If you’ve had the sneaking suspicion that your roof needs replacing, or if you’ve been told by a professional that your roof needs to be replaced, you might be tempted to put off the work.
After all, a whole new roof is an expensive undertaking and can be disruptive to your days. Sometimes it does not feel like it’s a good time to have an extensive home repair project underway because of guests, work projects, children’s schooling considerations, and other factors.
But leaving a needed roof repair unattended can cause a lot more trouble than it is worth. The following will explore a few things that can happen if you ignore the need to put a new roof on your home.
Further Damage
The main reason you shouldn’t ignore a roof in desperate need of replacement is that a roof that’s structure is compromised is likely going to get worse and worse as time progresses.
Patching and repairs can offer short-term solutions, but MasterRoof roofing contractors point out that if your roof is past its expiry date or new problems are arising on the regular, there’s a good chance a quick fix is not going to be worth the money you spend on it because at some point you are going to need to replace the whole thing anyway.
If you are unsure whether your roof is in need of a replacement or repair, you can reach out to a local roofing specialist.
Expensive Utility Bills
One of the unsung wonders of a high-functioning roof is the insulation provided. Certain kinds of roof damage can result in heated or cooled air escaping your home, resulting in heating or air conditioning systems having to work over time, sending your utility bills skyrocketing.
The sooner you address roof problems, the sooner your utility bills can get under control.
Water Damage
In addition to air being able to escape through damage in the roof, moisture is often able to get into your home. Water can cause serious damage to your home’s structure and possessions.
Beyond this, mold and mildew can grow quickly in damp environments and can cause serious health problems for you and the members of your household.
If you notice any unexplained respiratory problems, brain fog, fatigue, congestion, or runny noses, mold might be to blame.
Mold is highly toxic and should never be ignored. Use towels and a dehumidifier to dry out any damp areas as soon as you notice them but be aware that cleaning up the moisture isn’t a replacement for dealing with the roof.
Frozen Pipes
If you live somewhere cold and your roof is in serious disrepair, the cold air entering your home might freeze your pipes overnight, causing a burst pipe when you try to use them.
This is an incredibly messy plumbing problem to have to deal with. It makes all the daily activities that involve water come to a crashing halt and costs you a visit with the plumber.
Decreased Home Value
As your home spends time exposed to the elements, things are going to be worn out faster, and this can result in a decreased home value.
Beyond this, your roof is a major component of a home’s overall value. If a property is in need of a roof replacement, the value often decreases and this can influence financial decisions for you and your family and can also make selling more difficult if you are thinking about doing that in the near future.
Moreover, roof damage does not look nice; it severely impacts curb appeal and also reduces people’s first impression of the home, leaving many to assume the entire property has not been well kept.
Structural Issues
If repairs to a home are needed but ignored, there’s a greater risk of structural issues taking place. Roof beams and attic flooring might start to rot; leaks might trickle on down into the foundation and wreak havoc there.
Rafters, roof decking, ceiling joists, and attic floor beams are all at risk if your roof isn’t taken care of. The ensuing repairs needed should damage occur to the structure of your home can be quite costly.
The above problems should all have indicated that leaving a roof alone when it needs to be replaced can cost you a hefty price.
Your health, home’s value, comfort, financial standing, property, and wellbeing could all be at stake. If you know that your roof needs replacement, it’s in your best interest to get that process started as soon as possible.