Roofing experts recommend that you get your roof checked during the spring and fall.
This is essential because it’s actually the surest way to find out if there’s any kind of roof damage.
Roof repairs can be quite a hassle, we get it. It’s one of the various home improvement projects you can’t do on your own. You have to hire a local roofing expert and spend big on repairs you’d rather put off.
While your roof may be the last thing you think about when it comes to home improvement, you need to bear in mind that your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. It keeps your family and home safe and dry. As such, it’s important to move your roof up your priority list.
If you’ve been delaying roof repairs or you have honestly forgotten about roof maintenance, here 10 reasons why you should never wait on roof repairs.
1. Bad Weather Can Make Roof Damage Worse
You never know when the harsh weather is going to strike, and you can’t control it. If you have urgent roof repairs, you should never take chances because a bad storm may beat you to it.
Devastating storms can happen at any time. Ice and snow can put untold pressure on your roof and, of course, create lots of moisture. This can mean serious problems for a roof needing repairs.
Moisture can even compromise your home’s interior and its overall structure. It can cause leaks, wet ceilings, siding damage, and plenty more.
2. Minor Problems Will Become Costly Later on
The longer you put off roof repairs, the more serious the damage could become.
Small leaks can turn into larger ones and begin to compromise your roof’s structural integrity. This can rot your underlayments and even joists. Broken or loose shingles may fall off completely and expose the underlying materials.
So, never wait on roof damage repairs. Small problems that might have been sorted within a few hours turn into projects that take days. It’s worthwhile to do the repairs as soon as possible instead of putting them off.
3. Timely Roof Repairs Save Money
Noticing and fixing a damaged roof immediately can save you lots of money in the long-term. A minor repair can easily turn into a major and costly repair if it’s not addressed. When it comes to roof or siding repair, timing is everything.
Unaddressed roof damages can also land you in the bad books of your insurance provider. If your house suffers a storm damage, your insurer might very well claim that you could have prevented the damage if you had done the necessary roof repairs on time. This can not only cause a denial of your insurance claim, but it can also drive up your insurance costs.
4. Roof Repair can Turn into Roof Replacement
If you put off roof repairs for too long, you may end up needing to replace your entire roof. Replacing a roof costs so much more than repairing it.
5. Your Home is Susceptible to Mold Growth
Nonstop moisture from a damaged roof will allow mildew and mold to flourish. This not only damages your home but can also adversely affect your health, especially if you have allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma.
Moreover, getting rid of mold is costly and can require you to leave your house during the mold removal process.
6. Mold Decreases Air Quality
Roof damage in your home will let in water and humidity, causing mold growth in sneaky areas like ceilings and exterior walls. Mold reduces the air quality in your home.
If you allow it to grow, it shouldn’t come as a shock if you see some of your family members come down with allergy and cold-like symptoms. Mold is a particularly difficult problem to solve and may cost much more than just fixing a hole in your roof.
7. Well-timed Repairs Can Protect Your Home’s Value
If you’re hoping to sell your house in the near future, you should seriously consider working on that roof. Your roof’s condition is one of the first things potential homebuyers will ask about. And since it’s a noticeable feature, you can’t really hide the truth.
Potential buyers can tell whether you’ve maintained or neglected your roof just by looking at it. A roof that’ll not require much maintenance post-sale can even let you increase your asking price.
8. The Real Damage Could be Hidden
Another reason to not postpone roof repairs is that you might not see the full extent of damage just by looking at your roof. Signs of damaged or worn shingles might mask underlayment damage that’ll cause serious moisture issues the next time a storm strikes.
If you notice a problem, it’s best to have a professional roof inspection immediately to find out how serious the problem is.
9. You May Get a Pest Infestation
Pests don’t need an awful lot of space to enter your home. In fact, mice can get in through a hole the size of a dime or even pencil eraser. If there larger gaps in your roof, you may even hear squirrels rolling about in your attic.
The sooner you have your roof fixed, the better protected your family will be from pests.
10. Higher Energy Costs
Last but not least, failure to fix your roof issues will decrease the overall energy efficiency of your home. Holes and gaps in your roof will weaken its natural insulation and hinder its ventilating properties. Therefore, your home will become too cold in the winter and too hot and wet during the summer.
The Bottom Line
While having your roof fixed isn’t always the most exciting home improvement task, it’s an essential one. Roof damage can cause a ton of structural issues that will prove very costly in the long run.
Get on top of major roof problems and contact your local roofer as soon as you notice a problem–your roof and wallet will thank you!
Need urgent roof repairs? Talk to one of our experts. Contact us today to request your free inspection.
