Are you considering a roof replacement? It’s easy to forget about the roof over your head because most people don’t look at it very often. You might remember that crooked shingle in the corner when you climb up a ladder to clean a clogged gutter but then quickly forget about it afterward. Though we all ignore minor problems with our roofs, they can lead to far bigger ones down the road.
Water damage is costly to fix, both for the structure of your home and for anything inside it. If your roof is old or damaged, you need to replace it before further degradation occurs. As an added benefit, replacing an old, energy-inefficient roof can also save you money on your heating bills. There are many advantages to replacing an old roof, even if you don’t see any damage just yet.
1. Shield Your Possessions
Though we tend to overlook its value, roofing is the single most protective aspect of your home. Your roof covers your living space and preserves all of your household items from every gust of wind, downpour, and falling leaf. Keeping water out of your home is the most significant way to prolong the life of your structure and everything inside it. Proper roof installation and maintenance are vital to this goal because older materials can degrade and allow moisture to seep inside.
It’s much cheaper to prevent water damage than to deal with it after the fact. Over the long term, water can destroy your home through rot, mold, mildew, and even attracting insects. Don’t assume everything is okay simply because you haven’t noticed your roof leaking.
If your roof is allowing water to penetrate, you may not know it until it’s too late. Even worse, making a homeowner’s insurance claim for water damage can raise your premiums and cost you thousands across the life of the policy. Avoid this hassle by keeping your roof in tip-top shape and preventing needless damage.
2. Protect Your Family’s Health
Most people are aware of the health hazards of mold and mildew. But you might not know that moisture can work itself inside your walls, where you can’t see it, and release toxic spores into your home. Drywall can also collect moisture, grow mold, and eventually crumble. Plaster is likewise susceptible to mold and mildew when exposed to water.
By replacing your roof before serious leaks occur, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in mold removal costs. There are profound health effects that result from living in a house infested with fungi, including allergies, rashes, and breathing problems. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take that advice to heart and replace your roof before severe damage occurs.
3. A Roof Replacement can Protect Your Investment
Water can collect in any slight dip on your sub-roofing layer and damage the plywood or OSB beneath. When exposed to moisture, plywood will warp, and OSB swells and can lose its integrity. This type of damage can lead to worse problems over time that affect all portions of your home.
If moisture works its way past the sub-roof, it can cause hidden damage to your house’s frame and start to rot the wood. Water can eventually drip down your trusses into the insulation of your walls and collect beneath carpeting or other flooring materials. This could eventually degrade your floor and cause it to creak, bow, or even collapse.
Even small leaks can lead to extensive damage over time. That’s why it’s essential to check your roof for damage after every rain or wind storm. Keeping your roofing maintained and replacing it before it breaks down is the single best way to avoid costly home repairs later on. For your next project around the home, think about updating or replacing your roof.
4. A New Roof Can Lower Energy Costs
Older roofing systems often fall short in terms of energy efficiency. In the winter, warm air rises upward through your home and out through any roof that is poorly insulated. If your home needs an energy-efficient upgrade, consider replacing your roof.
Once you pull back the old roofing, you can choose newer, better insulation and fix any drafts. This home improvement project will lower your energy bills long into the future. Plus, if you decide to re-roof your house with Energy Star materials, you might be able to claim a Roofing Tax Credit through the IRS.
5. Beautify Your Home
When your home is viewed from the street, your roof can significantly impact your home’s beauty and appearance, especially if you have dormer windows. If you used mismatched shingles for roof repair or just don’t like the color of your current roofing, replacement is a great option.
Many people like metal roofing materials and choose them when it comes time to upgrade their roofs. Others prefer the more traditional appearance of shingles instead. Depending on your house’s style and color scheme, many options can take the look of your home to the next level.
Nothing improves curb appeal like a new roof, so it’s the perfect choice if you’re thinking of selling your home in the next year or two. New shingles or metal roofing can add a pop of color and spruce up any home’s appearance. A proper roof replacement will also raise your home’s value, giving potential buyers peace of mind by knowing they won’t have to replace the roof for at least another decade.
Call SK Exteriors Today
If you are interested in upgrading or repairing your roof, call SK Exteriors. Our roofing contractors can help you assess your options and provide a free quote. With SK Exteriors, you can update your roof using modern, stylish materials that also protect your home for years to come.
