You probably don’t often stop to think about your roof and all of the things it does for you. You may not even consider having a roof inspection until you notice something is wrong. If you take a moment to consider how day-in and day-out, your home’s roof protects you, your loved ones, and all of your belongings from the elements you might start to understand how bad it could be if it isn’t doing exactly what it should be. Even a little problem with your roof could lead to a long list of problems that could end up costing you a lot of money or put your safety and health at risk. Getting a roof inspection now could help you prevent unforeseen problems in the future.
7 Unexpected Dangers of a Leaky Roof
Get a free roof inspection to avoid finding out you have a leaky roof after it’s too late.
Water damage is serious business. Be on the lookout for roofing leaks before they ruin your home and safety.
There are many different household problems that can be procrastinated. However, a roof leak repair should take the highest priority on your list of home maintenance issues. Roofing leaks can develop for a variety of reasons: improper roof installation, wind or storm damage, and lack of maintenance. Keep in mind that most roofs are only meant to last 20 to 30 years so it could simply be time to replace your roof.
So why is even a small roof leak so critical for your entire household? Most homeowners think a leaky roof is just a structural problem, but it can actually pose many more safety and even health risks. Constant water intrusion will eventually work down from the attic area to the very foundation of the house, causing plenty of costly damage on the way. Here are some of the less-obvious ways a roof leak can damage your home.
1. Attic and ceiling damage
The initial dangers of a roof leak are damage to the attic area and items stored there. If there is no attic, or the size of the leak is really big, it will damage the interior ceiling. Affected ceiling paint will darken and ceiling plaster may bubble and expand. The leaking water also will damage paint and plaster on nearby walls. You can also expect damage on ceiling-mounted lights and fans.
2. Interior mold and mildew issues
In the longer term, one of the most serious consequences of a leaking roof is mold and mildew growth. Mold can spread throughout the home’s structure, to the HVAC system and then to the rest of the house through the vents where it can invade carpets, furniture and even clothing.
Black mold is the most common type resulting from chronic water intrusion. Toxic black mold growth is rare, but even non-toxic black mold attacks wood framing, ceiling tiles, and wall and floor coverings. Mold is difficult to get rid of, and it is rather costly.
3. Health concerns from mold
Mold and mildew can lead to serious health issues, especially for those with high sensitivity, including nasal congestion, rhinitis, inflammations and asthma, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mold spores continue to be produced once it’s present and will lead to allergic reactions, asthmatic symptoms, and more serious health problems.
4. Fire hazard from water damage
If your electrical wiring is present in an attic or ceiling, a leaky roof could pose a fire threat from shorted wires. It is highly recommended to turn off electricity to the area that’s affected and have an electrician examine it.
Don’t Delay, get a roof inspection today!
With all of the possible dangers it is always best to play it safe and have your roof inspected before anything bad happens and at Interstate Roofing, we offer free roof inspections so you have NO reason not to!