The roof of your house is an essential part of the entire structure. Roofs need regular maintenance to prolong their lifespan and prevent repairs that could have been avoided by timely maintenance. However, most homeowners believe if there is nothing unusual to be seen or heard, there is no need for roof repair or maintenance. We are going to share the consequences of not having the roof maintained to help avoid serious incidents.

Shortened Lifespan Of Roof

The first thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to lack of roof maintenance is the shortened lifespan. A roof comprises several different parts, components, and materials that come together to make it strong. This allows it to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Although roofs tend to be extremely strong and rigid structures with time due to constant wear and tear will experience cracks, damage, or leakages. The best way to deal with or prevent such situations is by performing regular maintenance. The thing about roof leakages is they can travel down inside the house and damage the paint job along with the furniture and decorative items.

You may or may not be able to spot the leakage in the beginning. Part of the reason regular maintenance is important is that some leakages are very small and will eventually turn into a headache. Therefore, if you are regularly looking after the roof, you might be able to spot unusual signs and symptoms.

High Utility Cost

Having a problematic roof due to lack of maintenance can create all sorts of problems at once including high energy bills. This is because the HVAC unit will struggle to maintain the temperature as both hot and cool air will escape through the cracks or leakages. Even if you are using the most energy-efficient HVAC system, the energy costs will still increase.

A rise in utility bills is a much more complicated issue especially if it comes down to the roof. You will also have to check the window seals, doors, etc. for any signs of damage or leakage. However, if you are not familiar with the roof’s structure or have never been on it, you will need to consult an expert.

This is the part where homeowners mostly become lazy and this is exactly where the problem starts. The money you intend to save by not calling an expert will soon be used for expensive repairs and replacements. But, if you were to call them at the right time, you might have to spend a lot less.

Reduced Value Of House

Resale value is perhaps the most important factor if you intend to sell the house in the future. It is often that homeowners apply cosmetic changes to hide major damages, leaks, cracks, etc. Plus, they think they can also get away with it only to end up in a serious legal battle down the road.

Therefore, if you plan on moving to a new location, you should invest in the roof so that you can negotiate for a better price because a roof is the most notable feature of a house. It is quite easy to tell if you have been taking care of the roof or not.

A house with a shabby roof will not only fetch a lower price but will be a risk. Depending on your state, an inspector might also personally visit and inspect the roof upon the sale of the property. If anything serious is found, you will need to fix it before the property can be handed over.

Roof Warranty

Roof manufacturers offer their customers warranties. Some states have strict regulations on providing guarantees and warranties for a certain period. These guarantees mean that the roofs will remain in perfect working condition provided you follow a certain set of rules amongst which maintenance is the biggest one.

Choosing to ignore the rules, especially maintenance will simply lead to a warranty void. Furthermore, roof repairs and replacements are not cheap either. That said, the amount of money spent on maintenance will be a lot less than the repairs and replacements you will be needing otherwise. So, calling in roofers Tallmadge for annual maintenance is a wise decision.

Unnecessary Expenses

Unnecessary roof expenses especially in the case of not maintaining the roof can be heavy on the pocket. It might be that you are neither mentally nor financially prepared for such expenses. Therefore, roof maintenance ensures roof problems are handled the right way when they are still manageable.

On top of that, roof repairs and replacements can be difficult and time-consuming. For a bigger repair or a replacement, you might have to move out for a few days. But all that could be easily avoided if you gave maintenance a thought.

Pest Infestations

A poorly maintained roof can easily and quickly get infested by pests. During the winter season, rodents, birds and other intruders may take up accommodation and further damage the roof. Pest infestations can be seriously irritating and you will need to spend extra money to get rid of them.

Not only will they disturb your family members but also ruin the interior. That said roof maintenance could help you catch such infestations within time. Depending on the infestation, you will need to call the infestation experts as roof experts may not handle them.

Increased Risk Of Fire

If you have a fireplace in your house and the roof is not maintained properly, know that it is a recipe for disaster. The reason is an accumulation of debris on the roof or in the chimney that could catch fire. You must reduce this risk by making sure that your chimney and fireplace are also well-maintained.

Ignoring chimney maintenance can also lead to severe consequences. Soot buildup inside the chimney can catch fire and release poisonous gasses. If you were to clean the chimney regularly, it would be relatively easier to inspect the roof as well. If the cleaning is ignored, the soot will accumulate and will become hard. By this time, you will need to call in an expert.

Attic And Insulation Damage

Attic damage is another problem that stems from ignoring roof maintenance. If there are leaks, cracks, or damage in the roof, both water and moisture can travel through them and reach the attic and insulation, eventually damaging them. This is why experts also recommend looking after the attic as it is mostly neglected by homeowners.

On the other hand, insulation damage will cause both hot and cool air to escape. This will put additional stress on your HVAC unit and will result in high energy bills. If you notice any unusual signs or symptoms on the roof or inside the house, you should not hesitate to call a professional.

Conclusion

Roof maintenance can help avoid a lot of roof issues. You can prevent these problems by investing in professional maintenance. Instead of considering it an expense, think of it as an investment. You won’t get the return in a few days but you will get it in a few years by avoiding complications and keeping your family secure. So, get in touch with a roofing contractor Cuyahoga Falls for an inspection.