Upon spotting a small collection of water or leak in the roof, many homeowners will think of this as a minor issue. However, if this is you, you would be mistaken. To help prevent further damage, any size leak should be addressed as soon as possible. The last thing you want is costly damage that could have been easily avoided.
Ultimately, a leaky roof hardly ever affects just the roof. When left unaddressed, the leak can lead to significant health risks, fire hazards, and loss of belongings. Above all, as soon as you notice a leak in your roof, you should contact a professional roofer like Stay Dry Roofing immediately.
What Causes a Leaky Roof?
In short, there is no one way to answer this question. There are several reasons why your roof could be leaking. The only way to get to the bottom of the situation is by having someone assess your roof structure. Here are a few reasons why your roof could be leaking:
- General Wear and Tear
- Walking on the Roof
- Strong Winds
- Heavy Rain and Storms
- Poor Roof Installation
- Infrequent Roof Maintenance
It is best to get your roof checked out straight away. Especially if you suspect there may be a leak. Here are some of the reasons why a leaky roof should not be left:
Mold or Mildew Growth
The growth of mold can be increased if any part of your home is damp for an extended period of time. Both mold and mildew flourish in damp places and can post significant health risks. When your roof is leaking, you should never ignore it and allow it to build up.
If you do not address the issue and allow mold to grow, it can become very difficult to remove. If you fail to get the issue resolved quickly it can often lead to more costly damage. Above all, mold is not good for your health, home, or wallet!
Risk of Fire
Yes, you read that correct – water can lead to fire hazards. We don’t often think of the connection between water and fire, especially within our homes, but the risk is real. Our homes are full of electrical wires – in the walls, flooring, and so on. If water seeps through and builds up, it has a much higher chance of touching wires. Once this happens, it could create a spark that can then lead to a fire.
We don’t have to expand on how much damage a fire could do to your home, but the risk is to all those who live in the home as well as your belongings. Leaking water is certainly not something that should be ignored.
Ceiling and Attic Damage
Unsurprisingly, a leaky roof can cause quite a bit of damage to the inside of your home. At first, you are likely to notice wet patches. As opposed to water dripping that people usually look out for. You can still be left with some damage to clean up, even once the leak issue has been resolved. When the water has been dried up, you may notice some staining where the water was collected. It can even cause damage to paint, the structure of the ceiling, and light fixtures.
Slipping Hazard
Undoubtedly, if there is a leak in your roof, this can cause some hazards for those living in your home. If you have hard flooring, it can become very slippery, which poses a risk of falling and injury. However, if you have a carpet below the leaky area, it will cause damage and carpet staining instead.
Structural Issues
If you are unfortunate enough to have a leaky roof, you will be lucky if only the roof or ceiling is affected. In many cases, water will cause much more damage to your home. Sitting water can damage the following areas:
- Painted Walls
- Wallpaper
- Flooring Damage or Staining
- Weakened Ceiling Structure
- Damage to Lighting
- And much more!
In extreme cases, a leaky roof can cause your ceiling to collapse, which we don’t have to explain what nightmares this beholds for your home and belongings.
Seek Help for Your Leaky Roof
As we have explained here, a leak in your roof is not something to ignore. If you notice a leak in your roof, no matter how small, you should contact a licensed and trusted roofer immediately. We will be happy to provide you with a free quote and assessment of any repairs needed.
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