Home ownership is rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. When you’re renting and a toilet breaks or the roof springs a leak, you simply call maintenance. If you own your home, however, it’s up to you to fix issues in a timely manner.
Symptoms of Roof Leaks
Sometimes, roof leaks aren’t readily apparent. The earlier you catch them, the more money you’ll save on repairs. Sometimes we see roof leaks that could have been a simple fix but turned into a replacement job because the owners ignored the problem for too long. To avoid this scenario, keep an eye out for the subtle signs of roof leaks, including:
Discoloration in your attic or ceiling. Sometimes you may only notice the signs of a leak after torrential rainfall. You might notice moisture clinging to your rafters or a localized wet spot after a storm. If the leak is large enough, it might create discoloration on the ceiling on your second floor.- Curling, buckling, or missing shingles. Shingles have a finite lifespan and they’re the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your roof. If you notice buckling or curling, it could be a sign there’s moisture trapped underneath them. This can lead to wood rot, so it’s important to take action quickly!
- Discoloration around ceiling fans or lights. This is often indicative of a large or serious leak. This can lead to electrical problems, so call a professional as soon as you notice the damage.
Most home problems get worse the longer you ignore them, and roof repair is no exception. In fact, it might be more dangerous to put off your roof repair than any other task in your home. Here are some of the dangers of putting off roof repair:
Damage to Your Attic and Ceiling
Unsurprisingly, the first place you’ll notice damage from a roof leak is your attic. A roof leak will do more than just destroy your attic ceiling, it can also create mold or damage the items you store there. Larger leaks will begin to affect your interior ceiling, darkening paint and creating bubbles in the plaster. You may even notice damage on ceiling fans and lights. Water damage can cause these to short out so they don’t work properly.
Mold and Mildew Growth
In the long term, one of the biggest dangers from ignoring a leaky roof is the growth of mold and mildew. Mold spreads quickly and can be difficult to get rid of. It can rapidly spread through your HVAC system and the vents to permeate carpeting, furniture, even your clothes.
One of the most common types of mold from chronic water exposure is black mold. There are certain variants that are toxic, though these are rare. Even nontoxic black mold can lead to damage on flooring, wood beams, and other structures. Mold remediation is often costly.
Mold and mildew are also problematic, because they can lead to serious health issues, especially in family members who struggle with asthma or allergies. Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems can likewise be seriously affected. Mold spores can lead to allergic reactions, trigger asthma attacks, and lead to other debilitating symptoms.
Potential Fire Hazards
It seems counter-intuitive, but a leaky roof can be a fire hazard. As water leaks into a home, it can short out electrical wires. Left unchecked, these wires can spark and cause your home to catch fire. Never attempt electrical repair yourself ? if you notice a short or a leak, turn off power to that area and call a professional electrician.
Structural Integrity
A leaky roof has certain obvious consequences; for example, it can damage rafters, wall framing, ceiling joints, and the exterior fascia. Chronic leaks can lead to wood rot and deterioration of your home’s wooden framing. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention from an experienced roofing contractor. Left unchecked, you may even need to replace the wood framing of your home if enough water leaks into the walls.
Spongy wood can cause your walls to buckle and might lead to roof collapse. Collapsing ceilings can do more than just damage your possessions, they can lead to serious or life-threatening injury. That’s why it’s important to never ignore a leak.
Are you in need of professional roof repair? Mr. Roof is here to help! Contact us for a free estimate or to learn more about our roofing services. We proudly back our parts and our work with a warranty.
