Five Roof Repair Tips – and What Could Happen if You Forego Repairs Entirely

The maintenance and repair needs of a roof can vary depending on the type of roof installed. Some styles of roofs, such as those with slate tiles, may be incredibly weather-resistant, but the tiles can crack and break under pressure.

Other styles of roof can be susceptible to damage due to high winds, hailstones and other natural events. As a homeowner, it is imperative that you are aware of the signs of roof damage and that you need roof repairs as quickly as possible.

Here are just a few signs that your roof has suffered damage, as well as five roof repair tips and what might happen if you neglect your roof for too long.

Signs Your Roof Has Become Damaged

It can be difficult for a homeowner to determine if a roof has been damaged in some cases due to the elevated height of a roof. However, if you notice signs of damaged tiles from the ground level or if you see pieces of the roof on the ground, these are signs that a repair may be needed.

If you believe the roof has become damaged due to a storm, impact or another event, you can request a roof inspection from a trusted roofing company.

The roofing inspection will reveal if damage is present, and the roofing company can provide you with an estimate for the repair work. It’s generally best to do regular roof inspections twice per year once in the spring and once in the fall.

If you notice damage, you’ll want to schedule repairs right away. Here are just a few reasons why acting quickly could save your roof:

#1 Minimizing Water Damage to the Home

One of the important functions of a roof is to weatherize the home. The roof keeps water and moisture outside of the home, where it belongs.

If this water and moisture gets into your home, it can result in wood rot, mould growth and other types of water damage that can be destructive and costly to repair.

When a roof repair is completed right away, you can reduce the incidence of water damage related to a roof issue.

#2 Reducing the Potential for Pest Infestation

A roof also seals the home from pests and rodents. In some cases, pests and rodents may identify even a small crack or opening in the roof, and they may penetrate the home.

Some of these may be wood-destroying insects, but others may gnaw at support beams, wires, insulation and other features and this can cause significant damage.

You can reduce the incidence of pest infestation when you make an effort to repair any damage to the roof as soon as you become aware of it.

#3 Promoting Energy Efficiency in the Home

While the roof can keep moisture and pests from penetrating the home, it can also insulate the home for climate-control purposes. The roof may have incredible energy-efficiency benefits when it is fully intact, and it can help your heating and cooling system to function with greater efficiency.

When it is damaged, cooled or heated air may escape the home, and this can cause the HVAC system to have to work harder to maintain your home at an ideal temperature.

Repairing damage to a roof can help you to improve your home’s energy efficiency, which will translate into lower energy bills later on.

#4 Enhancing Curb Appeal

A damaged roof can give your home a dishevelled appearance, and it can make even the most well maintained home look unkempt. Regardless of how minor or significant the damage is to your home, a damaged roof will impact your properties curb appeal.

You can minimize the effects of a damaged roof on the look of your property’s exterior by making repairs to the roof as soon as possible.

#5 Minimizing Future Roof Repair Needs

If you notice that only a few tiles are damaged or missing, you may want to consider delaying repair services for a future time. After all, setting up a roof repair service can seem time-consuming, and you may have many responsibilities that distract you from completing this task.

Perhaps the roof repair work has not been budgeted for, and you may be concerned about the cost. While there may be reasons to delay setting up a roof repair service, the fact is that the water damage, pest damage and other types of damage to the property can become more pronounced over time, and this can add to the cost and time required to repair the property.

Repairing your roof as soon as issues arise will prevent small problems from turning into catastrophes, and minor issues are always easier to repair than major issues.

When Roof Repairs Are Not Completed Promptly

When roof repairs are not completed in a prompt fashion, a home can easily fall into a state of disrepair. The integrity of the roof as a whole may be compromised, and more significant roof damage may occur. Damage inside the home may be a factor, and an active pest or rodent infestation may cause additional damage.

While a roof repair may not have been anticipated or planned for, it is nonetheless vital to the home’s physical condition and its appearance to schedule the repair right away.

The damage to the home and the repair expenses related to the damage can mount significantly when the work is not completed right away.

Whether you have noticed obvious signs of damage to the home or you simply want to be cautious, it is important for you to request service for a roof inspection from a reputable roofing company as soon as possible.

A professional roofing company can spot issues that need immediate treatment and advise you on your options for less pressing repairs. Keep your roof in great shape by allowing a professional to inspect it you might end up saving thousands of dollars.