The roof on your home provides protection against the elements. When the roof is damaged, this protection is compromised. Residential roof replacement can be a costly undertaking. Homeowners have a tendency to postpone roof replacement projects for as long as possible. Delaying your roof replacement could actually end up increasing the cost of a new roof.
Here are three hidden costs that you may incur if you choose to postpone the replacement of your home's damaged roof.
1. Damaged Insulation
Residential attic spaces are insulated to help prevent the transfer of heat between interior living spaces and the outside environment. Depending on the type of insulation you have installed in your attic, a damaged roof could contribute to damaged insulation over time. Insulation that gets wet is no longer capable of preventing heat transfer. You may notice that your heating and cooling costs increase when attic insulation is damaged. The longer you wait to replace your home's roof, the more attic insulation becomes compromised.
You will have to pay not only for new roofing materials, just for the installation of new attic insulation when you postpone your roof replacement.
2. Damaged Electrical System
A damaged roof can allow water to leak into your home. This water has a tendency to pool in the ceilings and walls of your home. Since electrical wiring and outlets are also located in your home's ceilings and walls, serious roof leaks put your electrical system in danger.
Postponing the replacement of your roof could result in water damage to light fixtures, electrical outlets, and electrical wiring. The cost of repairing this type of electrical damage can be significant, so it's best not to postpone your roof replacement.
3. Damaged Construction Materials
Once water has leaked through your roofing materials and attic insulation, it is free to wreak havoc on the construction materials within your home. The appearance of water spots and blistering should be cause for concern. You may start to see bubbling and staining on your ceilings and walls when your roof is leaking. Even if you can't see visible evidence of a leak, your damaged roof could be letting in moisture that will ruin your drywall and contribute to mold growth inside your home.
Repairing interior water damage caused by a leaking roof can be costly. You can avoid these costs by choosing to replace your home's damaged roof as quickly as possible. Contact a residential roofing replacement service near you to learn more.