Roof Repairs, Now or Later?

Most homeowners quickly figure out when you put off regular maintenance jobs around your home, they tend to compound into problems. One maintenance item in particular should never be put off – roof repairs. There can be several issues that crop up over time with your roof, depending on the type of roof you have. Some of them are relatively cheap and easy fixes. Some are not. But all should be addressed in a timely fashion or they will surely result in a costly and time consuming job.

One of the best ways to keep on top of roofing issues so that they don’t get overwhelming is to do an annual roof inspection. This can be done relatively easily and you can learn more about how to do an annual roof inspection here.

Here are a few common issues that you may discover and why you should deal with them right away.

Water Marks, Peeling Paint on Walls or Ceiling

These could mean you have a legitimate roof leak, or alternately you may have an accumulation of moisture building up in your attic due to a blocked vent/improper ventilation. Roof leaks can take a long time to become evident. By the time you see signs inside your home, they have already done some damage. Don’t put off this repair or the cost will increase dramatically and what starts as a small roof leak can end up compromising your home’s structure.

Mold and Mildew Stains

There are serious health concerns when you have mold in your home, especially black mold. If you have moisture coming into your home causing mold, this can accumulate in areas that you may not be aware of. Family members could have serious health issues without realizing the culprit is mold growth inside your home. Regularly checking to ensure your roof is sound and ventilated properly can help prevent this type of situation from occurring.

Missing, Cracked or Damaged Shingles

When you find a missing shingle or a few damaged shingles, repair/replace them immediately so that a leak doesn’t develop. Have you found extensive shingle damage or most of your shingles are dry, brittle and deteriorating? These are signs that your roof product is nearing the end of its useful life and the time has come to invest in a new roof. All roofs eventually need replacement and putting this task off can result in multiple roof leaks. This will end up costing you more money and causing further damage to your home.

It can be tempting to ignore minor roof issues when they arise or convince yourself they can wait until they are worth doing something about. It’s never a good idea to put off roof repair and maintenance. Getting them done when the problems are relatively small will save you money and extend the life of your roof.