3 Things That Can Happen If You Delay Roof Replacement

When you own a home, the maintenance can seem unending.  There are so many things which could go wrong. Some are little and easy, like replacing a burnt-out fuse, or  replacing your air conditioning filters. But there are some issues which we dread, because not only are they serious, they can be costly as well.

Roof replacement is one of those items which is tempting to delay. But if you see any signs of a roof leak, it is imperative that you call a professional roofing contractor to determine if your roof needs repair, or replacement. Here is why.

3 Important Reasons for Roof Replacement

1. If your tiles are cracked, curled, or missing, water can get underneath the roofing material. This can cause result in a number of issues. You can further damage the remaining tiles, loosen their adhesive, or cause debris to gather under your tiles or shingles. All of these problems may result in even more tiles being lost. When heavy rains return, water will always follow the path of least resistance, virtually guaranteeing it will find its way beneath the roof’s surface. Water can be seeping in slowly and you may not notice – until it has caused damage throughout your home.
2. When water makes it’s way into your attic, you may be unaware of the havoc being caused above your head until it is too late. Water leaking into your attic can cause a number of issues, even if it never reaches your home’s interior. Over time, wood that is damp can rot or warp, causing structural issues with your roof which are far more difficult to fix than a roof leak.

   Given Florida heat, damp framing is also prone to mold, which is unhealthy for your family. Finally, your insulation can soak up water running in through a roof leak, resulting not only in a soggy (moldy) mess, but decreasing your home’s ability to properly insulate your home – wasting energy and sending cooling bills skyward.

3. If the water makes it into the home, the problems continue to compound. Water leaking through walls can cause wet drywall which is prone to mold and decay. Water in the walls can also cause electrical issues if it runs across any wiring, and if the water finally breaks through, you may have damage to your personal property as well.

   Therefore, delaying your roof replacement can actually cost you far more money than just doing the job. It is far easier to fix the roof when needed, then to wait and have to also replace portions of framing, drywall, and personal property. While this all sounds dire, it is actually easy to avoid. Experts recommend that you have your roof professionally inspected annually, so that any small problems can be identified and fixed. If your roof is in the beginning of its life cycle, this should be sufficient to ensure that all is well.

   Here in South Florida, it is always prudent to check an older roof after any major storm. You do not need to get up and walk around on the roof – simply glance at it from different angles to ensure there is no patch of damage, or that no debris has managed to puncture through the roof surface.

   If you have access to your attic, inspect those areas after rainstorms as well, to make sure that there is no damp areas or evident moisture on wood or insulation.Remember, water travels easily throughout any breach – so don’t give it the chance to cause damage to your home. If you suspect any issue, be on the safe side and call in an expert in roof replacement – Kingdom Roofing of Venice.