The Risks Of Delaying Roof Replacement

The roof is one of the most crucial parts of a home’s thermal envelope. The longer you wait to repair or replace an outdated roof, the higher the risk is to your home.

5 Reasons Delaying Roof Replacement Is A Bad Idea

In addition to protecting your home from the elements, particularly rain and moisture infiltration, the roof is also important for:

• Reducing solar heat gain.
• Facilitating whole-home ventilation.
• Partnering with the attic space to insulate the home.
• Protecting your home from unwanted airflow into/out of the home via air sealing.
• Helping to regulate interior humidity levels to prevent moisture control issues as well as mold/mildew infiltration.

The longer you wait to replace a compromised roof, the higher the risks to whole home comfort and indoor air quality. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are five reasons it’s always best to replace a roof sooner rather than later.

It compromises your home’s structural integrity

A roof that can no longer do its job allows water and moisture into the home. Even the smallest amount of water can create damp corners or pockets in the interior structure of your walls and floors. Over time, in addition to structural rot (which is very expensive to repair), this leads to staining, softening of the drywall, peeling and bubbling of paint, and mold/mildew growth.

Increased energy spending (and decreased energy efficiency)

An old and irreparable roof cannot do its job when it comes to mitigating solar heat gain or keeping warm air inside the home during the colder months. Your replacement-worthy roof also puts your insulation at risk, which means it can’t do its job as well either. 

The result of delaying roof replacement is increased energy spending (and energy inefficiency) due to increased HVAC use as your heating/cooling system works increasingly harder to maintain the thermostat setting. The moisture control issues mentioned above make warm temperatures feel warmer and cold temperatures feel colder, placing further strain on your forced air system. 

Rising heating/cooling bills, fluctuating interior temperatures, and unstable humidity levels are all signs it may be time to replace your roof.

You may be violating your homeowner’s insurance agreement

When you purchased your home, odds are you needed a four-point inspection from a licensed home inspector OR a roof inspection report from a local roofing contractor before you could get an insurance quote. This is because insurance companies spend the most money on claims pertaining to four major home systems: roof, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. They expect these systems to be maintained by licensed contractors, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Insurance companies also expect that you will let them know immediately if there is any sign of a leak or structural weakness/issue. The longer you wait to replace an outdated roof, the less money your insurance carrier will pay if the roof caves in or experiences a major leak. We’ve even seen cases where insurance refused to pay out – or cancel the policy altogether – because lack of routine maintenance/repair was a direct violation of the original insurance agreement.

Delaying roof replacement compromises home value

First and foremost, an outdated roof in need of replacement is evident from the streets. So, at the outset, you’re already sacrificing curb appeal Your future homebuyer must have that same 4-point inspection done on your home before they can insure it. Your outdated roof is a major red flag, and many homes with shabby roofs have many other shabby and poorly maintained home systems that must be addressed. 

That compromises your home’s marketable value and may lead to a scenario where prospective buyers either pass on your home and purchase one in better condition OR you’ll miss out on the highest price possible because you’ll need to replace the roof or provide comparable seller credits to seal the real estate deal.

It only gets more expensive the longer you wait

The cost of building materials and labor increases every year. Due to supply chain issues these past few years, roofing materials have been more expensive than ever, and that is expected to stay the same. Minimum and labor wages are also on the rise, and that all adds up to annual increases in roof replacement costs. The longer you wait, the more expensive the job becomes. 

While roof replacements are expensive, several ways exist to make replacing a roof more affordable. 

• Many roofing contractors offer financing options, breaking the total cost into very affordable monthly payments. 
• The decrease in energy spending and increased HVAC efficiency will help recoup the initial expense over the roof’s lifetime and in resale value.
• California’s Go Green Loan program may help to make the roof replacement possible for you.
• Speak to your tax professional, as certain energy-efficient materials and upgrades may earn you a tax credit from the state or the federal government.

Contact Central Bay Roofing For Honest, Accurate Roofing Quotes

For almost 50 years, the team at Central Bay Roofing has provided honest and reliable roof repair and replacement for Bay Area homeowners. 

This level of longevity in one of the nation’s most competitive markets is proof of our dedication to providing affordable and high-quality workmanship and customer service. Contact us, (510) 521-7334, to get a clear idea of your roof’s status and a free repair or replacement estimate.