Tennessee is no stranger to severe weather. The state often sees tornadoes, hailstorms, and high winds that leave homes battered and crumbling. This also leaves homeowners with tough decisions: Should they repair or replace their roofs?
Severe storm damage may necessitate a roof replacement. Unfortunately, many homeowners tend to delay this process for various reasons. The problem with delaying a roof replacement is that it will likely lead to bigger issues, which will cost even more money to fix.
Structural Risks
If your roof has been badly damaged after a severe storm, and you delay the replacement, it will compromise the structural integrity of your house. Roofs play a massive role in protecting the entire structure. So, when your roof is damaged, it can no longer provide optimal protection.
You are likely to experience:
- Water damage. If your roof has holes or cracks, it cannot resist rainwater. The water will infiltrate your home, seeping into walls, ceilings, and floors. This will cause wood rot mold growth, and further weaken your house’s framework.
When the weather turns humid, water damage will quickly get worse. It will also make a complete structural failure more likely.
- Roof collapse. If the damage to your roof is extensive and you do not have the roof replaced, what is left of it will collapse. This is especially likely if more rain or snow storms happen. Even if there is no more bad weather, your roof could collapse because it can no longer support its weight.
Financial Consequences
Replacing a roof is not cheap, especially in an upmarket house. But, if you delay a roof replacement, you will likely double your expenses.
For example, minor issues like missing shingles or small leaks can quickly worsen. Your roof insulation may become damaged. Rot may spread throughout the roof and down the walls. You may also notice electrical damage because of water intrusion.
Where you would have spent a specific amount of money on a roof replacement, you will now have to replace the roof and repair all the other damage.
Insurance Problems
If you have a homeowners insurance policy, you may have storm damage cover. However, if you delay getting quotes for a roof replacement, your insurer may deny your claim. This is because delaying the replacement could be seen as negligence.
If your claim is denied, you must pay for everything out of pocket. If you cannot afford to pay, you and your family are at risk of harm because of an unstable roof and other damages.
Decreased Property Value
A damaged roof instantly decreases the value of your home. If you try to sell your house without having the roof fixed, you will likely get zero offers or very low ones.
A buyer will usually not invest in a property that requires major repairs unless the price is drastically reduced. This means more losses for you, which could have been avoided with a timely roof replacement.
Health Hazards
Even if you do not want to sell your home, you and your family may eventually be driven out because of health risks. Water intrusion leads to mold and mildew. This may grow in your attic, on your walls, and across your ceilings.
If you leave mold and mildew to grow, it can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues for you and your family.
There is also a high risk of pest infestation. Cracks and holes in the roof provide easy access for birds, rodents, and insects. Not only can these critters carry disease, but they can also damage your roof and insulation further.
Compromised Energy Efficiency
When your roof is damaged, it reduces your home’s energy efficiency. This is because the air escapes and moisture enters. Your HVAC system will have to work harder, costing you more money.
Combine this with Tennessee’s hot and cold extremes, and you have excessive energy costs that will quickly add up. If you replace your roof, you create a new protective barrier with adequate insulation, lowering energy bills.
Other Considerations
Other factors to consider include damage to the environment. When you eventually have your roof replaced, the damaged material will likely end up in the nearest landfill. This contributes to unhealthy waste in already-full landfills.
You can eliminate this by working with a professional roofing contractor that minimizes waste and offers environmentally friendly roofing materials for a replacement.
Moreover, you must know a storm-damaged roof’s legal and insurance implications. If you delay your roof replacement too long, you may violate building codes. This is because extensive damage eventually means your roof and house are non-compliant with local building standards.
What to Do If Your Roof Is Damaged in a Storm
It is important to act immediately if your roof is damaged after a storm. Do a visual inspection from the ground, looking for missing shingles or sagging sections. Do not get on the roof yourself. Hire a professional roofer to inspect the roof for more damage.
Document the damage by asking the roofer to take photos and videos. You can also take photos of interior damage.
Let your insurer know about the damage so you can get the claims process going. Working with a roofing contractor who knows how insurance claims work is crucial to getting the right documentation and reports together.
A reputable roofing contractor will replace your roof in the provided timespan, preventing more damage. Ask your contractor about more durable materials to help protect against future storms.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
DIY repairs are never a good idea for a storm-damaged roof. Roofing contractors have the experience and expertise to find and fix hidden damage. They know how to comply with local building codes and can help you navigate insurance claims.
If you try and fix things on your own, you will likely make it worse and cost yourself more money.
You can have your roof replaced quickly by taking action immediately after a storm and hiring a professional. You will also have the assurance that your new roof comes with a new warranty and that your home and family are protected.
