When it comes to roof repairs that require immediate attention, leaks should rank at the top of the list. One of the worst things you can do as a homeowner is not to fix a roof leak right away. Granted, placing empty buckets under those leaky spots in the attic or other rooms upstairs is a simple quick fix. But, even if you experience roof leaks over a short winter or rainy season, they are not something you want to put off fixing. Roof leaks do not just magically go away. You have to fix them and the worst part is that leaks cause serious damage, which only gets worse with time.
Eventually, water damage can become more extensive and you end up paying for more roof repairs that could have been avoided had you dealt with the roof leak when it first occurred. With that in mind, this post will list the top dangers of having a leaky roof. Read on to learn why you need to act fast even when dealing with the tiniest of leaks.
1. Structural Roofing Damage
Stick-framed roofs are at the highest risk of developing serious structural damage when exposed to water. If water seeps through your wooden roof, it may run along the decking, trusses, rafters and joists. Wet wood rots and continues to weaken over time. This may lead to sagging of the ceiling. It may take a while before you notice such damage, but it is inevitable if there is a long-standing roof leak. A weak roof structure also puts your home are at risk of more problems during bad weather. The rafters might not be able to support a heavy load of snow or hold up to strong winds if they have been weakened by a leaking roof over the years.
2.Wall & Ceiling Damage
The damage that water can do on a roof is not just limited to structural elements. It can extend to your ceiling, drywalls and even the foundation. Affected ceiling paint may start to bubble, expand, discolor and peel off. Plaster, paint and wallpaper may suffer more or less the same fate if a roof leak continues to drip water along an adjoining wall. You can also expect some damage on ceiling mounted fans and lights. Walls made of particleboard and plywood run the risk of starting to warp and disintegrate due to water intrusion. Repairing such damage is not cheap but the good news is that you can avoid it. Just make sure not to call your roofer to fix leaks instead of waiting until things get so bad.
3.Fire & Shock Hazard
Strange as it may sound, roof leaks can start a fire. This is likely to happen if water from a leaking roof comes into contact with bare electrical wires. You may be wondering, “How does that even happen when electrical conduits have insulation?”Well, rodents can gnaw on the insulation covering electrical wires that run inside your walls. Any water gets to exposed wires or metal junction boxes can short out and send electricity through the insulation in your walls and attic. So, when you ignore a leak, it won’t just potentially lead to more expensive roof repairs. It can also trigger an electrical fire that might burn down the entire house.
Even if a roof leak does not trigger an electrical fire, water dripping along open wiring can become electrically-charged. Needless to say, anyone who touches such water is at risk of electrocution. If you such danger is present in your home, turn off power to the affected area. It is also advisable to have an electrician assess the problem.
4. Other Safety Risks
Leaking water does not have to reach exposed electrical wires to create a safety hazard. It poses the risk of falls because someone can slip over a floor that has been made wet by a leaking roof. A leak is one roofing problem that requires immediate fixing if you live in a home with seniors or even kids who love to run all over. The faster you have it fixed, the less likely falls will occur. In the process, you also avoid paying unnecessary hospital bills.
5.Health Problems from Mold & Mildew Outbreak
If left unattended for so long, a roof leak creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. These fungi need moist conditions to survive and that is what leaks provide. You may initially notice green patches of mold on soaked areas of the ceiling where it leaks. However, mold and mildew can spread into the HVAC system as well if left to thrive. Getting rid of such outbreaks is difficult and costly. More importantly, breathing in fungi is not good for your family’s health. You may end up paying more hospital bills to treat respiratory health problems such as asthma, nasal congestion and rhinitis caused by inhaling mold spores.
6. Insulation Damage
Holes or cracks in your roof allow water to reach your attic insulation. When your roof insulation soaks with water, this affects its R-value, causing more loss of hot or cold air. Soggy blown-in insulation also gives off an unpleasant damp odor. Eventually, you may have to replace it, which will be an added expense to your roofing maintenance bill.
7. High Utility Bills
Have you noticed any sharp increase in your electricity bill? Don’t be quick to blame your HVAC system. The culprit might be a leaking roof. Once saturated with water, your cellulose or fiberglass roof insulation takes a long time to dry out. Meanwhile, the home looses a lot of hot and cool air. If put off for a long time, chronic water intrusion will eventually deplete your roofing insulation. This leaves you stuck with an overworked HVAC system that will be using so much energy to cool and heat up your home.
Conclusion
From structural damage to safety hazards, a leaky roof can cause a lot of harm if ignored. Therefore, it is important to have roof leaks fixed as soon as you notice them. As a general rule of thumb, any roof requires inspection at least once a year or after a major storm. A professional roofer can spot potential problems and recommend roof repairs that will stop leaks from developing in the first place. Trusted roofing companies will also advice you on when to replace your roof.
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