A roof replacement is usually recommended if there are already signs of severe or extensive damage, either through general wear or tear or storm damage, that can’t be fixed with simple repairs. As a homeowner, it is a must that you take action after a thorough assessment from the roofing professionals. The longer you wait, the more devastating the consequences can be. DePalma Roofing & Construction, one of the top residential and commercial roofing contractors in the local area, discuss more in today’s in-depth article.

Potential Outcomes of Putting Off Roof Replacement

It is never a good idea to put off roof replacement, especially when it is already time to do so. When you delay what is essentially inevitable, you risk water damage to your home. Keep in mind that that’s only the bare minimum. In a worst-case scenario, a roof that hasn’t been replaced for too long can lead to the entire system collapsing, risking severe damage to your belongings. Such a possibility can also put your family in danger.

Here’s a detailed look at the possible outcomes when you delay much-needed roof replacement:

• Severe Water Damage – Shingle degradation begins a few years before the end of the roof’s lifespan. However, this can happen early in its service life due to a lack of maintenance. Either way, the process of aging exposes your roof to the destructive effects of the elements. Before long, leaks start to appear after every downpour, with chances of them appearing in multiple areas of your home. Moisture infiltration can affect your roof’s structural components, including the wooden deck and rafters, increasing the chance of rot. If you see water stains on your ceiling or paint blisters on your interior walls, consider scheduling an inspection with your local roofer to determine if your roof is a candidate for replacement.

• Mold Growth and Pest Infestation – Failure to address severe water damage on your roof through a replacement can result in mold and mildew growth inside your attic and living spaces. The presence of these organisms can impact your home’s indoor air quality, which can lead to various health problems targeting the respiratory system. The deteriorated state of your roofing system can also create points of entry for rodents, insects and other small critters. Like mold, these animals can pose a health hazard by simply taking shelter and turning your home into their breeding ground. Before mold remediation and pest extermination become an unavoidable expense, be sure to have your roof replaced immediately.

• Large-Scale Structural Damage – The likelihood of a roof collapsing on your home increases the longer you delay replacement. If you see sagging on most sections of the roof surface or rot on the rafters or trusses, it could mean the roof is on its last legs. A timely replacement will help avoid this situation.

• Additional Expenses – Even when there’s evidence of extensive roof damage, many homeowners look to hold off replacement due to the costs associated with installing a new roof. This move, however, can end up costing you more money in the long run. Repairing recurring leaks and other issues tend to be more expensive than the actual replacement itself. 

• Diminished Property Value – If you are planning to sell your home in the future, you’d want to increase your chances of attracting potential buyers. One of the easiest ways to turn away prospects is if you leave your roof in a deteriorated condition. Before putting up your home for sale, be sure to have it inspected by your local roofer to check if it is in good shape. Follow your roofers’ recommendations and tackle roof repair or replacement as soon as possible. With either option, you can boost your property’s resale value.

The Importance of Roof Replacement

Roof replacement can take a fair amount of your time and money, but this investment has its advantages that you can enjoy for many years to come. These include the following:

• Improved Curb Appeal – An old, dilapidated roof looks unsightly and aesthetically unappealing. Investing in a new system, however, can create a greater and better impression from the curb. More importantly, you no longer have to worry about your home looking out of place when compared with the rest of the homes in your neighborhood. Planning a roof replacement also becomes easier for you given the wide array of colors, textures and profiles to choose from, allowing you to create a cohesive design for your home’s exterior.

• Better Comfort and Energy Efficiency – Installing a new roof can also increase your home’s comfort levels and energy efficiency. In fact, you can purchase roofing materials that can reflect the sun’s rays to help decrease the amount of heat transferred into a home. Certain asphalt shingles and metal panels can help make your home more comfortable while minimizing cooling costs.

• Greater Weather Protection – Arguably the most important benefit of having your roof replaced promptly involves protecting your home, family and belongings from the threat of inclement weather. With a new roof installed, your living spaces remain dry, comfortable and free from damage.

A roof replacement is a significant undertaking that requires careful preparation and planning. Several factors have to be considered, including average lifespan and high wind, impact and fire resistance ratings. However, the key to ensuring your new roof’s long-lasting performance is through proper installation. That’s why working with a reputable roofing contractor for this project is imperative. The group can help you choose the best roofing system for your home and take advantage of its industry expertise and experience in performing roof installation.

Don’t wait for the effects of postponing roof replacement to come into fruition and become big headaches. At DePalma Roofing & Construction, you can be sure that your home gets the tough, beautiful, and long-lasting residential roofing system it deserves. We make sure to tailor the size of our crew based on the size and complexity of the roof replacement project. Expect everyone on-site to be working to get the job done to your satisfaction. Count on our manufacturer-certified team to also use roofing products from the best industry brands like GAF and CertainTeed.

Give us a call at (717) 638-1131 or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-hassle roofing estimate in as little as 24 hours.