Roof replacement is not an easy financial decision to make, whether you are an individual homeowner or a property owner with several units to worry about. However, replacing a roof before a crisis hits is a wise risk management decision.
In short, risk management involves the forecasting and evaluating of financial risks as well as identifying procedures to avoid or minimize the impact. As a property owner, you can’t risk the dangers that come with leaving an aging roof in place. The good news is, if you have a trustworthy roofing contractor on your side to schedule regular maintenance and repair, you’ll know just when to replace your roof to avoid even more costly damage.
Top 4 Dangers of Delaying Roof Replacement
Here’s a look at the top dangers that can occur when roof replacement is delayed.
1. Major Roof Leak
Waiting too long to replace a roof can lead to a large leak that can cause even more damage at an even greater cost than if you had just replaced the roof in the first place. The older and weaker your roof is, the more likely a storm could make it spring a major leak. Typical damage caused by leaks include:
- Roof deck damage and roof rot
- Soaked attic insulation at an R-value loss
- Mold and mildew growth
- Warped and damaged drywall on walls and ceilings
- Bowed flooring material
- Damage to furniture
- Soaked electronics (which also poses a fire hazard)
2. Liability Risk
Strong winds can rip off even the newest of shingles, but when you have a roof that is already weak and aging, those missing shingles pose even more of a threat. Blown off shingles can hit someone below, not to mention any nails or other components that come with the shingle.
On top of the physical liability of risking injury to innocent bystanders, there’s also a financial liability. You may have to pay for a new roof out of pocket when you wait too long to replace your roof because it’s out of warranty. Your homeowners’ insurance may also deny coverage.
3. More Money
Delaying roof replacement will also cost you more money down the line. While you have to assess the cost of replacing a roof to come up with a budget, you also have to assess the costs associated with delaying roof replacement and the expenses that will come with that. As roofing gets older, it needs more repairs more frequently. Those costs may be so frequent and so costly that you’re better off just replacing the whole roof. If you plan to sell the property any time soon, adding a new roof will increase its value and get you a higher selling price.
4. Reduced Energy Efficiency
Because heat rises, an old roof has a decreased ability to keep heat locked in, allowing it to escape. Another factor that reduces energy efficiency is the quality of the roof deck. Moisture can get trapped over time between the shingles and roof deck, which makes the wood warp, rot, or develop mold – all of which can zap your home’s energy efficiency.
In addition, roof leaks cause attic insulation to retain water, clump up and become compressed, significantly impacting how well it can do its job.
In the end, it’s important to weigh risk management factors into your decision to replace your roof so as to make the best financial and safety decision possible.
Contact Allstar Construction for Roof Replacement in Fargo
Allstar Construction specializes in exterior maintenance and roofing in Fargo. For a free roofing estimate please contact us at 701-315-8150.
