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Maine helps older-home owners plan replacement timing.
- Air sealing: Sealing minor gaps and holes cuts home air leakage by 25% to 30%. Tighter envelopes also reduce drafts that make older rooms feel cold.
- Insulation gap: About 89% of United States homes are under-insulated, and older houses are worth checking first. Combined insulation and airflow upgrades protect comfort year round.
- Resale return: Asphalt roof replacement returns about 68% at resale, averaging about $35,701 across New England. Metal roofing lasts longer but returns about 50% regionally.
Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Est. New England Average |
Asphalt roof | Strong 68% resale return, wide color range | Shorter lifespan than metal | Budget-minded older homes | About $35,701 |
Metal roof | Long lifespan, can save energy versus asphalt | Higher upfront cost, 50% resale return | Owners staying long term | About $56,282 |
Choosing the Right Approach
Top Recommendation: Asphalt roofing with full GAF ventilation suits most older New England homes, given its 68% resale return. Schedule a free estimate to start.
Best for Longevity: Metal roofing rewards owners who plan to stay for decades. Book your consultation to compare options.
Smart for Comfort: Pairing new shingles with air sealing and insulation upgrades protects year-round comfort. Ask about an attic assessment.
Ready to make an older home more efficient? Start with a roof and attic review. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned, family-run company founded in 2011. Our team brings 7,000+ installations across MA, NH, and ME. We hold GAF Master Elite certification and earned President’s Club honors seven straight years, 2017 to 2023.
Request a free roofing estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete roofing FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Explore the Coastal Windows & Exteriors Roofing Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.
Still have questions about Is Energy Efficient Roofing Worth It for Older Homes? See the areas we serve and talk to your local roofing contractor.
Last Updated: August 2026
Sources:
- Proper ventilation moves warm air out through the vents and keeps attic insulation in good condition. GAF Best Roofing Materials and Colors for Energy Efficiency, GAF’s guidance on ventilation and roof energy performance. (2024)
- A roof over 20 years old with extensive damage or recurring issues should be reviewed by a roofing professional. GAF Residential Roofing FAQs, GAF’s guidance on roof age and replacement. (2025)
- About 89% of homes in the United States are under-insulated. Insulation Institute ICF Report Reveals Eighty-Nine Percent of Homes Are Under-Insulated, industry report on residential insulation levels. (2024)
- Asphalt roof replacement returns about 68% at resale. JLC 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national resale return data for roofing projects. (2026)
- Asphalt roof replacement averages about $35,701 in New England, while metal averages about $56,282 with a 50% return. JLC 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, New England, regional roofing cost and resale figures. (2026)
- Metal roofs can save significant energy compared to asphalt. Oak Ridge National Laboratory Roof Energy Performance Study, laboratory research on roofing thermal performance. (Accessed August 2026)
