Roofs are what protect us from the elements. When we keep our family and all our worldly possessions beneath them, it is imperative they are working effectively, but often when you notice signs of damage in your roof, it is too late. Tiny breaks in shingles or flashings from a storm that you thought were innocuous can become the ideal avenue for leakage. And if your action isn’t immediate, then you can be placing everything you have at risk. Here are our 5 dangers of postponing your roof repairs.
Structural Vulnerability
When wooden rafters, trusses, beams and decking absorb moisture from a leak, and are exposed to fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures, they are liable to become warped, rotten and compromised. From here, you will not only see a crooked roofline, but also run the risk of your roof’s structural integrity completely failing, putting your home in danger.
Health Risks
The closed environment inside your roof does not promote any leaking water to evaporate, and as moisture collects, it promotes mould and mildew growth. Holes are also the perfect way for rodents to find their way inside. By postponing minor roof repairs, you give mould, mildew and vermin the chance to spread inside your home, increasing the level of indoor air pollutants. This can trigger allergies, spoil food, destroy curtains and clothing, and leave a nasty smell.
Lowering the value of your home
When any prospective buyer looks at your property, their first sight will always set an impression in their mind. If a roof is not maintained, not only will it look bad, but also alert buyers that it will possibly cost them financial or physical pains in the future. Simply to stay on the market, you might have to decrease the asking price significantly to get people interested. By mending the leak when it first springs, you could save thousands, and even boost the value of your home.
Fire risk
Many homes receive their electricity from the side of the house, or when channelled from the roof into the panel box. As we all know, when water encounters an open circuit, there is the strong possibility of fire, endangering not only valuable possessions inside your household, but also your family.
Higher utility bills
Insulation in an attic is the first point of call for water intruding through leaky roofs. The material will naturally clump once wet, leaving it unable to perform its function properly. To compensate, this will render your other heating, ventilation or air-conditioning units to do even more work, increasing your utility costs.