Wet seasons and roof leaks should not happen in the same season. This is because you can get severe damage to your home that will significantly cost you repairs. Since the roof’s work is to keep the harsh weather conditions away, any unrepaired leaks make it unsuitable for the job. The water that seeps in can cause issues such as rotting, mold, and energy inefficiency. Therefore, you need prompt, professional repairs once you notice any leaks or problems with your top. This way, you avoid incurring huge expenses in the near future. Our team compiled this article to help you know some of the dangers you might experience due to a leaky roof.
Rot and Decay
Water causes wood to rot, especially if exposed for a long time. This happens when your ceiling, attic, or foundation comes into contact with water. Water from the roof can seep down to the foundation if it leaks for a long time. Since the wood inside the home and underground doesn’t receive sunshine, the moisture doesn’t evaporate but gets absorbed. Over time, the wood begins rotting, thus posing a considerable issue that may require a lot of money to fix.
You can know if your roof is leaking by seeing puddles in your attic, patches on the ceiling, or warped wood. It would help if you informed our expert roofers of this matter for prompt repairs. If left unattended, the wood may begin rotting, thus compromising the integrity of the house.
Energy Inefficiency
When water leaks into the insulation, it makes it clamp together, thus reducing its efficiency. Since the insulation helps keep the warm or cool air inside the house, you will begin experiencing more temperature changes. Therefore, your indoor air quality significantly decreases. To tackle this problem, most homeowners adjust their HVAC systems to attain the temperature regulation they desire.
In the long run, your systems will spend more energy trying to keep the room temperature stable due to a lack of proper insulation. The result is higher energy bills and strain on the HVAC units, which may shorten their lifespan.
Mold and Mildew
Mold grows where there is dampness, and a leaky roof is a good source for that. If the water seeps into a dark, hidden space for a long time, it creates a suitable atmosphere for the mold to grow. It is crucial to note that mold also creates an environment for rotting, especially on wood.
If you don’t address this problem in time, the mold and mildew spores can travel through the vents and spread to other rooms. This may result in increased allergic reactions due to poor indoor air quality. Your family members will constantly sneeze, and the mold may also provoke an asthmatic attack. You may be required to seek experts in mold eradication to deal with the situation.
Warping Drywall
Drywall separates various rooms in a house, and as the name suggests, it needs to remain dry. If water from the leak reaches the walls, it will cause them to warp and weaken. Certain parts of the wall protrude and have stains or peeling paint. This is a clear indication that there could be moisture reaching the walls. In the worst-case scenario, the drywall may fall apart, meaning the entire home is at risk.
It is crucial to note that before the water from the roof gets to the drywall, it may penetrate the support beams and pillars. Therefore, once you notice such issues, you may need an expert in leak detection to assess the damage extent.
Electrical Malfunction
It is common knowledge that electricity and water should not interact since it may lead to short-circuiting. However, you may have this risk if you have a leaking roof and exposed wiring in the attic. If the water touches naked wires in the house, you may damage the power supply to a room or the entire residence. Another fatal danger would be coming into contact with such a puddle when barefoot, which could lead to electrocution.
Roof Damage
Apart from the damage to the rest of the structure, leaks cause the roof to become more susceptible to issues like mold and rust. At South Texas Roofing Pros, our experts discovered that leaking roofs tend to get easily damaged and have a shorter lifespan. Therefore, you may end up paying more money for repairs and replacement.
Leaks must get prompt repairs so that your home remains safe from damage. You also spend less on fixing a minor leak than on issues like a rotting foundation or warped walls. Therefore, you should contact our South Texas Roofing Pros team for expert repairs to give you peace of mind and prevent additional expenses. A solid roof will also allow you to enjoy improved indoor air quality, thus boosting the health of everyone in the home.