What’s the Long-Term Cost of Roof Damage?

Asphalt shingle roofs, the most popular in the U.S., have an average lifespan of 20 years. However, the most durable ones, like clay, concrete, and slate, can last 100+ years.

Those estimates only apply to correctly installed, well-maintained systems. Proper maintenance involves prompt repairs of minor flaws or sudden roof damage.

So to make your roof last as long as possible, you must address issues immediately. Otherwise, you’ll face higher costs in the long run.

This guide outlines those potential long-term costs, so read on.

Thousands in Mold Remediation

The longer you delay necessary roof repair, the worse the issue can get due to factors like UV exposure. For instance, UV can cause further degradation and cracks on the roof. Then, water from rain, snow, and melting ice can seep into those cracks, causing interior leaks.

Roof leaks contribute to higher indoor humidity and leave moist spots on ceilings. Both promote mold growth, which can occur 24 to 48 hours after a mold spore lands on a damp surface.

Mold inside your home is unsightly and can contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Exposure to poor IAQ can trigger symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation. It could also aggravate asthma or allergies and cause dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.

DIY mold remediation is possible if the moldy patch is under 10 square feet. You can use vinegar or bleach to remove molds from non-porous surfaces.

For larger mold colonies in the attic, you need to call the pros, which can cost $1,000 to $4,000 in service costs.

Thousands in Structural Damage

Over time, water from a roof leak promotes rotting in wooden structural components. These include beams, ceilings, and wall panels.

Molds, which may also be due to roof leaks, can also eat away at those parts. Likewise, termites can get attracted to rotting wood.

All those factors can lead to those structures weakening. It can cost thousands to fix or replace them. They may even collapse and cause severe and costly injuries.

Thousands in Premature Roof Replacement

The longer you ignore roof damage, the worse the problem gets, and the closer your roof is to failing. When it does, you have no choice but to replace it with a new roof. Roof replacement or re-roofing costs an average of $8,600.

That’s enough reason never to delay getting your roof fixed as soon as you notice damages like leaks. Repairing such issues may only cost you a few hundred dollars.

Besides, according to HP Roofing, you can get a thorough roof inspection for free. So take advantage of such an offer to spot other hidden roof problems you may have missed.

Never Delay Addressing Roof Damage

As you can see, unaddressed roof damage can cost thousands of dollars in the long term. That’s a complete waste of money since it’s a preventable expense.

So as soon as your roof shows signs of disrepair, have it inspected and fixed pronto. This is especially crucial if you’re getting your roof fitted with solar panels.

Speaking of solar panels, we wrote about them in a previous post. Find and read it now by heading to our blog’s home improvement category!