No matter how high the quality of your roofing system, it will eventually break down, compromising its integrity and weather protection. Once you reach that point in the roof’s lifespan, it will fall upon you to decide on whether to have it repaired or replaced. Choosing between the two can be quite difficult, but it should be based on the extent and severity of roof damage, the urgency of the solution, the age of the roof, and the budget you are willing to allocate for the project.
A roof replacement proves to be the most practical and cost-efficient option, especially if the damage is already too severe and extensive to be corrected by simple repairs. It can take a bit longer than a roof repair, but it is worth the investment after your previous roof served its function past its average lifespan. As long as you have the budget for it, this home improvement project will be a more sensible option than trying to mend issues through temporary fixes.
Unfortunately, not all homeowners are keen to take on this endeavor due to the lack of money, time, effort, or belief that they save more money the longer they put it off. Delaying much-needed roof replacement can have damaging effects that not many people think are serious enough.
Water Damage
Neglecting an old roof that needs an immediate replacement exposes itself more to water damage. Some sections of the roof surface allow water intrusion into the inner layers and your home’s interior. Apart from rot on the roof’s wooden components, leaks may appear during a heavy downpour. Moisture is detrimental to the stability of both your roof and your home, so if you see some water stains on your ceiling, you should move fast to get it replaced.
Health Problems
An old, leaky roof has holes and gaps that provide easy access for water to moisten your wooden components, resulting in mold and mildew growth. We all know the significant health problems these organisms pose to everyone in your home, including ones that affect the respiratory system. Rodents and other small critters are also a threat to your home, especially when they see these openings. In no time, your attic can become their breeding ground. They even have the potential to spread diseases if not dealt with. Before mold remediation and pest eradication can cost you, get in touch with your local roofers as soon as possible.
Structural Damage
The longer your old roof gets exposed to moisture, the more likely it is to suffer structural damage. The elements can wear away on your home’s structural beams, resulting in rot. If not addressed immediately, it could lead to a potential roof collapse, which can compromise the integrity of your home’s structure. You want to avoid this possibility as this could endanger the lives of your loved ones, especially during inclement weather.
The Decrease in Your Home’s Overall Value
Imagine an old-looking roof sticking out like a sore thumb among the other houses in your neighborhood. If you are looking to sell your property in the future, expect potential buyers to look the other way. After all, they don’t want to undertake a renovation right after making the purchase. By tackling roof replacement, you boost your home’s curb appeal as well as its resale value. Even if you’re just looking to increase the equity of your property and either uses it to make further repairs or upgrades or increase your net worth, this home improvement project is a prudent choice.
Potential for Fire Accidents
Delaying roof replacement puts the entire structure at risk of catching fire. Apart from the myriad of issues mentioned above, water entering your home could find its way to places where it shouldn’t be. The attic may have insulationn, but underneath it is electrical wiring responsible for providing power to light fixtures. Also, many homes rely on electricity that comes from the side of the house or roof-channeled into the electrical panel. Fires can spark due to water coming into contact with any of these electrical connections, putting you and your family in danger. Not only that but you may risk losing all your valuables.
Lost Warranty and Insurance Coverage
As your roof nears the end of its lifespan, the manufacturer’s warranty will expire on most products, including the asphalt shingles. If a roof is deemed in need of a replacement and you failed to take responsibility for it, your homeowner’s insurance company may not cover it in the same way as a new roof. Moreover, your warranty may be rendered void.
Loss of Peace of Mind
It can be stressful knowing that you and your family are living in a house with a roof that is on its last legs. You’ll be even more worried every time it rains or gets windy. When it gets to the point where you can’t be complacent and not even think about the state of your roofing system, that’s when you probably start planning a roof replacement.
Keeping Up With Roof Maintenance
Regular and proper maintenance is important because it maximizes your roof’s service life. By scheduling routine inspections, you can detect problems and potential sources of damage early on. Taking on a proactive approach to your roof allows you to get ahead of issues before they can begin wreaking havoc on your investment.
If your roof is already over 10 years old, you should have it inspected every year. Only newer ones can benefit from roof maintenance in intervals of three to five years. Of course, make sure you work with one of the best roofing companies in the industry. At Next Level Roofs, we carry out roof inspections and maintenance for your peace of mind. We can assess whether your roof only requires simple repairs or needs to be replaced.
As your go-to roofer in the local area, we have years of experience and expertise to help you with your roofing needs. We are a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, are on Angie’s List, and the BBB with reviews reflecting our style and how we work with people all over our service areas. Get in touch with our team at (407) 237-7960 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.
