Homeowners are aware that property upkeep is a never-ending task. Most times, it seems like there is always something to fix or update around the house, like a leaking faucet or faulty electrical wiring. That being said, some crucial home improvement chores are less evident than others, like the need for roof replacement. In fact, many homeowners make the mistake of putting it off until the required maintenance of the roof becomes an absolute nightmare.
So, why is replacing your old, shabby roof in a timely manner so important? Our experienced roofers at ImproveIT! of Atlanta, a trusted roofing company in Metro Atlanta, take a closer look at what will happen if you postpone the much-needed replacement of your roof for too long.
When shingles start to deteriorate, the water-resistant barrier created by the roofing system becomes more susceptible to weather elements. As a result, the roof may let in moisture and develop leaks. There is also a small chance that this problem will remain isolated to one section of the roof. Once leaks occur, they will spread throughout the surrounding area and affect other components of the home. Water can rot wood frames and damage other rooms such as the attic.
Any water-related damage is expensive to fix, so make sure to move fast and consider replacement before the roof weakens and completely collapses.
If you leave leaks and other water-related damage untreated for extended periods, the health and safety of the residents will be at risk. When you breathe in mold spores, your immune system overreacts, especially if you have a mold allergy, causing itchy eyes, coughing, asthma attacks, and restricted breathing. Mold can also grow on fabric, drywall, carpeting, and other furnishings.
Mold thrives in damp, humid environments and will eat away at waterlogged insulation and rotting wood. Mold remediation is costly enough, but failing to replace your roofing can also allow pests to take shelter in your home. Moisture attracts insects and rodents, and if there are holes or cracks in your roof, you will be presenting them an easy way in. Like mold, pests pose a health hazard to the occupants. You can protect your family, belongings, and home by contacting the experts about a roof replacement.
An old, down-at-the-heels roof means serious problems. Once water leaks into your home, it often inflicts more damage than what is immediately visible. It can wear and rot the structural beams, compromising the strength and durability of the entire roofing structure. Dry rot and structural damage due to water intrusion can lead to total roof collapse down the line.
Water damage also increases the risk of a residential fire. Many homes rely on electricity that is roof-channeled into the panel box. When electrical connections come into contact with water, they may spark up and ignite a devastating fire, which can destroy your house and jeopardize the well-being of your family in the process. Obviously, you will want to take precautionary measures to avoid this scenario.
Health and safety risks are not the only concerns when it comes to putting off roof replacement. A lot of homeowners defer replacing their roofs due to the substantial costs involved. However, failing to replace your roof in a well-timed fashion can actually end up costing you a lot more money in the long run.
For one, the price of frequent repairs will eventually rack up. It is also likely that you will shell out a lot more each month for your energy consumption. Cracks in the roof that let in water also allow conditioned air to escape, prompting your HVAC system to work overtime in order to maintain the desired temperature inside your home. This results in higher utility bills than necessary. Monitoring your energy usage every month is an excellent way to detect whether something is wrong with your roof. If your windows and doors are all in tip-top shape but your energy bills keep going up, it is high time to assess the condition of your roof. Common issues you may be dealing with are inadequate seals, unprotected penetrations, insufficient insulation, and non-optimized skylights and curbs.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that an outdated, worn-out roof will have a negative impact on the overall value of your home. If your roof is in dire need of replacement, not only will it perform unsatisfactorily, but it will also look unkempt and unappealing.
Whether you have had your property on the market for a while or you are planning to put it up for sale in a couple of years, it is a smart move to have your roof regularly inspected by a qualified roofing company. This will help you see if your roof is holding you back from acquiring a good offer. While replacing the roof is not a necessity when selling a home, a house that has a dilapidated roof often fails to sell for a fair price. Plus, most residential buyers do not want to take on an expensive renovation right after purchasing a home.
On the other hand, replacing your roof will significantly increase the resale value of your home as well as improve its architectural structure and curb appeal. According to a study done by Michigan State University, a home with well-designed landscaping and pleasing exterior features, such as the fencing, driveway, and walkway, can increase perceived home value by 5 to 11%. In most cases, roof replacement is a valuable renovation that you will want to invest in before listing your home.
A roof can reach the end of its useful life without experiencing serious failure. Watch out for these warning signs that your home may need roof replacement soon.
You can count on ImproveIT! of Atlanta for top-rated residential roofing solutions. Our certified roofers replace outdated roofs, repair wind- or hail-damaged roofs, inspect storm-damaged roofs, assist with insurance claims, and more. We are committed to delivering high-quality workmanship and outstanding customer service to ensure the comfort, safety, and satisfaction of our customers. To set up an appointment or request free, no-obligation estimate, call us at (770) 612-5635. You may also fill out our contact form. We serve in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Springs, GA.
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