What Happens if You Don’t Renovate Your Roof?

It’s no secret that renovating your home is a timely and expensive project to take on. Regardless of where the renovation is happening, as well as the size of the job itself, renovating is something that will take a concentrated effort, dedication and some excess cash.

In certain situations, you may be looking to save money and avoid a renovation altogether. But as experienced homeowners know, it is better to nip all obvious problems in the bud as soon as you’ve noticed them. Especially when it comes to the roof of your home, there are many serious problems that can arise if you don’t renovate minor or serious problems in your roof's structure.

So, if you’re in a similar situation, we’re here to help. Read on for all of the common and potential problems that may occur if you have issues with but decide not to renovate your roof.

Problems That Could Arise if You Don’t Renovate Your Roof

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Safety

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a contractor to tell you that any issues with your roof could be a serious safety point in question. For the responsibility of family members, friends and loved ones, it is extremely important to renovate your roof if you notice any of the above issues. Trapped dampness, dry rot as well as damage will affect the structural integrity. A roof replacement or refurbishment will offer a level of safety that both yourself and those around you will surely appreciate. 

Energy Efficiency

A home with a poor roof, or one that is deteriorating, will greatly affect the insulation. A poorly insulated roof will let heat escape in the winter and cool air out in the summer. Not only will this hike up home-energy costs, but an energy-efficient home will attract buyers if you do plan on selling.

Homeowner's Insurance

Whether you believe it or not, your roof is the single largest factor affecting your homeowner's insurance policy. A new roof can save you an ample amount when it comes to your homeowner's insurance, cutting premiums between 10 to 20 percent. For homeowners in areas with particularly bad weather, including hurricanes or tornadoes, specific types of weatherproofing can offer significant discounts.

So, if you’ve been considering an upgrade to comply with the weather in your area, then keep all of the renovation details in writing and consult your insurance company. Further, while the majority of home policies cover roofs, some companies will not comply with an older or significantly deteriorating roof. Just think, the newer your roof is, the more the insurance will cover.

Resale Value

Having a roof that is structurally sound is a definite plus if you’re looking to sell your home. Where a new roof won’t necessarily add any monetary value, it does make a home more sellable, in that the new homeowners will not have to consider spending money on renovating and installing a new roof. Further, it will affect the curb appeal of your home overall and could make the difference between a high selling price and a low one.

Signs it Might Be Time to Renovate Your Roof

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Having a structurally sound roof is fairly crucial to keeping the inside of your home comfortable, warm and dry. Of course, your roof is exposed to the various elements of the great outdoors, including rain, hail, sun and snow. For this reason, the longevity of your roof likely won’t extend beyond 20 years. But, this also comes down to the roofing material.

Although the lifespan of your roof can be between 5 to 40 years, and everything might look good from the ground, that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t an internal or external problem. If you live in an area where the homes are similar, and you have noticed your neighbours beginning to renovate their roofing, this could be a surefire sign that you’re in need of a new roof.

Roof Shingles: Signs of Wear

Curling

If your roofing incorporates shingles, and you notice them curling, then this could be a telltale sign that you need to renovate. Shingles can show signs of curling in two different ways. Cupping is when your shingles turn upwards at the edges, and clawing is when the edges stay in place but the middle begins coming up. If you notice either of these signs, it is pretty apparent that you need to consider your next steps. Curling is usually a sign that leakage spots are forming and close to fruition and depending on the extent of the curling, this could happen sooner than later.

Cracking

Cracking or missing shingles are another definite sign that you might need to put some work into renewing your roof structure. One or two shingles can easily be replaced, but it isn’t always possible to guarantee that the colours of the shingles will match. However, if the cracking or missing shingles are not isolated to one section of your roof, and are dispersed throughout, this is a sign of a much larger issue at work. Cracking in various parts will need to be addressed, and it is likely the entire roof will need to be replaced.

Other Forms of Roof Wear to Watch Out For

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Moss or algae growth

It isn’t necessarily a reason to freak out and redo your entire roof. This is more so a cosmetic issue. Though you may choose to replace your roof because you don’t like the look of things. However, it is suggested that you don’t take this matter into your own hands, as scrubbing or power washing this material from your roof will work to deteriorate and chip at the material.

Sagging

If your roof is sagging, well, you don’t need to be an expert to recognize that this points to a more serious issue, specifically a structural issue. In the worst case, this could also be a sign of a foundational issue. This doesn’t necessarily mean you and your family are in immediate danger. But if this problem isn’t initially dealt with it could worsen.