Few parts of your home absorb the violence of nature like your roof does. Wind, rain, snow, hail, and lightning batter roofs in a manner that other parts rarely encounter. Over the months and years, even the hardiest materials and solid construction of a roof can begin to give way to the constant abuse of extreme temperatures and weather. Of course, leaks remind homeowners that a roof is not immortal and requires attention from time to time, including full roofing replacement after 15-20 years. But procrastination can prove destructive, and delaying your roofing replacement will lead to bigger costs, headaches, and more down the line.
Time Marches Forward
Sometimes, it just makes sense to patch a leak rather than perform a more extensive restoration of a roof. It is cheaper, after all, and if the remainder of the roof looks to be in good shape, then why spend additional money? After a while, though, the logic of this argument stops making sense because the shingles that you leave in place start to show their age in the forms of corrosion and decay. That isolated leak that received a patch-up is followed by new leaks. Continuous mending is eventually less reasonable financially.
Older roofing is also more prone to devastation by intense storms, e.g. hurricanes, blizzards, high wind gusts and heat waves. Intense heat, for example, causes joists—components that span open spaces—and rafters that support the shingles to expand. The sheet metal, or flashing, that covers the edges also expands under high heat. Meanwhile, cracks, perforations and fissures form as roofing materials age. This means water and unwanted moisture infiltrate the structure and can inflict rot and other damage to the structure. Paying close attention to the age and condition of a roof helps to ward off the disastrous consequences.
Spending Now to Save Later
Beyond water damage and destabilization to the roof construction, leaving an aging roof in place invites the presence of mold, pests, and insects. Removal of such unwelcome presence can become pricey depending on the extent of the spread or infestation. These organisms cause damage and often pose a health risk for the inhabitants of the home. In the end, the owners must pay for remediation and roof replacement. Although the roofing estimate by itself may have felt like a bite, paying for the deterioration that results from postponing roofing replacement hurts much more.
Insurance and Liability
Another financial consideration is in the areas of insurance and liability. If the roof warranty has lapsed, an owner may appeal to the insurance provider to help with a roofing repair. However, an insurance company might deny any claim if the roof is so old that the provider assumes a lack of responsible stewardship. By the same token, any accident in the house that is connected to a deteriorating roof may lead an insurer to deny liability coverage if the roof is too old. Contacting a roofing contractor for an inspection is a sound first step to preventing these nightmare scenarios.
Don’t wait, find out how you can get a new roof on your home within weeks! Get in touch with our team today for a free evaluation and no obligation quote!
