Summary:
- An aging roof can develop rotting shingles, pest infestations, fire hazards, leaks, and exposed wiring. Weakened materials also provide less protection from weather, increasing the risk of collapse during severe storms.
- Older roofs often lose energy efficiency as insulation breaks down. This can make heading or cooling more expensive.
- If your roof is past its lifespan, home insurance may refuse to cover damages or argue that you should have expected breakdowns. Keeping up with preventive maintenance can help, but eventually, all roofs do need to be replaced.
- Roof Maxx treatments are an affordable way to restore flexibility and waterproofing in asphalt shingles. This eco-friendly option can buy you time to save for a full replacement.
Do you have an aging roof that requires replacement? You could finance a new roof installation or save money by attempting a do-it-yourself roof replacement. Whichever route you take, getting rid of the old roof should be a priority, as delaying the job may result in additional costs later.
Check out some of the dangers of having an old roof for too long.
7 Risks That Come With an Old Roof
1. Shingle Problems
Old roof shingles experience a lot of wear and tear over time. They can absorb too much moisture, eventually making them rot and grow mold or algae. Exposure to strong winds over the years can also weaken the shingles until they get blown off the roof.
Shingles protect the roof’s structural components from the elements. If they’re damaged or missing, your roof would be at more risk from water damage.
2. Less Weather Protection
Your roof protects your property from the elements. However, roofing deteriorates over time, compromising your protection. For example, if the roof’s construction becomes weak, it may collapse during severe storms and blizzards. Your home would be at risk of leaks or perhaps debris entering through the old roof.
3. Higher Chances of Pest Infestations
The roof’s shingles and structural parts can become brittle with age, making it easier for pests like rodents and cockroaches to make their way through and enter the attic. Once they start nesting up there, their population could easily grow undisturbed until they spread throughout your home. Their bodies and droppings carry all kinds of germs that could cause various health risks like leptospirosis, typhoid fever, and cholera.
4. They Could Create Fire Hazards
Since an old roof is more susceptible to leaks, it could also cause fires at home. Your home’s wiring, outlets, and other electrical components could get exposed to water from a roof leak. If they get wet, they could short circuit and start sparking flames.
5. Reduced Energy Efficiency
Besides protecting your home from the weather, your roof can also insulate your home if you install insulation on it. It’ll help the house stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, saving you money on heating and cooling bills.
However, the insulation can also get damaged when the old roof starts deteriorating because of damaged or missing shingles and general exposure to the elements. It could trap moisture and clump together, becoming unable to insulate your home as effectively. You might also start noticing your energy bills increasing because your HVAC system now has to work harder.
6. No More Warranty Coverage
When the old roof is past its expected lifespan, it’s likely past its manufacturer’s warranty, too. At this point, you’d then have to shoulder the costs of any future repairs yourself. You could even face extra costs for getting repairs done that aren’t covered by the roofing warranty.
7. Insurance Might Not Cover You Either
Home insurance providers can typically cover roof repairs caused by weather or any accidental damage that isn’t your fault. However, if the roof is too old and past its warranty, they might not accept your insurance claim. They could argue that since the roof is past its life expectancy, you should already expect it to break down sooner or later.
Ways to Deal With Your Old Roof
Replace the Roof
Having a roof replacement would indeed solve your old roof’s problems, but it’ll cost you a considerable amount of money. The average cost of replacing a roof in the US is $8,000, though it can go much higher than that, depending on where you live and how big your roof is. In any case, it’s a significant investment for any homeowner. So you’ll need to make sure you can afford the project or have a way to finance it.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance and Repairs
Keeping your old roof in good condition helps prevent more extensive and costly damage. You could have routine maintenance work done on your roof, whether it’s DIY or with a professional roofer. It’ll help spot and address roof issues before they get worse.
One of the ways you could extend the life of your old roof shingles is with Roof Maxx treatments. The natural oil technology helps restore their flexibility and waterproofing properties and can add up to five years to the roof’s life per application. This can help you buy more time until you’ve saved enough for a new roof.
Get Your Old Roof Taken Care of Today
Roof Maxx is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way of extending your roof’s life. Interested in having this organic technology applied to your home’s roofing? You can send us a message anytime to request a free quote or call us at 1-855-RoofMaxx for more details about how our treatments work.
