Is Your Old Asphalt Shingle Roof Costing You Big Bucks?

Roofing replacements are often expensive. For many homeowners, a new roof will be the most substantial single investment they ever make in their homes. The high cost means that people often choose to put off replacement for as long as possible. Unfortunately, leaving your old roof in place may cost you more money over the long term.

If your roof is aging, then you often have several clear indications that it may be time to cut the cord. More importantly, these signs likely indicate that you are wasting money on a roof that you will soon need to replace anyway. Watch out for these four symptoms of a roof that's draining your wallet dry.

Frequent repairs are often the most significant indicator of a roof that has outlived its useful lifespan. Roof repairs are common following severe storms, but shingles, gutters, and flashing should all hold up well to typical weather conditions. When you find that you routinely inspect, patch, and repair sections of your room, this a good sign of trouble.

Over time, everything from the sun's UV rays to trapped moisture will take their toll on your roofing shingles. Exposure to the elements will rust out roofing nails, crack shingles, and cause your roofing adhesive to fail. As time wears on, shingles will loosen and fall off in even slight winds. With repairs averaging over $300, these small failures can add up quickly

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against water. Throughout the year, your roofing shingles defend the interior of your house against driving rain and melting snow. As your roof ages and wears out, its ability to protect your home from damage diminishes.

Failed shingles will initially allow water to damage your roof decking, but water always finds a way to cause more trouble. An old, leaking roof will eventually allow water to infiltrate into your attic, along exterior walls, and onto your home's ceilings. Water damage of any kind is expensive to repair, and mold growth due to moisture can further complicate the situation.

Did you know that newer roofs can be drastically more energy-efficient than old ones? Even with a well-insulated attic, your home still absorbs a significant amount of heat through its roof. Older asphalt roofs tend to use dark tiles that are highly effective at transferring the sun's energy into your home. The more heat that your roof picks up, the harder your air conditioning system has to work.

On the other hand, modern roofing offers many alternatives to help keep your home comfortable. Even if you choose to stay with asphalt shingles, lighter colors and cool roof coatings are effective ways to control your utility costs. These efficient and sustainable options can help to stop your old roof's energy inefficiencies from bleeding your wallet dry.

4. You've Got a Pest Control Problem

Residential roofing defends your home against sun, wind, and water. These are tough jobs that require careful engineering, but it also acts as a simple physical barrier. Like every other part of your home's envelope, your roof helps to keep unwanted critters out. Failed shingles can eventually lead to rotted-out sections of roof decking, which act as perfect entry points for uninvited guests.

Unfortunately, attic pests are more than just an annoyance. Critters that continually enter your home can damage wiring, ruin insulation, and pose a health hazard to your family. And since pest control isn't cheap, these little invaders will eventually start to nibble on your wallet.

Living with old roofing can be a costly decision. If your roof looks too tired to go on, then it may be time to consider a replacement. When you're ready to take the plunge, Ratliff Enterprises, Inc., will be here to help. Call us today.