Roofers have a tough job. They work at heights, carrying heavy shingles and nailing them to the roof's surface. In addition to working hard, roofers are also very knowledgeable. They can recommend the best roofing material to fit your budget and preferences, and they can make repairs, as needed, to ensure your roof continues to keep your home safe. There's a lot to learn about roofing. We are not professionals, but we consider ourselves to be well-informed, and we share the information we know on this website. As you read, you will learn more about roofing as a profession, and you may also pick up some roofing tips you can use on your own home.
Learning that you need a new roof can be disheartening. Roof installation can be a major investment, with costs increasing with the size of your home. Unfortunately, roofing isn't a job that you can easily delay. An old and failing roof can be prone to numerous problems, and leaving it in place can create more expensive problems.
If you know your roof is on its last legs, replacement isn't a job you should leave for too long. Instead of waiting until next summer to perform this critical work, here are three reasons to consider scheduling a new installation as soon as possible.
1. Summer Storms Can Wreak Havoc
Everyone knows that spring and summer are often the most active times of the year for severe weather. Even if you don't live in an area prone to hurricanes or other major threats, you probably still get the occasional summer storm. One of your roof's primary jobs is to protect you from the elements, but an aging roof will not provide the same weather protection as a new one.
In addition to risking catastrophic damage from severe winds or hail, heavy rains can be problematic for failing roofs. Even if your roof doesn't leak under normal conditions, wind-driven rain can push water beneath shingles, allowing it to find hidden vulnerabilities. Replacing your roof can help you avoid unexpected water damage during your next bout of severe weather.
2. Winter Also Poses Many Challenges
While severe weather is often the most acute threat to roofing, the long and cold winter months pose their own risks. Snow accumulating on your roof can put a lot of pressure on your existing shingles, underlayment, and decking. In severe cases, rotten or damaged decking may be unable to stand up to the weight of the snow on top of it.
Although these catastrophic failures may be rare, problems due to ice dams are much more common. Ice dams form due to differential heating on your roof, and they can create problems by preventing snow from melting and draining away. Waiting another winter before replacing your roof can lead to water damage from this common and damaging problem.
3. You May Not Know the Extent of the Problem
In addition to the potential for damage from weather, your roofing situation may already be more severe than you realize. An experienced roofer can perform a thorough inspection and tell you if you need a new roof, but they can't know the true condition of your decking or underlayment until tear-off begins. Roofs with visible signs of aging often have more severe wear just below the surface.
This wear can allow even small amounts of water to penetrate your roof, leading to slow damage in your attic and increased moisture that can create future mold problems. Once you can see surface-level signs that your roof is at the end of its life, the safest option will always be to schedule a replacement before more serious hidden problems can threaten your home.
Contact a roofer for more info.