The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Small Roof Repairs

Some roof damage is too obvious to miss. If there’s a huge hole in your roof, for instance, you really have no choice but to get it fixed. However, there are cases of minor damage where it’s tempting to put the job off. If there’s a loose tile or two, a patch of moss or even a minor leak into the loft space, they’ll wait till later.

The problem with this approach is that minor damage can easily turn into major damage. Rain, wind and temperature swings can quickly work on those small issues, and you might end up facing a substantial repair bill.

This is certainly a case where the old proverb applies — a stitch in time saves nine.

The Effects of Water

The biggest problem with damage to your roof is that is can often allow water to get into your roofspace — and even further down into your home. This is likely to lead to one or more of several expensive issues:

• Mould and mildew — Damp conditions are perfect for mould or mildew to develop. These aren’t merely unsightly — their spores can pose severe risks to the health of the people living in the property, especially to anyone with respiratory problems. Once mould or mildew has taken hold, you’ll need to get a professional service in to eradicate it.
• Damage to materials — Because damp tends to go unnoticed until it’s taken hold, it can cause significant damage before you realise there’s a problem. This can involve stains on the walls or ceilings and damage to the underlay or insulation. Instead of replacing a few tiles or repairing flashing, you could be looking at replastering or completely replacing materials.
• Structural damage — Persistent damp can lead to timbers rotting, and you could end up with a roof that’s no longer viable. The timber joists, battens and roof decking could be weakened, and this might require a complete roof replacement, costing vastly more than the initial small repair.

Reduction of Energy Efficiency

Energy costs have been a major concern for homeowners for a number of years, but the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz has multiplied that many times over. Any reduction in the energy efficiency of your home can be a major cost.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what water seeping through roof damage can do. If the insulation material becomes damp, it will work less efficiently, meaning that more heat will escape through the roof. Relatively low-cost maintenance, on the other hand, can prevent your bills from soaring even higher than necessary.

Insurance Issues

In theory, these repairs might be covered by your building insurance — but ignoring maintenance could put that at risk. Your policy will include a requirement to keep up maintenance to a reasonable level.

If you need to have your roof repaired because you ignored minor damage, your insurer might refuse to pay out. You’d be left to foot the entire bill yourself.

Property Value

If you’re thinking of selling your property, you obviously want to get the best possible price. But defects in the roof could reduce your home’s market value.

The buyer will have a survey done, and defects in your roof would be the perfect reason to ask for a price reduction. Spending a few hundred pounds on small repairs could save you from losing thousands during a property transaction.

Have the Work Done by Professionals

Many jobs around the home can be done by a competent DIYer — but roofing repairs aren’t among them. From guaranteeing the quality of the work to safety requirements, you need a professional roofing firm to fix your roof.

Give Empire a call to discuss how we can save you money in the long run by providing that stitch in time.