A leaking roof is no laughing matter, and even if you’re the type of person who chooses to see the glass as being half full instead of half empty, if your roof has sprung a leak and you don’t take it seriously, there will be little positive to glean from the situation. Water has a way of getting into just about any place, even those you might least expect it to, and when it does and it goes unchecked, the consequences can be devastating.
If your home is wet in places it shouldn’t be, or you know that the roof is damaged and heavy rain is forecast, you shouldn’t wait before calling out a roofing expert to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.
To convince you that professional repairs are essential once your roof has developed a leak, here are just 5 of the many problems a leaking roof can cause:
- Structural water damage
This type of water damage has the potential to compromise the entire structural integrity of a building, and is most often caused by a particularly slow leak in either a plumbing system, or roofing system. Allowing water to permeate the walls and floors of a building, slow leaks will cause them to gradually weaken, until eventually, a whole section of the building may collapse.
To prevent this catastrophic event from occurring, immediate action is required as soon as you spot any kind of water permeating your home.
2. Cosmetic water damage
While a lot less serious than structural water damage, cosmetic water damage must still be taken seriously, and if left untreated, has the capacity to cause big problems for a building and its overall safety. Occurring when there’s moisture in areas of a building where it shouldn’t be, cosmetic water damage is typically spotted on drywall panels or on ceiling tiles.
3. Growth of mold
With the ability to cause all manner of health related problems, such as respiratory issues, infections and allergic responses, the growth of mold anywhere in a building must always be treated swiftly and appropriately. When mold is present in a building, it usually indicates a problem with inadequate ventilation and the accumulation of moisture, and can spread like wildfire if not treated promptly. In addition to health problems, mold can cause a variety of issues for the building itself, and you suspect a leaking roof to be the cause of the mold, you should arrange to have the roof inspected and repaired if necessary, at the earliest.
4. Increased risk of fire
While it might seem counter intuitive, a leak in a roof can easily cause a fire hazard within a building, especially if the water drips (or runs, depending on the severity of the leak) onto electrical wiring. This can cause sparks, the likes of which need only reach an item of furniture or wooden flooring etc. to ignite and cause a deadly building fire.
Prevent the risk of a house fire today by having your roof inspected and any leaks repaired promptly.
5. An increase in energy bills
Water that has managed to infiltrate a building over time, will cause temperatures to drop quicker in the colder months of the year, which in turn, will cause energy bills to rise as heating systems struggle to maintain an ambient temperature.
If your roof has sprung a leak, unfortunately you have every reason to be worried. However, have the problem professionally repaired as soon as you notice a problem, and your worries will be over soon enough.