Major Problems That An Old Roof Can Cause
The roof on your home is supposed to shield you and the belongings inside your home from the elements. However, even the best roofs will eventually need to be replaced due to problems caused by old age. By getting your old roof replaced with a new one, you may avoid the following roof issues.
Water Damage
Old roofs often have cracks, missing shingles, and other openings that can allow water to leak or seep into your home. If your roof is leaking, your ceilings, floors, and walls could sustain water damage. The water that gets into your home from an old, leaky roof could also damage other possessions, which may then need to be replaced. A new roof can give you the tight overhead seal that you need to keep your home's interior dry.
Fire Dangers
You may be surprised to learn that your home may be more susceptible to fires if your roof is leaking. If water comes in contact with electric system components that are under your roof, a major fire could result. Your old roof's material might also be more flammable. Fires can be especially challenging to put out in older homes, so you'll want to limit this risk by getting an old roof replaced as soon as possible.
Pest Infestations
Openings on an old roof can let bugs and other pests into your home. More pests may also be living within sections of an old roof, which could damage the roofing material further. Old roofs are often more prone to moss growth and other buildups that can attract more pests. If your home has an attic, pests will be able to hide inside more easily, and they’ll especially target your attic if an old and damaged roof has entry points that allow pests into your home.
Roof Collapse
Old roofs are more prone to collapsing inward and causing a lot of home damage. An old roof that collapses could also be highly dangerous for occupants inside the home. As the materials on the old roof start to crack and wear, the roof becomes more likely to give way. If you want to keep your old roof from collapsing, getting a roof replacement is highly advised.
Gutter Overflow
Your old roof can even affect your gutter system, which could cause problems for other parts of your home. If material on your old roof is chipping away and ending up in your gutters, the debris could build up and clog your gutter system. Clogged gutters often overflow with water that can damage your home’s siding and foundation. Overflowing gutters can also damage landscaping and flood the basement.
Wasted Energy
Heating and air conditioning are already expensive enough, and you don't want to waste energy and money because of an old roof. Heat or air conditioning can escape your home through an old roof that has openings in it, leading to an overworked HVAC system. Wasting energy because of an old roof can increase your carbon footprint because openings in the roof can cause you to use more energy than you need.
Home Value Depreciation
A roof that is past its prime can have a negative impact on your home's value. If you want to sell your home, you'll have a more difficult time getting higher offers if your roof is old. Home appraisers are likelier to value homes with old roofs at lesser amounts as well. Your neighbors also might not be too happy with you if your old roof also affects their property values.
You can save yourself a lot of trouble and additional worries by getting your old roof replaced with a new one that may help add years to the life of your home. Here at P&G Roofing, we specialize in home roof replacements. Contact our professionals today to learn more.
