Roofing damage can appear suddenly, and there may not be enough money in savings to handle it right away. However, it's never a good idea to hold off on it. The longer a homeowner waits to have their roof repaired, the more expensive it's going to be to have it fixed. There are a number of reasons why the cost can increase significantly, and it may not take as long as most homeowners think.

The Cost Can Increase

The cost to repair a damaged roof depends on the extent of the damage. Damage can grow over time, so what starts as a few shingles that are damaged can then be shingles and subroofing that have issues. The more time passes, the larger the damage will be and the more expensive it will be to fix the roof. If the subroofing needs to be repaired, it's going to mean removing several shingles to do the repair and then installing new shingles. If it's just the shingles, then that's all that needs to be fixed, and it's going to be done much faster and cost a lot less.

Could Lead to Other Damage

Damage doesn't just end at the roof. If the repair isn't done promptly, it could lead to other types of damage, too. The sunroof or the framing for the roof could end up damaged, especially if it rains before the roof is fixed. Areas underneath the damage could end up being damaged, too, and may need to be repaired or replaced. Roofing damage also makes it easier for pests to get into the roof, and they can cause a significant amount of damage to the roof and attic. Plus, they can be dangerous and can impact the health of everyone in the home.

May Need to Fix Water Damage

If homeowners ignore the roofing damage or put off repairs, they may start to see stains on the ceiling. These stains indicate that water is getting into the home and causing damage, and it will mean that the homeowners will have to call in professionals for water and mold remediation. Mold can cause damage to the home and pose a serious health risk, so it will need to be taken care of professionally. It is possible to temporarily cover the roof to protect against the rain, but this isn't always successful and can still allow some water to get through the roof, so it's typically better to have the roof repaired quickly.

May Turn into a Replacement

If the damage is left long enough, a repair may not be possible anymore. At some point, it may become necessary to completely replace the roof because of the extent of the damage. This is going to be far more expensive than a repair would have been, and insurance companies typically won't cover the cost of replacement if it's caused by neglect.

If you've noticed any damage to the roof of your home or you suspect something could be damaged, it's important to call in the professionals right away. They'll take a look to determine the full extent of the damage and the repairs that are needed, then provide an estimate. It is best to have the repairs done quickly to avoid the cost getting out of control or needing to install a new roof. Talk to the pros now to learn more.