Your roof is one of the most important components of the overall structure of your home. A residential roof shields your home from the outdoor elements. It also plays a vital role in ventilation and temperature regulation. Because the roof is a building’s first line of defense against weather conditions, it can also suffer extensive damage during storms. While it may be tempting to postpone roof repairs following inclement weather, ignoring issues can have negative repercussions.
Water Damage
Storms can produce water or moisture damage to the exterior as well as the underlying structure of your roof. The wind and rain from storms can result in small tears or cracked shingles that can result in roof leaks. Even if your roof springs a small leak at first, the leak can gradually widen and spread over time. Excessive exposure to moisture from leaks can lead to unsightly water stains or damp spots on your interior ceiling. In addition, trapped water can rot wooden rafters, beams, and other support structures. Water damage can also cause sagging or depressions visible on the outdoor portion of your roof.
Decreased Home Value
Ignoring roof damage can decrease the property value of your home. According to the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, uncorrected roof problems can lead to depreciation ranging from 6.0% to 15% of a house’s total value. Deterioration may cause appraisers to lower the resale value of a home. In the worst cases, extreme damage can cause authorities to deem a house condemned.
Increased Energy Bills
Roof damage can lead to deterioration of your home’s insulation. This can cause heating and cooling equipment to work harder to maintain consistent indoor temperatures. The constant pull of electricity from the power grid can then lead to higher utility bills. It can also reduce the efficiency and life expectancy of the home’s HVAC system. Ignoring damage can allow much of your heated or conditioned air to escape through gaps in the roof, and any holes or weak spots in the roof can allow unpleasant drafts to enter the home. Experts recommend repairing roofs as quickly as possible to avoid excessive power consumption during the summer or winter.
Pest Infestations
A compromised roof is often the ideal entry point for unwanted pests like birds, rodents, or insects. These pests may begin nesting in old insulation, and some rodents are also notorious for chewing through wiring or wall structures within the attic. Given how quickly pests reproduce, infestations are often impossible to eradicate without professional extermination. Some pests can also carry allergens, germs, or viruses that compromise the health of home occupants.
Structural Deterioration
Roof damage can gradually wear down parts of your roof, ranging from sheetrock to buttresses and support structures. The roof is a complex system essential for the stability of your home. When this structural integrity falls apart, it could lead to a curved or buckling roof. Falling debris from structural issues constitutes a safety hazard, and a crumbling roof can eventually necessitate a full renovation or roof replacement. The cost of minor repairs is much lower than a renovation or replacement will be.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Weak areas of the roof can encourage rotting and create the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, algae, or moss growth. Airborne mold spores can reduce indoor air quality and cause health problems for home occupants. This can include symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, fatigue, inflammation, sore throat, asthma attacks, and much more.
Some species, like black mold, can also eat away at your home’s structure and require excavation to make the household habitable again. Biological contaminants like moss or mildew can cause shingle discoloration and granule loss. Not only does biological growth diminish your home’s curb appeal, but it can result in the need for expensive shingle replacement. Correcting issues early can lower the risk of unsightly ecological growth.
Increased Risk of Fire
Roof damage can create gaps or depressions that allow the accumulation of dry leaves, twigs, dead branches, loose shingles, and other debris. These materials can lead to the spread of fire during hot or dry seasons. Even during wet seasons, leaks from damaged roofs can create sparks or short circuits if water contacts wiring. This can easily increase the risk of an electrical fire.
Legal or Insurance Implications
Ignoring roof damage can have serious legal or insurance implications in the event of an emergency or disaster. Most home insurance policies require proof or regular roof maintenance to avoid nullification. If the insurance company determines that you have failed to maintain your roof, the insurer can cite neglect and deny any compensation claims. In addition, if a damaged roof leads to accidents or injury, the legal system may find the homeowner liable for the unfortunate incident. By scheduling professional roof repair, you can obtain the necessary documentation to protect yourself from legal troubles and reinforce rightful insurance claims.
Increased Future Repair Costs
Although ignoring roof damage may seem to save you some money in the short run, neglecting your roof can increase future repair costs. For example, a minor crack can eventually spread into a major fissure due to anything from outdoor weather exposure to foundational shifts. Instead of taking the chance and potentially increasing your financial burden, addressing the problem early on can help prevent unplanned changes to your budget.
Reduction in Overall Roof Lifespan
Like any other structure, all roofing systems have an estimated lifespan. According to Architectural Digest, the average roof lifespan ranges from 25 to 50 years depending on the quality, durability, and type of roofing material used during construction. The most durable roofing materials, like slate, can even last up to 100 years. However, neglected roofing can show visible signs of wear and tear within a decade. Damaged roofs can experience shorter life expectancy due to everything from expansion and contraction of roofing materials to ice dams within weak spots. By repairing any damage quickly, you can help ensure that the roof lives up to its full potential. It’s also ideal to ensure that a reputable professional takes care of the initial installation.
Contact Us Today
Roof damage can have a detrimental impact on the quality of your home. If you notice there are issues with your roof, there is no need to panic. Our experts here at Transformation Roofing & Home Services provide roofing services for homes in Marietta, GA and surrounding areas. We offer inspections and assessments after major weather events including heavy rainstorms, hurricanes, or hailstorms. Our roofers can calculate labor and material costs and help you determine how to restore all roofing types, from shingles to tile. We provide valuable information necessary for insurance claims and can help get your home investment back in great shape. In addition to storm damage issues, we also offer roof upgrades or replacement as well as gutter services. Our team even provides 24/7 emergency assistance for problems that simply cannot wait. Contact Transformation Roofing & Home Services today for all roofing needs.
