Homeowners often neglect the upkeep of their roof because there are many other home improvements that take precedence over it. But roofs are among the biggest assets that homeowners invest in, so it makes sense to treat it like a major purchase.

Roofs don’t need daily maintenance, but they do require some periodic inspection and repair work. Regularly checking your roof is crucial to ensure that it lasts longer and doesn’t develop problems.

Inspecting your roof regularly is also important because it allows you to identify potential problems early on. If you notice anything out of place, such as loose shingles, damaged flashing, missing tiles, or cracked gutters, it could indicate serious damage that requires immediate action. If your roof is older and needs replacing, neglecting it could mean trouble for both your wallet and your home.

Here are 6 things that can go wrong if you don’t replace your roof.

Water Damage

Roof leaks can cause serious damage to your property, especially if there are areas where water flows into your home. These areas are called “roof weep holes,” and they allow water to enter your house. Once inside, the water can do irreparable harm to your home’s structure.
The good news is that it doesn’t take much to fix a leaky roof. You just need to find it quickly. There are several signs that indicate you’ve got a problem. Look out for:

  • Leaking gutters
  • Dripping downspouts
  • Wet spots on ceilings
  • Soggy carpet
  • Moist walls
  • Health Risk

Along the same lines, an older and leaky roof can let unwanted things into your home, including pests like mice, rats, bats, and birds. These pests can carry diseases such as salmonella, listeria, West Nile virus, and others. They can also bring dangerous chemicals into your house, including asbestos, lead, radon gas, and even arsenic. This could mean having to spend money on pest control, cleaning supplies, and potentially hiring a professional exterminator. Mold and mildew can also cause serious health issues. If you’re dealing with either mold or mildew, it’s important to call a professional immediately.

Structural Damage and Collapse

An old roof that isn’t doing its job could mean serious problems in other ways. If water finds ways to leak into your home, it could be doing more damage than immediately visible. It may wear and rot away at structural beams in your home – which could potentially lead to a roof collapse and even compromise the integrity of your home’s structure.

Decreased Home Value

A recent report showed that the average cost of a single-family home in the United States dropped by $11,000 over the course of 2018. This drop in the value of properties across the nation could be attributed to several factors, including rising mortgage rates and high levels of unemployment. However, there is one factor that has been overlooked in most of the reports about the decreasing values of homes: poor roofs.

While many homeowners do not realize it, their roofs are failing because of age and wear. If you’re thinking about putting your home up for sale soon, consider repairing the damage now.

Increased Utility Bills

A leak in your roof is harmful not only because of what gets in – it’s also important to repair it as soon as possible because of what gets out. The heated & cooled air from your home will escape through gaps in the roof. This is especially noticeable when the furnace is running because hot air rises and exits, creating drafts.

Regardless of the season, leaks in roofing cause your HVAC system to cycle more frequently, which drives up utility bills and increases the wear & tear on your air conditioner or furnace.

Higher Replacement and Installation Costs

A roof replacement is one of those things that many homeowners dread because they know how much work it entails. But delaying it could actually cost you more money and headaches later on. A few simple mistakes might mean you end up paying more for your roof repair and installation project.

One common mistake people make is waiting too long to replace their roofs. Roofers say that most roofs are good for 10 to 15 years. If you don’t want to deal with replacing your roof sooner rather than later, you’ll have to pay more for it over the next several years.

Need a Roof Inspection?

The first step in getting your roof replaced is getting an inspection & an estimate. When you partner with Tristate Roofing & Remodeling, we will walk you through the process of choosing the right roof for your home. Contact us today to get started!