Many household problems can be procrastinated, but a roof leak should not be one of them. Roof leaks occur for many reasons, including improper roof installation, damage, lack of maintenance, or the roof is at the end of its lifespan.
A leaking roof is not only a structural problem for your home, but can pose many safety and health risk. Here are some of the less-obvious ways a roof leak can have negative impacts on your home.
Attic and ceiling damage
The first dangers of a roof leak are located in the attic area and what is stored in there. If there is not an attic, or depending on how large the leak is, it can have direct damage to the interior ceiling. This could lead to the darkening of the ceiling paint, or the plaster to bubble and expand.
Inferior mold and mildew issues
One of the more serious consequences of a leaking roof is mold and mildew growth. Mold is able to spread and reach the HVAC system where it is pushed throughout the home, as it can then invade the carpets, furniture, and clothing.
The most common type of mold from chronic water intrusion is black mold. The mold can attack wood, ceilings, wall and floor coverings. Mold is difficult to find and get rid of and can become costly.
Mold can also lead to serious health issues, especially individuals that have high sensitivity. This can cause an individual to have nasal congestion, rhinitis, inflammation, and asthma according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Fire Hazard
If electrical wiring is present in the attic or ceiling, a leaking roof can become a fire threat from shorted wires. It is recommended to turn off electricity in the area that is affected by the leak and have an electrician examine the wires.
Higher utility bills cost and wasted energy
Another problem due to a leaking roof is higher utility bills due to negative impacts on insulation. As water intrudes into the attic area, it becomes saturated in the insulation and takes a long time for it to dry out. If the leak is ignored, the chronic water intrusion will deplete the insulation significantly and the home will lose hot and cool air, which will lead to higher cost in utility bills.
Compromised structural integrity
A common consequence of a leaking roof is damage to any of the following: rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing and exterior trim. The intruding water can lead to weakened wood and deterioration, that can cause more serious problems in the future. This can be costly and detrimental to the framing of your home.
Contact Sunset Ridge Exteriors Today
A leaking roof has many negative impacts on a home and should be acted on at the first sign. Sunset Ridge Exteriors can help find the leaking point of your roof and repair the problem. If you notice any signs or signals of a leaking roof contact Sunset Ridge Exteriors at 608-838-2500.
