It’s no secret that the cost of living keeps rising and isn’t keeping up with most peoples’ paychecks. If you have been thinking about replacing the roof on your home, you may consider delaying the project for another year or more. That delay can actually be more costly than getting the job done this year.
There are several important considerations to consider when making the decision to put off a roof replacement.
#1 Water May Be Leaking into Your Home and Causing Damage
When was the last time you were in your attic? Many homeowners have to crawl through an opening in a closet to access their attics. Some homeowners have finished attic spaces where the cavity between the roof and the drywall, or other wall material, is hidden from view.
Water leaking from the roof isn’t usually detectable until major and costly damage has occurred. Water damage may present as a stain forming on a first or second floor ceiling. At that point, in addition to the roof needing to be replaced you will also have to replace the ceiling materials and repaint the room where the damage appeared.
Water can also infiltrate your attic insulation, rendering it useless and requiring costly attic insulation removal and replacement. Prolonged water exposure can cause the wood in your home to lose its structural integrity, causing warping and sagging of important structural components.
Leaks can also present as mold or mildew in corners, on ceilings and in other areas. Mold can form within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure.1 If you check your homeowners insurance policy you will most likely find that water damage due to roof neglect is not covered by your insurance company.2
#2 Your Home May Not Be Safe
Mold caused by water damage that is seen, or unseen, can cause health issues. Mold spores begin to grow (colonize) in 3 to 12 days and become visible in about 18-21 days depending on the type of surfaces and household materials in the affected areas, the level of moisture, the temperature and other factors.3
While you might not be able to see the mold, harmful microorganisms can be spreading and damaging the structural integrity of the materials they are attaching themselves to and filling the air with thousands of spores.4
Inhaling or touching mold spores can cause runny nose and congestion, eye irritation, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, skin rash, headache, lung irritation and wheezing.5 Mold remediation services can be costly, especially when added to the cost of your roof replacement.
In addition to structural issues and mold exposure, water leaking within wall cavities of your home can also cause a fire when water comes into contact with electrical wires. Even if water doesn’t cause a fire, it can cause electrical shorts which require diagnosis and remediation by a licensed electrician, which can be costly.
As your roof begins to age, it is prudent to have it inspected by a qualified roofing contractor who can identify and fix areas of concern. Preventing issues before your roof fails is a good investment which can actually save money on costly repairs.
Premier Roofing Contractors throughout Romulus
Excel Home Improvement is a full-service home improvement services company that prides itself on having the highest workmanship standards and products in the industry. Our residential services include roof installation and repair, siding installation, gutters, soffits, trim and more!
Investing in your home is essential, especially for maintaining its health and preventing future damage. With flexible financing and zero down, we make home improvements accessible. Contact us anytime for expert roofing services and more! Free Estimates
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1, 2 The Hidden Risks of Neglecting Your Roof Replacement, 4/27/2023
Link: https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/blog/risks-of-roof-delay
3, 4 How Long Does it Take For Mold to Grow? by Vince Sandri, 6/26/2023
Link: https://restorationmasterfinder.com/restoration/how-long-does-it-take-for-mold-to-grow/
5 Mold: Symptoms of Exposure, Risks and More by Ann Pietrangelo, 7/16/2024
Link: https://www.healthline.com/health/mold-in-house#symptoms-of-exposure