How a Roof Leak Can Affect a Home?
A leaking roof fails to do its job of preventing water from seeping into the home.
A home’s roof is a crucial exterior component that needs regular attention and upkeep due to its constant exposure to different weather conditions. An essential part of roof maintenance is to check it for signs of a leak. A roof can spring a leak for several reasons, ranging from age, improper installation, and lack of maintenance to storms and other inclement weather events.
Even a small leak, if not fixed immediately, can prove catastrophic for the home’s structural safety and family health. A roof leak needs urgent treatment, and homeowners should never put off repairing a leaky roof. Here are a few potential threats a home can face from a roof leak:
Ceiling and attic damage
A leaking roof fails to do its job of preventing water from seeping into the home. The first areas affected by a leaking roof are the ceiling and attic. Water from a roof leak, when ignored, can stain and damage the interior ceiling and cause the paint to turn dark and bubble, peel, or flake. It also damages the ceiling-mounted fans and lighting. Water can damage the wood and overall attic structure and destroy the belongings stored in the attic.
Mold and mildew problems
A severe and inevitable consequence of a roof leak is mold and mildew that needs a humid environment to thrive. Water seeping into the home through a roof leak offers a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold growth is also seen on the roof components like deck or framing when exposed to water. Mold can quickly spread to the rest of the home via HVAC vents and penetrate the furniture, carpets, flooring, tiles, and other structures. Mold is especially hazardous for people with allergies, asthma, and compromised immune systems.
Energy wastage
Water dripping from a leaking roof can damage the attic insulation significantly, turning it damp and moldy. When homeowners put off roof leak repair for long, chronic water intrusion can cause the insulation to clamp, lose its R-value, leave it virtually ineffective, and demand replacement. When the insulation loses effectiveness, it fails to keep the warm or cold air inside the home, leading to energy wastage and high energy bills.
Compromise home’s structural integrity
A small roof leak can cause the home foundation and structure to fail. A leaking roof can damage the rafters, joists, frames, floors, exterior trim, drywall, and fascia boards. Roof leaks can cause the wood to rot, weaken, and deteriorate the home's structural components, leading to expensive repairs. Water from a roof leak can also make its way to the foundation and make it unstable. In the worst scenario, it can cause the whole structure to become vulnerable and collapse.
Fire hazard
We know the consequences of mixing water and electricity. Water from the roof leak can come in contact with the electric wiring in the attic or ceiling, and the short wires can pose a severe threat. A roof leak can result in electric fire, electric shock, and even electrocution if there is a break in the insulation or any open wires.
A roof leak is dangerous and can affect the home significantly. Now that you know of the dangers of a leaking roof, call a local roof repair service immediately if you suspect a leak for quick diagnosis and repair.
Master Pro Services provides expert roofing repair and replacement in Richmond, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Hopewell, Ashland, Glen Allen, Moseley, Fort Lee, and surrounding areas. Our services encompass all residential and commercial roofing structures, including flat roofs, Dimensional, three-tab, designer shingles, metal roofing, EPDM roof membranes, thermoplastic roof membranes (TPO), as well as windows, gutters, and other roofing components. Financing is available. BBB member. Call us now at (804) 552-5007.
