If you’re putting off roof repairs, you should reconsider that choice. A faulty roof can cause major damage to your property and your family’s health. Thanks to the growth in the industry, you should have no trouble finding a roofing business to assist you in keeping your roof in good condition. Here are the dangers of putting off necessary roof repairs.
Water Damage
Water damage is the bane of any homeowner’s life. Such damage isn’t just a superficial issue. Unfortunately, it can cause a great amount of underlying damage that can cost you financially and harm your health. When you have a vulnerable roof that hasn’t been repaired, it’s easy for the elements to leak in. As a result, all areas of your home from the foundation to the attic are at risk of water damage. When your foundation is soaked in moisture, it could eventually weaken. The same thing can happen to your drywall. Signs of damage will show up by way of wet and dark stains on your walls and ceilings.
Decreased Property Value
Regardless of how much you might love your home, you may plan on selling it one day. When you sell your home, you want to sell it at a profit, not at a loss. Unfortunately, a roof that is in disrepair can make it easy for your home value to decrease and can make selling your property more difficult. It may be a better choice financially to repair your roof before you put your home on the market.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, a new asphalt roof increases home resale value by a national average of $16,287. Your property value can increase even further when you use higher-quality materials such as metal, which can last for 50 to 70 years, according to Bob Vila. If you don’t take advantage of making these types of roofing material installations, you’re losing out on 10s of thousands of dollars in additional revenue. Even if you don’t sell your home, you can enjoy the many benefits of living under a brand-new roof.
Poor Equity
You don’t have to sell your home to enjoy additional value. The more value your property is appraised at, the more equity you have. As a result, you’ll also have greater personal net worth, which is advantageous when it’s time to pass assets down to heirs. Plus, with more equity, you can also use a home equity loan to further upgrade your home in all kinds of ways. You can use an equity loan for medical care and other emergencies, as well.
If you repair your roof whenever you notice signs of damage, you can ensure that your roof won’t be involved in property value decreases. With a strong, long-lasting roof, your home is more likely to maintain its value so you can maintain your equity. This will give you additional leverage if you ever need to use that equity for a loan. Whether or not you plan on taking a loan out in the near future, keeping your roof repaired can help you stay financially flexible.
Health Concerns
Your home should not negatively impact your family’s health. Unfortunately, that can happen with the presence of mold. What does your roof have to do with mold? Well, quite a lot. Since an old or damaged roof makes water intrusion more likely, it can create a breeding ground for mold. According to CNET, it only takes mold 24 to 72 hours to grow on a wet surface. If water is leaking into your attic, mold can spread from there into your living space. From there, mold spores can travel through the air where they are easy to breathe in.
This is especially problematic if one of your family members previously had a minor case of asthma. Unfortunately, according to Healthline, mold exposure can exacerbate asthma symptoms and worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and lung infections. Additionally, if you have little children or pets in your home, they may not know better in terms of avoiding touching mold. Touching or ingesting it could lead to poor health outcomes.
Safety Issues
Your foundation should be as strong as possible to hold your house up. When your foundation becomes weak due to water damage and mold, it can create a major safety issue for you and your family. In other words, a ceiling or wall can easily cave in at any time because its underlying structure has rotten away. A roof can also cave in when its underlying structure has been weakened due to water damage. Anyone in the home during such a collapse can be severely injured.
Even without underlying foundation concerns, a poorly maintained roof can lead to safety concerns in your home. Leaks in the roof deck can lead to deep-seated water damage in the roof structure and walls of your home. Injuries due to structural issues are more common than you may think. If you notice signs of severe roof damage, including a sagging ridgeline, call a roofer right away.
Exterior Aesthetics
When you approach your property, there’s nothing like being proud of how your home looks. It can give you a sense of pride having one of the best-looking homes on a block. Imagine how you would feel if you had an unsightly roof that has fallen into disrepair. Not only can it be an embarrassment, but it can also turn off other people. For example, if you were to put your home on the market, a roof that’s falling apart may discourage people from entering your home to see more. As a result, it could make it harder to sell your home and move on in your life. After all, curb appeal is vital for home sales and your overall property appraisal.
Even if you don’t plan on selling your home, it’s wise to keep up its appearance. A home in disrepair can lower the value of neighboring properties, according to the Motley Fool. This means if your neighbors are planning on selling soon, they may start disputes with you or get local regulatory agencies involved. If your neighbors are raising concerns about the state of your home’s roof, it’s time to get it repaired.
Insurance Coverage
As any roofing business professional will tell you, a homeowner must take the right steps to maintain their homeowners’ insurance. Your insurance coverage can become null and void if you skip repairs and inspections. Part of the stipulations of maintaining homeowners’ insurance coverage is that you keep up with these inspections and repairs so you won’t need a new installation earlier than necessary. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to pay for any future repairs and potential installations that would have been covered.
The roofing industry is growing annually, and there are many professionals available to assist you. Failure to handle timely roofing repairs can result in costly water damage, insurance claim denial, mold infestations, structure collapse, poor curb appeal, and decreased home value. Your home is your largest asset, and maintaining your roof is a major way of protecting it. For an experienced roofing business you can trust, contact Eenigenburg Exteriors today for a consultation. We look forward to helping you keep your home’s roof in great condition with long-lasting repairs.
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