There are numerous household issues that can be postponed. However, a roof leak repair should not be one of them. Roofs develop leaks due to various reasons such as lack of proper roof maintenance, damage due to strong wind or storm, wear and tear, or poor installation. Although a leaky roof may seem like a normal structural problem, it can have detrimental effects if left unattended. If you suspect a leaky roof, contact Kelsey Elite Services, and they will do a proper roof inspection or roof repair in order to curb future leaks. So, why would you treat a roof leak with urgency? Below are some of the reasons why a leaky roof can be dangerous:
Interior Mold and Mildew Problems
If your house has constant water penetration, it will access the attic area going down to the house’s very foundation leading to dampness. Damp surfaces are fertile ground for the growth of mold and mildew. Your home may develop black mold, and if the water is chronic, it can lead to toxic black mold growth. Mold can compromise the structural integrity of the HVAC system, can damage the wood framing, ceiling tiles, walls, and floor coverings. It can also damage the carpets, furniture, and even clothing. Eliminating mold from your house can be expensive as it is not easy to get rid of it. Also, it can cause health problems such as itching eyes, sneezing, coughing, asthma attacks, and others. In extreme cases, it can lead to permanent lung damage.
Fire and Shock Hazard
As water finds its way into the house from the leaky roofs, it may contact electrical wiring. If the insulation is faulty, it can form an open circuit that could cause a fire outbreak. Water can also contact metal junction boxes whose wires are not insulated. Water can become electrically charged whenever it gets in touch with any open wiring. Therefore, you can get a shock or electrocution if you touch the electrically charged water. It is imperative to switch off the electricity to the affected area and have a professional examine it.
Attic and Ceiling Damage
Water accessing a building from a leaky roof will first damage the attic area and everything stored in the area. If there is a tremendous amount of water seeping into a building with no attic, it will damage the interior of the ceiling, wall paint, plaster, and other items near the ceiling, such as lights and fans. One sign of water leaks is the formation of dark spots on your ceiling or when your wall paint starts blistering.
Structural Damage
A roof leak can cause distress to ceiling joints and wall framing. Damaged ceiling joints can collapse if not repaired, thus extending the damage to anything underneath. The exterior trim can also be damaged depending on where the leak is coming from. A big leak can be more detrimental as it can weaken the wood and cause decay to roof framing. Such chronic issues are expensive to repair as they require the help of a professional contractor. Repairs may also involve costly wood framing if water penetrates the ceiling joist and walls.
Higher Utility Bills and Wasted Energy
One apparent effect of a leaking roof is dampness which is a good breeding site for mold. As the mold grows, it may spread in different house parts, including the HVAC system. The growth of mold around the HVAC system may reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system. Eventually, the HVAC system will start overworking, thus raising the energy bills in the house. A leaking roof creates a cold living environment. To counter this, more heat will be utilized to heat the affected areas, thus causing unnecessary utilization of energy. Also, a leaky roof can lead to the saturation of fiberglass insulation. It takes a considerable amount of time for the fiberglass insulation to dry out. If repair is not done immediately, water can damage the insulation completely, making your home lose hot and cool air, leading to higher utility bills.
Slip Related Dangers
A leaky roof can cause water to spill on the floor. Although this may look like a minor issue, it can be detrimental if not rectified. A floor may become slippery, and if someone is not careful, they can slip, leading to bodily injuries.
No roof leak should be ignored because even minor leaks can cause severe consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to take care of a leaky roof at its initial stage to avoid the formation of further severe and expensive damages. A regular roof inspection can help identify a leak when it is just forming. Also, frequent roof inspection helps fix leaks caused by improper roof installation. Kelsey Elite Services can do a proper installation since they are certified installers with extensive experience in roofing and insurance restoration in Houston and surrounding areas.