The roof is an indispensable part of the home, although most people don’t give it the kind of credit that it deserves. It maintains the integrity of your home and keeps everything that’s inside safe from inclement weather and other outdoor hazards. A properly installed roof should last a long time, assuming you care for it correctly. Caring for your roof involves having regular inspections performed and repairing damage as necessary. However, many people will delay having their roof inspected and repaired. They might assume that the small crack on their roof isn’t too big of a deal, or they’re afraid that the cost will be monumental. These are common concerns to have, but there’s one fundamental flaw in their logic: waiting to have your roof repaired will make it worse and costlier with time. There are plenty of reasons you shouldn’t wait to have your roof repaired, and plenty of benefits to having your roof and inspected and repaired in a timely manner. Let’s take a look at what they are.
A Pest-Free Home
A deteriorating roof will often be riddled with cracks, holes, and other entry points that pesky critters can slip into. A mouse can wiggle its way inside of a dime-sized hole, and it won’t need much of a gap to infiltrate a roof. Animals can make their way inside your home and set up living quarters in the attic and throughout the structure of the building. This can cause a wide variety of problems. These pests can chew through wires, damage your home’s insulation or foundational elements, and leave harmful bacteria behind in the form of droppings. Repairing your roof will get rid of any places that these destructive pests can get into, successfully fending off a devastating infestation.
The Weather Stays Outside
The main reason that homes have roofs is to keep rainy, snowy, or windy weather out. If your roof is covered in cracks and other forms of damage, you might start experiencing these weather conditions inside. Water is an especially huge problem. It can enter your home through these entry points, leading to water damage, mold growth, and electrical fires. To keep the weather outside where it belongs, you’ll want to repair the damage on your roof as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could wake up to a swimming pool or a winter wonderland in your attic.
Repair Is Better Than Replacement
You might not want to go through the hassle of repairing your roof, but you definitely don’t want to go through the hassle of replacing it. If you delay repair, smaller problems with your roof can gradually transform into bigger ones. A small leak can turn into a large leak that compromises your roof’s structural integrity. Broken or loose shingles can fall off, exposing the underlying materials and leaving them vulnerable. You can fix a small problem within a few hours for minimal cost, but a large problem can take several days to fix and will be much more expensive. This is another reason you shouldn’t wait to have your roof repaired. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.
You’ll Have Lower Utility Bills
If you don’t get your roof repaired, you won’t have to pay the inspection and repair fee. Instead, you’ll have to pay the increased utility bills that stem from energy loss. Air can escape from any gaps or holes on your roof, which forces your heating and cooling systems to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This will place them under a great amount of strain, which can lead to maintenance issues. It will also drive up the cost of your next utility bill. If you want to stop paying an exorbitant amount for energy, you’ll need to prevent air from escaping by repairing any damage to your roof.
Property Value Will Increase
If you’re planning on selling your home, you should know that a damaged roof will lower your property’s value. Most people are looking for a home with a beautiful appearance and sound construction—in other words, a move-in-ready home that requires no maintenance. They’re unlikely to purchase a home with a damaged roof. They know they’ll have to deal with it, but they won’t know the extent of the damage or how much repair or replacement will cost. A damaged roof will also give them the impression that you didn’t care for the rest of the home and there could be problems lurking around every corner. To make sure your home gives a perfect first impression, you’ll want to repair any damage, get rid of debris, and clean the roof with a hose filled with a mixture of chlorine bleach and water.
Breathe in Healthier Air
If you want to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy, you must ensure your roof stays damage-free. A damaged roof can negatively affect your home’s air quality. A roof with cracks, holes, and dents will let in water and humidity, which creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms and also cause respiratory problems in people without sensitivities.
A pest infestation can also reduce your home’s air quality. Many pests carry airborne viruses, and their dander and feces can spread harmful bacteria throughout the home. This will create conditions that foster disease, illness, and chronic allergy and asthma symptoms.
Unearth Hidden Damage
Unfortunately, you can’t easily view all damage. Your worn shingles might have underlayment damage hidden beneath them, which can lead to serious moisture problems the next time it storms. If this is the case, you can only unearth the full extent of the damage during the inspection and repair process.
If you’re planning on getting the damage on your roof repaired, you’re probably looking for a reliable residential roofing company like Viking Contractors. Viking Contractor’s skilled and knowledgeable roofing experts will inspect your roof and repair the damage before it can get out of hand. Contact us today for a free inspection and quote!
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