Replacing a roof can be a big investment, and you may be tempted to put it off for a while. Maybe you think it can’t be that bad (it is), that you have plenty of time before it gets worse (you don’t), or that you at least won’t see any new problems (you will).
No matter what excuse you tell yourself, nothing good will come from waiting too long to replace your roof. Here are some important reasons not to put off roof replacement…
How to Tell That You Need to Replace Your Roof
First, it’s important to be able to recognize that you even need to replace your roof in the first place. Some common signs of an old roof that has overstayed its welcome are:
- Your shingles are damaged (curling or cracked) or even missing
- Your roof is over 20 years old
- You have a leak (or leaks)
- You have organic growth like algae or moss from water damage
Once your roofing contractor concludes that you need a new roof because of one of these common issues, don’t delay. Here are 5 reasons why:
5 Reasons Not to Put Off Replacing Your Roof
It’s Bad for Your Attic and Ceiling
If you have a roof leak, the attic and ceiling will evidently bear most of the damage. Unwanted moisture that gets in through your roof can damage your attic and any belongings kept there. Your paint could bubble or your ceiling lights and fans could be damaged. Mold and mildew can also thrive in damp conditions. A damaged roof provides no protection to your home from the outside world, so you need to replace it quickly.
It’s a Potential Fire Hazard
You might think we’re being dramatic here, but it’s true — a leaky roof can actually cause a house fire. If water gets in through your compromised roof and comes in contact with electrical appliances in your home, you could be in for a disaster. Electrical wires can short out lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, & smoke detectors and start a significant combustion.
It Puts Your Family’s Health at Risk
Like we mentioned earlier, water damage in your home from a leaky roof can encourage mold and mildew growth, which is very bad for your family’s health and well-being. Mold thrives on dampness from water damage and will spread all across your home if you let it. If anyone in your family has respiratory problems, this will be especially harmful to them.
There are other ways that a damaged roof can harm your family’s health. Squirrels, rats, and other rodents can get into your house through a compromised roof and leave their droppings all over your house. Racoons and bats are common problems as well.
It Harms Your Home’s Structural Integrity
If you think replacing a roof will be expensive, try replacing a roof, your foundation, your walls… it’s not a pretty picture, but that’s what can happen if you don’t replace a damaged roof soon enough. Water damage from a leaky roof can infiltrate your walls, rafters, ceiling joints, foundation, and more to compromise your home’s structural integrity. Wood rot and mold growth will make your home’s wooden components to bow and buckle. When this happens, you know you’ve waited almost too long to replace your roof. A buckled roof can lead to a collapsed ceiling, which can be catastrophic.
It Lowers Your Home’s Value
If you ever plan to sell your home, the longer you put off replacing your roof, the lower your resale value will be. Procrastinating on roof repairs can lead to all the problems we just mentioned — mold growth, bubbled paint, water damage, a damaged foundation… the list goes on and on. Buyers aren’t going to be willing to pay top dollar for a house with these problems, so it’s in your best interest to take care of the problem now.
Replacing your roof can seem so overwhelming, expensive, or bothersome that you want to see how long you can go without having to do that. But this won’t save you any money, time, or hassle overall. In fact, it’ll probably just make things worse.
So if you think you need a new roof, call us today for a free consultation. We prioritize constant communication and have experienced project managers & crews to ensure a painless, 5-star experience.
