What Happens if You Avoid Roof Replacement

One of the most significant investments any homeowner can make for their home’s future is roof replacement. Roof condition affects the home's sale price but is often the most overlooked when considering upgrades.

The health of your roof may be the turning point for a buyer’s decision. Roof replacement may be necessary to sell a house.

Although roofs are built to last, they go through more wear and tear than any other significant parts of your typical house. It is essential to check for potential leaks or signs of other damage at least twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall, to prevent possible damage from getting out of control.

Decreased Structural Integrity

The average lifespan of a roof is around 25 to 30 years. At this time it's time to start thinking strongling about roof replacement. As it gets older and more worn, it breaks down and loses its strength and stability. Letting a weakening roof hang over your head is dangerous and worth the cost of roof replacement. Weakness in such a crucial structural element of a house can cause collapse under the pressure of rain and wind. Roof collapses may not be common, but it is better to be safe and ensure that it will never happen to you by replacing your roof on time.

Higher Roof Replacement & Installation Costs

Procrastinating on replacing your roof can lead to the degradation of many other parts of the house. If even minor problems have been neglected for too long, the need for replacement will span beyond the roof. The attic, chimney, and ceilings will suffer first when a roof falls into disrepair, none of which are safe to live with under these unfortunate circumstances.

Water Damage and Leaks

An old roof loses its surface shingle granules, leading to even more deterioration and a much higher probability of leaks. The granules help hold together the waterproof barrier that protects the more vulnerable materials below, keeping them from absorbing rain and starting a leak. A small leak can increase in severity and size if it is left to its own devices. This, in turn, increases the cost of future repairs and allowing the creation of more weak spots throughout the house for water to flow through. Roof replacement is an inevitability over time, so have it inspected and choose the right time to do so.

Most houses are built with electrical wiring present in the ceiling or attic. In the face of a roof repeatedly soaked in water, this poses as a fire hazard if these wires short out. If signs of a leak are spotted where this could be an issue, it is strongly recommended that you have the room’s electricity turned off until the roof is in better shape.

Lower Valued Home

The real estate market can be unforgiving. It only gets harder if you don’t put in the time and effort to ensure your home is appealing to buyers. If your roof is faulty and aged, selling your home will be nigh impossible, as no buyer will want to purchase a home that has additional costs attached to it.

If you invest time and money into your home and maintain the essential structural components throughout your ownership, you could potentially sell it for more than you originally paid. The cost of replacing your roof when it is past its prime will pay for itself when you don’t have to spend money on smaller repairs.