Your roof doesn’t talk, but it always tries to say something when there’s a problem. Any issue regardless of magnitude merits immediate attention, which is why it pays to be proactive when it comes to inspections and maintenance. If the roof is showing signs of severe or extensive damage, a timely replacement project would be necessary. The longer you wait, however, the more devastating the consequences can be.
In this blog, emergency roof repair contractor LePage and Sons Roofing LLC shares the top reasons why you shouldn’t delay roof replacement. We’ll also discuss the importance of routine roof inspections.
Further Leaks and Water Damage
Roof shingles start to degrade as they near the end of their lifespan, though they can display signs of disrepair earlier on due to the lack of maintenance. Regardless of the circumstances, the process of aging exposes the roof further to the elements. Eventually, it will start to leak during a sudden downpour, with the chances of it occurring in more than just one area. The presence of water can rot the roof’s wooden components, including its structural members. Not only that, but your interiors could also see some damage. Consider replacing your roof before this damage worsens; otherwise, you may also be spending more on mold remediation.
Presence of Mold and Pests
If you allow leaks and water damage to go unaddressed, expect mold to spread in your attic and your living spaces. You could also be putting your family’s health at risk of health problems, especially those that affect the respiratory system. Apart from the expense that comes with mold remediation, letting roof damage linger for a long time also encourages pest activity. Roof openings and damp environments attract rodents and insects. Like mold, these small critters can pose a health hazard for everyone in your home. They can even damage your home’s interior components, including HVAC ducts and electrical wiring, as they turn your home into their breeding grounds.
Extensive Structural Damage
A severely-damaged roof waiting to be replaced can also pose various safety risks. The longer the delay, the more likely your home may suffer issues that compromise its structural integrity. In worst-case scenarios, the roof may cave-in eventually and collapse. Also, water finding its way into electrical systems increases the risk of a house fire. Any of these possibilities can jeopardize your family’s safety, so it is in your best interest to avoid these at any cost through a roof replacement.
Costly Repairs and Other Expenses
Unfortunately, not all homeowners are keen to replace their roofs even when there’s evidence of extensive damage. One of the main reasons they put off this important home improvement project is due to the costs involved. What they don’t realize is that failing to replace an old, dilapidated roof can end up costing more money in the long run. For one, frequent repairs on recurring leaks and other problems are more expensive than the actual replacement itself. Also, the same leaks that let moisture in will let conditioned air escape. Not only does it hasten the wear and tear of the HVAC system but also contributes to the uptick in energy bills.
Decreased Property Value
An old roof can affect the overall value of your residential property. If you are looking to put it up for sale in the future, it is always a good idea to have it inspected by a reliable roofer every year. to check if it is still in good condition. While it is not always necessary, tackling a roof replacement project before selling would be a sensible action to take. This way, you increase your chances of fielding a good offer from a prospective buyer.
The Importance of Routine Roof Inspections
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure your roof gets the TLC it deserves. Thus, roof inspections and maintenance must be taken seriously. Here’s why:
- Maximizing Your Roof’s Lifespan – Being proactive when it comes to roof maintenance helps ensure your investment lasts until the end of its expected service life. In fact, doing so helps extend the life of your roof further. By detecting problems and potential sources of damage early on, you are preventing issues from ever occurring.
- Keeping Warranties Intact – Your roofing system’s warranty may be rendered void if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding maintenance. Premature damage resulting from the lack of upkeep may prevent you from using your warranty to cover needed fixes.
- Ensure Curb Appeal – An unkempt roof can stick out like a sore thumb in your neighborhood. If you care how your home looks from the curb, be sure you prioritize roof maintenance.
A routine roof inspection is usually scheduled at least twice a year, one in the spring and another in the fall. This is to make sure that any damage caused by weather conditions prevalent in both summer and winter is addressed. Should hailstorms, strong winds, and other extreme weather occurrences ravage your area, a roof inspection must be performed as soon as the weather clears.
If your roof is 10 years or older, you should schedule inspections and maintenance every year. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear on your shingles and other roofing components. Do this by performing regular checks from the ground using a pair of binoculars. Keep your gutters well-maintained as well. Consider installing a gutter protection system so you won’t have to deal with clogs caused by dead leaves and other debris.
More importantly, work with a reputable roofing contractor that can perform thorough inspections and maintenance. They can assess and determine whether your damaged roof can be remedied through simple repairs or a complete replacement. If they recommend the latter, they’ll surely advise you to do so sooner rather than later. As already explained above, delaying roof replacement can have damaging effects.
LePage Sons and Roofing LLC is a full-service residential roofing company that delivers high-quality craftsmanship and personable service. Our team knows that your roof functions as an integrated system, so we go beyond the basics with our innovative roofing materials and continuing education to provide extended warranties and top-notch expertise.
We are also a solar roofing contractor, which means we provide solar solutions that integrate seamlessly into your roof. Learn more by calling (508) 295-6483 or filling out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation.