You have come home and noticed that there are some shingles from your roof on your driveway. While it might not seem like a major problem, it could be a sign that there is something bigger wrong, especially if you don’t think to check it out right away.
A simple and fixable roofing problem can quickly become a huge issue to deal with, financially and physically, meaning that delaying repairs can cost you more than a pretty roof. How do the costs of ignoring this issue add up?
Additional Heating
The average home loses around 25% of its heat through the roof, assuming you have not had a specialist roof fitted by a professional like a metal roofing specialist. If there is damage to the roof, such as a crack or partial exposure (or rust in the case of a metal roof), then that number quickly goes up, making the home colder. The result? More heating is needed and a higher monthly bill, which can go up by 35% according to Axiom Eco Homes.
Costly Repairs
A roof that was damaged by a strong windstorm can evolve into a roofing issue that is damaged by a slight breeze. A common complication of a roofing problem is that if it is not dealt with, it can quickly spread due to exposure to the elements. A missing roof tile can become 20, and will, by default, cost more to fix. So, homeowners are advised to keep an eye out for missing roof shingles and tiles.
Leakage
A damaged roof is more likely to leak, which can spread from a drip in the attic to water damage on the upper floor of your home. This is not only unsightly but can cause secondary, costly decorative issues and even health complications.
The leaks can cause any paint on the upper floor to peel, or the wallpaper to fall off, adding a cosmetic issue that could have been prevented and will need to be fixed. Leaks can also encourage mold growth, which can worsen air quality in the home, worsening conditions like asthma, or even causing upper respiratory infections.
Lifespan
If there is damage to a roof that is left unchecked, it can shorten the life of the roof. An average residential roof made from shingle tiling has a lifespan of between 25 and 40 years, but a core part of this relies on it being maintained correctly. So, if a small, repairable problem is left (such as some tiles falling off), it can spread to half of the tiles falling off, which will then weaken the integrity of the roof and shorten its lifespan. This means a full roofing refit, higher home insurance, and potential losses on property value if you are trying to sell.
Keeping a roof in good condition does not have to be a chore. You should aim to have your roof checked once a year by a roofing professional, who will point out any issues before they become costly. If you are behind on roof surveys, be sure to book that in soon and save yourself some money.
