Roof Repair: What to Do and When to Do It – Part 1: Why NOW is Always the Best Time
By Stacy MelleteGetting your roof repaired and in good shape should always be a high-priority project because while your personal situation might dictate a pressing need to act on other things first, it’s never a good thing to put off getting your roof fixed for too long.
Why?
For starters, having postponed getting your roof fixed, it’s easy to forget that there’s a problem. Unless the damage is one that you see all the time, like in the case of a leak that just won’t go away, you could go on day in and day out without being reminded that your roof needs attention.
That is, until something really bad happens and you can’t ignore the problem anymore.
There’s also the fact that water damage is insidious. Ignoring that leak can easily lead to damage to other parts of your home, giving you more to worry about that the initial problem, like:
- Attic Damage. Water seeping into the attic can damage not just the room but the items stored in it as well. Paint and plaster on walls and ceiling can also peel and blister when subjected to moisture while electrical damage may also be imminent on ceiling-mounted fans and lighting fixtures.
- Fire Hazard. Water causing a fire? It’s possible! Electrical wiring in your ceiling or attic can short out due to leaking water, which can cause sparks that can ignite flammable materials like wood and insulation.
- Structural Damage. Chronic leaking will allow moisture to seep into wooden structures, weakening the material and facilitating roof deterioration that can lead to your roof collapsing, a roof problem that can involve the entirety of your property.
- Mold and Mildew. Over time, water seepage can lead to the formation of mold and mildew. This problem is mostly an aesthetic concern for your home but it can also be a health hazard for your family when left alone.
In the next part, we’ll be talking about spotting roof damage so you’ll know when it’s time to take action. Read on for more!