5 Hidden Dangers of Delaying a Roof Repair

Your roof shields your home from snow, wind, rain, and other harsh Ontarian elements. If that shield gets damaged, delaying roof repairs can cost you far more than you imagine. 

Roofs are built to last, but not forever. Whether your roof is aging and starting to get damaged or a rough storm compromised its integrity, acting quickly can keep your roof’s lifespan high and your costs low. 

What happens if you wait too long to replace a roof?

If your roof gets damaged and you wait to repair it for days, weeks, or months, that damage (and your roof repair cost) tends to multiply. That’s because the roof protects every element in your home, from wiring to drywall and more—when that barrier is compromised, the issues start to snowball into more serious ones that affect several areas in your home. 

At Sameday Roofing, we've seen firsthand the brutal consequences of putting off roof repairs, especially as we head into our stormiest season—winter. Read on to learn what can happen when you don’t nip minor issues in the bud, like facing major structural damage, mold infestations, and out-of-control energy bills.

Danger #1: Water Damage

Your roof’s main role is to keep elements out, so when that barrier is compromised, water easily leaks into your home. Even springing a small leak can lead to damage inside your walls and quickly cascade into a much larger problem, such as:

• Damaged attic insulation. If insulation gets wet, it loses its effectiveness in keeping a consistent warm or cool temperature within your home. That damaged barrier causes all sorts of issues, including energy inefficiency.
• Rotting wood and drywall. Constant exposure to water can rot wooden supports and drywall, compromising the integrity of your home’s structure and even leading to a full roof collapse.
• Damaged ceilings and walls. Water stains can cause paint and wallpaper to peel, stain, and crumble, comprising your home’s internal structures. 

Danger #2: Mold & Mildew

One of the most disgusting parts of water damage from a leaking roof is the mildew and mold that grows in your home. In the worst-case scenario, black mold can make your home unsafe to live in, but even moderate mold and mildew damage can cause issues, like:

• Allergies & respiratory issues. When we breathe in mold spores, it can make allergies and asthma worse or even cause serious respiratory infections or illness.
• Poor air quality. Mold releases harmful toxins that contaminate your air. Poor air quality can possibly lead to all sorts of risks and health hazards, and even air purifiers will have a hard time combatting an ongoing mold problem.

• A growing issue. Mold and mildew multiply and spread so quickly that even leaving it for even 48 hours can make it difficult to remove. Once it’s in, it’s incredibly hard to get mold out. 

Danger #3: Structural Damage

 When a roof gets damaged and repairs are ignored or delayed, your home’s internal structure is left vulnerable to the elements. Water damage and roof damage can cause big and small issues, like:

• Sagging ceilings. If your supports get damaged by water and begin to rot, your ceiling may begin to sag or collapse.
• Weakened walls. Water can cause Structural collapse within your walls, especially those on the top floor of your home closest to the damage.
• Foundation issues. In the worst cases, damage can make its way to your foundation, leading to major issues and costly repairs to get your home back in safe and secure working order. 

Danger #4: Pest Infestations

A damaged roof creates cracks and crevices that welcome pests into your home. You may see pests or evidence of pests, like droppings and damage, from rodents, insects, birds, raccoons, and more. 

Danger #5: Fire Hazards

A delayed roof repair can compromise your fire safety plan and lead to electrical hazards and other major issues. Most of these problems grow silently, like:

• Electrical hazards. Water leaking onto your electrical wiring spells trouble for everyone. If something short circuits, it can cause a home-destroying fire that threatens your entire family.
• Damaged chimneys. If your roof damage affects your chimney and you have a traditional fireplace, sparks and embers can escape if you build a fire, causing a house fire. 

Roof Repair FAQ

How long does a roof last before replacing?

Your roof lifespan depends on so many factors it’s impossible to determine exactly how long it will last, but most homes with well-installed, high-quality shingle roofs will last around 25 years before they need replacing. In the meantime, you may need to perform repairs if severe weather causes undue pressure and damage. 

How long can a roof be exposed?

Ideally, your roof never leaves your home exposed to elements, but we generally can’t perform repairs ASAP. Prepare a tarp or cover over the damaged area as you await a professional repair team to come and fix the issue. 

That said, roofing materials have improved dramatically over the last few decades, and many underlayments can withstand exposure for up to 6 months. Still, it’s a risk you shouldn’t take if your roof is compromised and you’re unsure of the extend of the damage.  

How do I know if my roof is unsafe?

There are often signs when your roof is unsafe, like missing shingles, exterior damage, water stains within your home, sagging ceilings, shingle granules in your gutters, increased energy bills, and more. 

Sometimes, roof damage is “silent,” which is why it’s so important to get your roof inspected regularly. Have a professional come assess your roof at least once a year so you can catch damage early and invest in roof repair before it grows into an issue. If you’re looking for cheap roof repair in Hamilton, our expert team is ready to help. 

SameDay Roofing: Roof Repair Near Me

Maintain your roof and, when damage happens, repair it quickly so a small problem doesn’t turn into a major disaster. 

Looking for roof repairs near me? Our team of roofing experts in Hamilton, Ontario, is ready to chat and get started on a free roof estimate - call (905) 902-7663 today.