Fall is in the air, which means the holidays are just around the corner. If you plan to string up lights around the exterior of your home, it’s important to check the state of your roof before getting started. Safety is obviously the main concern, along with the structural integrity of your house. Before you start decorating for the holidays, here are four reasons to fix your roof first.
1. Your Damaged Roof May Be Unsafe to Work On
Roof damage isn’t always visible to the naked eye. Most roofing damage is accumulated slowly over time as the materials break down from exposure to different weather conditions. Even the tiniest cracks and pinholes can introduce water, grow mold, and weaken the overall structure. Also, loose shingles and tiles aren’t always apparent if they’re still in their original position. If your roof is in such a state, you might severely injure yourself by resting your hand or foot in the wrong spot while working on your lights.
2. Prevents Unnecessary Stress to Your Roof
A damaged roof will also have weak spots. Most people keep their lights up all season long, which means your roof will be burdened with constant stress. Even if your decorations are light and sparse, any amount of extra weight will put more pressure on the weak areas and increase wear and tear on your roof. Fixing these weak spots before any decorating takes place assures you that your roof is reinforced against additional stress.
3. Minimizes Risk of Electrical Fires
Every year, hundreds of families experience a house fire due to their holiday lights. Often, electrical fires are caused by water damage from a leaky roof. Hanging up lights also puts an additional load on your system as you connect multiple strings of lights and extension cords together. Considering the prevalence of winter storms, this can make the holidays an especially precarious time. When conditions are perfect, the risk of your lights causing a fire is relatively low. To minimize this risk as much as possible, it’s best to make sure your roof is functional by fixing any existing issues.
4. Saves Money in the Long Run
In the end, it comes down to simple math. Big repairs are usually more expensive than small repairs, and repairing your roof can be one of the most costly aspects of home ownership. By focusing on the small repairs first, you can avoid having to pay for the big repairs later on.
Schedule an Inspection
Most homeowners lack the skills, training, or equipment to safely repair their own roofs. This is why a professional inspection is best way to prepare your roof for the holidays.
For expert advice, repairs, and other roofing services, contact our friendly team at Heyn Brothers Roofing in Rochester, MN.
