4 Reasons To Repair Roof Leaks Right Away

23 September 2014

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If a simple rain shower leaves you scrambling for a mop, it may be time to call a roofer instead of spending time strategically arranging buckets to catch the drips. While the high cost of major roof leak repair may leave you putting off calling the pros, waiting to repair a leak could end up costing you much more in the long run. Still not convinced? Check out these four reasons why it's almost always better to repair roof leaks as soon as you spot them.

1. Save Your Roof -- When water gets past the top layer of your roof, it gains access to the structural sheathing located below roof shingles, shakes or tiles. This sheathing or decking is generally made of plywood, and every time it gets wet, the potential for greater roof damage goes up. Fixing a leak immediately helps preserve the integrity of your roof, extending its life and putting off a full roof replacement until a later date. Failing to act allows roof sheathing to rot over time, which compromises the effectiveness of your entire roof.
2. Prevent Structural Damage -- Water that makes it past the roof infiltrates the structure of your home. It may pass through wall and ceiling framing, leading to rot and decay. Water from a roof leak can also pool above a drywall ceiling, which can eventually cause the ceiling to collapse, resulting in an expensive and time-consuming cleanup. A leaky roof may damage insulation in the attic or walls of your home as well, reducing its effectiveness. Addressing a leak early helps prevent rot and other interior damage, reducing the odds of expensive repairs in the future.
3. Minimize Mold and Mildew -- Excess moisture in the home contributes to mold and mildew growth,, which can contribute to allergies, asthma and other health effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Even small roof leaks allow unwanted moisture to enter your home, raising humidity levels and providing the perfect atmosphere for mold and mildew to thrive. Eliminating leaks helps to keep moisture at bay, reducing the risk of mold or mildew. 
4. Save Money -- If you catch a roof leak early and have it repaired while your roof is still in good condition, the cost of repair is often surprisingly low. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety estimates that fixing a leak on a roof that's structurally sound costs only a few hundred dollars. Wait until your roof is in bad shape and you may have to pay much more. 

While it's easy to put off roof repairs and put up with small leaks, finding the room in your budget to repair a leak not only helps protect your property, but also allows you to manage your home repair costs and avoid expensive surprises down the road.

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