If your roof needs to be fixed or replaced, the cost could run from $5,000 to $25,000, leading many homeowners to put off repairs for months if not years.
While this makes some degree of sense, a leaky roof doesn’t start and end at the shingles. Leaking roofs can cause damage that could go unnoticed for months or years.
Depending on the climate region you live in, your roof could last 15 to 25 years. If the area you live in sees lots of snow and rain, serious storms, or if you bought a house without knowing the age of your roof, you should check it regularly. Issues could spring up at a moment’s notice.
If you suspect your roof is leaking or if you know you’ve got a leaky roof, you need to get it fixed ASAP. Here are 4 major risks of leaving your roof in disrepair.
1. Damage to Attics and Ceilings
An untreated leak will start penetrating your home close to the source of the leak. If your roof is leaking, it’ll start dripping onto the floor of your attic.
As it drips, it’ll cause wood to swell and warp. Newly created cracks will allow water to drip further and pool on top of your ceiling. This will cause more swelling and discoloration.
All along the way, it’ll cause damage that will add up to major costs. If you’ve got ceiling mounted lights and fans, it could damage those fixtures. Plaster is a pain to reapply so if that’s damaged, you’re looking at a pricey repair.
2. Mold and Mildew
As your roof leaks, the water runs along the exterior of your house and into every crevice of your ceilings and floors. This creates an expressway for mold and mildew to travel and to grow.
If mold expands throughout the structure of your home, it can get into the HVAC system, then into the carpet and the furniture. Once it gets into the fabrics of your home, it’ll end up spreading around and destroying everything in its path.
Mold is not only hard to get rid of but expensive to deal with. Black mold will destroy wood, tiles, and even your walls. Once in your house, even if it’s non-toxic, black mold will continue to grow unless you take great efforts to treat it.
3. Fire Hazards
If you’ve got electrical wiring in your walls or ceiling where you’ve found a leak, you could be setting the stage for an electrical fire. Shorted wires generate sparks and heat and since water conducts electricity, it can cause sparking that leads to a fire.
If you fear there’s water damage near your wiring, turn off your electricity until a specialist can take a look.
A Leaky Roof Is a Serious Issue
While you might think a small leak could be fixed with a bucket, it’s a major issue. By the time you notice it in the kitchen or in your bedroom, it’s probably penetrated several layers of your home. Fix a leak as soon as you see it to keep the damage from getting worse.
If you’re looking for solutions for your leaky roof, contact us for tips and service suggestions.
