If you notice any signs of damage to your roof, you should call a roofing contractor in Redmond promptly to schedule roof repairs . It’s also advisable to walk around the exterior of your home after a major storm to visually check for missing or damaged shingles. If you do notice anything that looks out of place, call a professional to do a roof inspection—don’t try to climb up there yourself.
Your energy bills will increase.
The same gaps in your roof that allow water to leak in will also allow for heat transfer. In the winter, your heated air inside the home will escape. In the summer, the hot air outside will make your air conditioner work harder. The result is higher utility bills all year-round—and a less eco-friendly house.
The damage will get worse.
At first, you may only notice some slight discoloration on your ceiling. As time passes, it will start to look more like a water stain. Later on, your ceiling might start leaking. Missing and damaged shingles, gaps between shingles, and other problems never go away by themselves. The longer you delay roof repairs, the worse the damage will get. Eventually, your home may show signs of water damage to the following:
- Decking underneath the roof shingles
- Insulation
- Attic
- Drywall
- Foundation
The more widespread and severe the damage gets, the more expensive the repairs will be when you finally do schedule them.
Water damage will allow mold growth.
Toxic mold is one of every homeowner’s nightmares. It can sicken your family and pets, and cause existing medical conditions to get worse, such as asthma and allergies. Mold spores can spread easily and multiply rapidly. Once your home is damaged by water, it’s susceptible to widespread mold infestations. You could even have toxic black mold behind the walls or under the wallpaper without realizing it.
Animals and pests can get into the roofing system.
Many homeowners think that animals could only penetrate the roofing system and the house if there are very large gaps. But actually, mice can climb through holes as small as a dime. Some pest experts say that mice could even get through a hole the size of a pencil eraser. And if the gaps in your roofing system are larger, you might even hear squirrels rustling around in your attic. The sooner you get your roof repaired, the better protected you’ll be from pests.