When most people think of a leaking roof, one of the first things that comes to mind is putting out a pot to catch the water.
The problem with that dripping water, though, isn’t just that it might make your floor wet. Those roofing leaks can lead to serious water damage that can negatively affect your home.
While that pot might seem like an okay solution for the short-term, know that any signs of water damage are problems that need to be taken seriously. Unlike other household problems you might be able to put off, a leaking roof needs to be dealt with right away to prevent further damage.
Before we dive into the potential consequences of water damage around the home, let’s get on the same page about the causes.
While we may notice a leaking roof most when it’s raining outside, storms are just one of the potential causes of a leaking roof.
In addition to wind and storm damage, other leaky roof culprits include improper roof installation and lack of maintenance.
Rather than pointing to one acute problem for your leaky roof, it may just be time for a new roof. On average, most roofs are designed to last between 20 and 30 years. If you’ve passed that point, it’s time to start considering replacing your roof.
It’s a good course of action because the effects of a weakened, leaky roof are far-reaching. Structural problems are certainly a concern, as the water comes down from the attic to the house’s foundation, but that’s not all. Leaking water can lead to health and safety risks, too.
Below are a few of the most important reasons you should look out for water damage.
Water leaking in from a poorly maintained roof can do more than cause structural damage; it can cause higher utility bills. This happens when the water comes in contact with your insulation.
Once the insulation is saturated, it can take a long time to completely dry - especially in the colder, wetter months.
That ends up depleting the insulation, causing your home to lose both hot and cool air more quickly. As your heating and cooling system compensate, you end up paying more.
Another problem with leaking roofs is when the water that gets into your house doesn’t immediately dry. This lingering dampness or wetness can lead to mold and mildew growth. Depending on your home’s setup, mold can get in the HVAC system and spread to the rest of the house. At that point, it finds a new home in the carpet, your furniture, and in your clothes.
Another common type of mold that results from leaking water is black mold. Though toxic black mold is rarer and requires a wetter environment, non-toxic black mold is still problematic. With just a small amount of moisture, it can grow to cover the wall and floor. Removing it is difficult and expensive.
Beyond its unsightly nature, different types of mold can also lead to health concerns. People with allergies or related sensitivities like asthma, congestion, or rhinitis, may be especially susceptible.
Since mold sports continue to reproduce, any initial reactions will likely continue to be present until the mold itself is removed.
While it may sound counterintuitive, a leaking roof can become a fire hazard. This is most commonly seen in homes where electrical wiring is in the attic or ceiling. In these setups, the dripping water can lead to a shorted wire.
If you suspect that’s happened, turn off the electricity to the area and call an electrician to come examine it before it can get worse.
Often the first concern for a leaky roof is the damage that intruding water will do the area just below the roof. That can include items stored in the attic to the interior ceiling. Signs of water damage include darkened areas in the ceiling or ceiling plaster that’s bubbling and expanding. These effects might also be seen on adjacent walls.
From the first signs of water damage in the ceiling, more obvious signs of a leaking roof will soon follow. That includes, but isn’t limited to, damage to rafters, ceiling joists, and wall framing. It’s not unheard of for exterior trim to become damaged or warped, too.
The constant exposure to water deteriorates and weakens wood, which will require an intervention from a professional contractor. If the damage gets into the framing of the house, that can lead to even pricier repairs.
It’s important to take leaking roofs seriously and to look out for water damage.
If you are a roofing contractor who’s having to submit for supplements related to water damage or a leaking roof, we can help. We’ve had a hand in assisting hundreds of roofing contractors get paid fairly for their projects. To find out more, get in touch with US Home Supplements today.