No homeowner wants to deal with a leaking roof. There are obvious problems with water damage, but most people ignore the hidden dangers of roofing leaks, often leading to more serious problems and extensive roof repairs down the line. When water gets into your home, it can lead to severe structural damage and even pose a health risk for you and your loved ones!
The good news is that most leaks are completely avoidable and, if caught early enough, are relatively easy to repair. Let’s explore what to look for with roof leaks and how to act fast when a leak occurs.
Roofing Leaks Can Spell Disaster for Your Home
Pay attention to roof leaks because they can lead to widespread damage and expensive repairs if left untreated. Most roofs can last around 20-30 years, and they experience more weather-related wear and tear as they age and are more susceptible to damage.
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Even Small Leaks Can Lead to Big Damage
You may notice a crack in your ceiling or a small roof leak and think it’s no big deal. But, behind that small crack or spot could be a more significant issue. Once a leak occurs, water is relentless and will continue pushing its way through the roof to cover more surface area. While the expensive repairs are one thing to worry about, the health and safety of you and your family members can also be at stake! Check out some of the hidden dangers of roofing leaks down below.
What are Some Dangers to Roofing Leaks?
A leaking roof can cause more than just cosmetic or structural damage; the excess trapped water can lead to mold and mildew growth, damaged ceilings, attics, and crawl spaces, and even lead to fire and shock hazards.
Mildew and Mold Growth
You can often smell a leaking problem when it leads to mildew and mold. Not only does this lower your living experience, but it can also lead to health issues! Black mold is especially dangerous and should only be removed by a professional.
If you suspect your roof leak has led to long-term mold and mildew exposure, talk to your doctor and a professional inspector right away. Most people with mold poisoning complain of asthma, allergy symptoms, and even more chronic and widespread issues.
Damaged Ceilings and Attics
If your home has an attic, it may be the first to experience damage from a roof leak. Unfortunately, you may not visit this area often, which could prolong the damage caused by a leak.
If you don’t have an attic, your ceiling will likely show signs of water damage, but that’s usually well past the point of a small leak. Check for cracks, water stains, or bubbling. Call a professional roofer immediately for an evaluation if you suspect a leak!
Insulation Can Be Ruined
When water damages insulation, it must be replaced as there is no way to properly fix it. Wet insulation will saturate the materials around it, like ceiling plaster, wood, and drywall, and cause further issues because mold and mildew can now get cozy and continue to spread!
Structural Damages (Sagging Drywall, etc.)
Structural damages to your home are one of the biggest problems a leaky roof will cause. Depending on your home’s building materials, you may notice structural damage to drywall, wooden beams, ceiling joints, and wall framing. These can lead to peeling paint, wood rotting, and buckling wall joints.
If left untreated, these will all pose a severe threat to the structural integrity of your home, making it unsafe to inhabit and expensive to repair, as most of it will need to be completely replaced! This is why it’s so important to take immediate action if you suspect a roofing leak.
Fire and Shock Hazards
Water intrusion into electrical wiring can lead to shock and fire hazards. Don’t attempt to examine any electrical issues on your own. Instead, turn off the power to the area and call an electrician to troubleshoot immediately.
What is the Best Way to Mitigate Roofing Leaks?
Luckily, you can avoid most roofing leaks by following consistent roof maintenance and inspection procedures. Most homeowners aren’t roofing experts, so incorporating roof inspection and care into your yearly budget for home repairs is considered the best course of action.
While it may be tempting to save costs and wait until a problem arises, you’ll end up paying more in the long run, as the leaks can cause more damage before you catch them!
Have Your Attic and Roofing Regularly Inspected
Experienced roofing professionals, like PRQ Exteriors, can provide regular roof and attic inspections to keep you and your home safe and protected against significant damage.
Roofers will notice any small cracks, leaks, or water spots and even signs of long-term damage like mold and mildew. Then they can follow the source and provide a plan of action to fix it.
Enlist the Help of a Professional When Leaks Occur
When you suspect a roof leak or just want to inspect your existing roof or attic, hire a professional. Unless you have roofing training and know how to protect yourself, you could end up causing more damage or, worse, injuring yourself or others!
Because of some of the health hazards mentioned above, like black mold and electric shock, taking matters into your own hands can be dangerous. Roofers are trained in health and safety and have experience with all types of leaks and hazards, saving you time and money and ensuring safety when troubleshooting and inspecting your roof.
Don’t Wait to Take Action!
The most important thing you can do when you spot a roof leak is to take action immediately. Every day that passes is a chance for further water intrusion and structural damage. Mold and mildew grow exponentially, and rotting wood will not get better on its own. Even a small leak can mean big trouble, so make sure to call a professional roofer to take a look and catch it before it causes more severe damage to your home.
PRQ Exteriors is a Trusted Roofer in Colorado
If you suspect a roof leak or it’s been a while since anyone has inspected your roof, reach out to our team at PRQ Exteriors. We have been a trusted roofer in Colorado since 2014; our crew of professionals has extensive experience with the maintenance, installation, and repair of all types of roofs. We can spot damage quickly and provide a course of action to keep you, your home, and your family members safe!
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Contact our team, and we’ll provide you with a free roofing estimate. Our team of roofing experts is ready to get started on your home’s repair so that you can get back to enjoying the comfort of your home, knowing that you and your family are protected from any further roof damage. Reach out today!
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