Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It’s your first line of defense against the weather and other external elements. When dealing with an aging roof, the importance of replacing it promptly versus putting it off should never be underestimated. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your roof, chances are, it likely is.

Water Damage

An aging roof lacks the same level of resistance and protection it once had. Worn shingles can lead to leaks causing potential expensive and detrimental damage. When leaks go unnoticed, they may lead to roof rot over time, as well as cause damage in your walls, ceilings, and attic.

Structural Damage

As mentioned above, if moisture caused by leaks reaches the decking, plywood, rafters, timbers, or structural beams, rot can form. This causes a dangerous structural concern and, if left unchecked, can cause a roof to collapse over time.

Health Hazard

In addition to causing physical damages to your home, water leakage can also encourage the growth of dangerous mold and mildew which can cause serious health concerns to those living in your home.

Fire Hazard

Moisture may come into contact with the electrical wires and outlets in your ceilings and walls, causing electrical damage, and the potential risk of an electrical fire.

Financial Hardship

Waiting too long to replace your roof can have dire consequences, especially when it comes to your finances. Replacing your roof on time, versus waiting until major signs of trouble, such as structural damage for example, will actually save you money in the long run.

Loss of Energy Efficiency

An aging roof can also result in higher utility bills as an older roof doesn’t provide much protection against the weather elements, resulting in higher energy consumption as your heating and cooling systems work overtime to compensate.

In addition to lower energy efficiency, an old roof in need of replacement won’t provide as much protection, leading to safety concerns. Harsh winds, heavy rain, snow, and ice can become much too difficult for an old, weakened roof to withstand, making it more prone to damage. For example, an old roof may not even handle a fallen tree branch without major damage occurring.

Decreased Resale Value

Aside from all of the safety hazards listed above, an old roof in need of replacement will negatively affect the resale value of your home, should you ever decide to sell. An aging roof can turn away potential buyers as many don’t want the responsibility of having to replace it in the near future. It may also result in lower priced offers for your home, as potential homeowners will have to factor in the cost of a new roof, and they may anticipate underlying damage and therefore offer you even less.

Conclusion

A new roof is a significant investment, so it’s understandable why some homeowners choose to wait to replace it. However, as tempting as it may be to wait, your roof is the one part of the home you can’t afford to neglect. Waiting until disaster strikes may result in catastrophic consequences, in terms of both your family’s safety and finances.

If you’re ready for a new roof, or have any roofing related questions, contact your local and trusted roofing experts at Armorvue Home Exteriors today. Your safety and satisfaction come first, and our team of experienced installers know how to get the job done right the first time. Experience the Armorvue difference for yourself!