Ideally, everyone wants their roofs to last forever with no problems. That’s the dream scenario for pretty much anyone living within a home. In an attempt to achieve this, many homeowners will splurge on what they feel are the most durable solutions. While there are roofing solutions that can certainly last for decades on end, in a lot of cases, budgeting is an issue.
Unlike their pricier counterparts, such as slate or metal, the resistance of asphalt shingles to the elements isn’t rock solid. Depending on the product and the manufacturer, the lifespan of asphalt shingles only goes between 20 and 40 years. Warranties go up to 25 years at most, and can be as little as 15 years.
However, at the end of the day, there’s one thing all roofing materials have in common. None of them are made to withstand a leak.
Why Is Addressing a Roof Leak So Crucial?
Many are under the misconception that a “small” or “little” leak can be ignored. For most, it’s usually a case of thinking it can wait until it’s really a major issue at hand. In truth, the longer one waits to address a roof leak, the more expensive repairs will be.
Read on to learn more about why you should not ignore a leaking roof under any circumstances:
1. The Longer a Roof Is Left to Leak, the More Expensive Repairs Will Be
Let’s be very clear here: a roof leak will not resolve itself. Sitting water can lead to full-on disasters if not tended to soon enough. The smallest of leaks can bring a deck, ceiling, or even insulation many problems. As previously mentioned, the longer a leak is not addressed, the more damage it does. The worst-case scenario is that the roof might need to be replaced altogether. It won’t just be the roof, either; interior damage may also be imminent. That can get very expensive altogether very fast.
2. The Longer a Roof Is Left to Leak, the More Likely Mold Growth Will Be
So many people are able to easily write off a minor leak if water stains aren’t a major worry point for them. If soaking were the only problem, it wouldn’t be so bad, right? In truth, standing or sitting water can turn into prime mold growth areas. The aftermath of that will be highly pricey bills and a clean-up situation that’s nothing short of massive.
This is dangerous since mold can lead to illness, especially for people who have allergies and/or asthma.
3. The Longer a Roof Is Left to Leak, the Shorter Its Life Gets
The lifespan of a roof is directly affected by how it is maintained. Even the smallest leaks should be addressed right away in order to keep a roof’s lifespan intact. The entire roof system’s integrity will be compromised if minor issues like leaks don’t get proper attention.
Conclusion
Some roof systems are generally more durable than others against the elements. No matter what material is in use, a roof leak should not be ignored. The longer a roof is left to leak, its lifespan shortens, it’s more likely to bring mold, and the repairs will be more expensive.
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