Our team of experts will tell you that preparation is one of the most important aspects of being a homeowner. Being organized and on top of home maintenance will help you save money and decrease the stressful situations you might encounter. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your home. Avoiding problems now will likely lead to even more significant issues later.
So, what happens if you don’t tend to a leaking roof? The team at Legacy Restoration has compiled a list of some (perhaps) unexpected things that could happen if you don’t fix a leaking roof, from apparent issues such as water damage to more surprising problems like decreased home value.
Costly in The Long Run
There is no denying that dealing with house repairs and issues can feel incredibly stressful and overwhelming. It can be tempting to bury our heads in the sand and wish for them to disappear. Unfortunately, if you choose to ignore a leaking roof, you will have even more problems. A small roof leak can be fixed reasonably quickly and cost-effectively. However, leaving a leak to grow and cause even more damage will cost you. Nip it in the bud at the first sighting to minimize damage and expenses.
If you want to ensure that you don’t have an issue with your roof, you can book a free inspection with us.
Extensive Water Damage
When we think of a leaking roof, we indeed think of water damage. But we aren’t just talking about damage to the roof itself. An unattended roof leak can cause extensive and sometimes irreparable damage to all parts of your home. For instance, continuous leaks in the walls or water dripping on the floor can ruin your insulation. The increased weight of wet insulation may cause the ceilings to droop and the paint to flake. This is just one of the many examples of the cumulative effects a leaking roof could have on your home. Can you see now why catching a roof leak as quickly as possible is so important?
Increased Chance of Mold Growth
It is no secret that the moisture caused by water damage will lead to mold growth. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take a lot for mold spores to grow. From an aesthetic standpoint, mold isn’t great to look at; however, the real problem with mold is much more severe. Mildew and mold can be hazardous to those with allergies or asthma. A mold issue that has been left to grow out of control will ultimately lead to a large cleanup job that may include renovations and redecorating.
Damage to the Structure of Your Home
Water from a roof leak can drip down into the home’s foundation. Even the most durable homes are prone to rot that results from water damage. This damage can lead to the integrity and strength of your home becoming compromised. A leak can affect ceiling joists, rafters, fascia boards, and floors. These kinds of repairs can be extensive and disruptive to your home. If you do not act immediately on a leak, you could be left with a high repair bill that could have been avoided! We don’t say this to scare you but to equip you with important information that could save you time and energy.
Increased Electrical and Fire Hazards
You don’t have to be an electrician to know that water and wiring do not mix! A leaking roof can cause water to trickle down through the ceiling and into wiring and outlets. As you can imagine, this could lead to a hazardous situation. Our best advice is to call an electrician as soon as possible to examine the damage.
Once any immediate danger is ruled out, have a roofing expert evaluate your roof to determine the best remedy possible.
Damage to Your Home’s Insulation
Your attic insulation will be one of the first contact points for a leak.
Once damp, your insulation will lose its effectiveness in keeping your home warm. Also, soggy insulation increases the weight your ceiling must bear. In extreme cases, if the leak is extensive, your ceiling could be at risk of collapsing.
Regularly checking your attic insulation for signs of water damage is a smart idea. Remember, if you’re not 100% confident in carrying out these checks yourself, we can do it for you with our free roof inspection.
Decreased Home Energy Efficiency
A well-insulated home is an energy-efficient home. If your insulation is soggy and ineffective, you’ll find that it is more difficult to heat your home and use way more energy. A home that has proper and effective insulation will have an attractive energy rating for prospective renters or purchasers, too.
Decrease in Your Home’s Value
The housing market often comes with stiff competition. If you ever want to sell your home, a certain standard will be needed to seal the deal. An old or inefficient roof and poor insulation due to water damage will not be attractive to a prospective buyer. Give yourself the best possible chance by having your property’s roof inspected by a professional before putting your home on the market.
There you have it! As you can see, a leaking roof comes with a wide range of issues you can easily avoid. Our team of professional roofers is here to offer the best roofing products on the market as well as competitively priced new roof installation services that are quick and hassle-free.