The Dangers of Ignoring Roof Damage

Even if you weren’t in the direct path of Hurricane Helene and Milton, chances are you’ve encountered your share of rough weather in 2024. From tornadoes and hurricanes to hailstorms and summer pop-up storms, severe weather can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home, especially the roof.

If you’ve identified that your roof has been damaged or compromised following a storm, it’s crucial to make sure it is repaired or replaced to help avoid further damage to your home. Even if your roof appears in decent condition, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection after a particularly rough patch of weather, as plenty of damage is only visible to the trained eye.

No one likes an unexpected home repair, but ignoring roof damage or allowing it to go unnoticed can bring a whole new set of problems to your home.

Water and Mold Damage

Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, which means it can infiltrate your attic and interior walls long before you even notice it. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, causing further damage. To make matters worse, replacing rotted wood and structural elements in your home can be both costly and time-consuming.

Damage to Your Possessions

Your house isn’t the only thing put at risk by ignoring roof damage; so are your belongings.

Items stored in the attic are the most at risk. Water and mold can quickly destroy family heirlooms and childhood photographs, while soft materials like clothing and linens are inviting for pests like rats and squirrels.

Pests

Water isn’t the only thing that can get in from a damaged roof; so can unwanted guests. Loose flashing, cracks in siding, missing shingles – rodents and insects will exploit any weakness they can find to get into your home. What might look like a small opening to us looks like a welcome mat to them. It’s best to seal up any potential entry points as soon as possible.

Safety Concerns

In addition to the visible cosmetic damage, a leaking roof poses several hidden dangers. Under the right conditions, mold and mildew can start forming on damp surfaces within just 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Over time, this moisture can also cause decay in your home’s structural components, compromising the safety of floors and stairs.

A leaking roof also increases the risk of electrical hazards. Water that reaches exposed wiring or seeps into a junction box can create short circuits, potentially leading to fires.

Increased Repair Costs

The longer you ignore roof damage, the more the cost to fix it will go up. What started out as a couple hundred-dollar fix can quickly turn into a renovation, reaching tens of thousands. And there’s no guarantee your homeowner insurance will cover the cost. Most policies have strict guidelines about negligence, and additional damage that may result isn’t covered.

Diminished Property Value

Roof issues discovered during a home inspection or walk-through can decrease the likelihood of getting your full asking price. Buyers may ask you to replace the roof before completing the sale or submit a lower offer.

Don’t Wait, Act Now

If you think a recent storm has damaged your roof, don’t ignore it. Acting quickly could be the difference between you and thousands in repairs. Reach out to a trusted roofer today to evaluate the condition of your roof.

At RAFTRx, our team of experienced roofing professionals knows what to look for in the aftermath of severe weather. We’ll give you a complete picture of your roof’s health and help you prioritize what needs to be addressed immediately and what you need to keep an eye on. Need help with your insurance company? We can help walk you through the claims process. Contact us today.