Why a Leaky Roof Is a Dangerous Roof

February 21, 2019

A leaking roof is not only an unsightly. It’s also a source of many possibly serious issues. This is exactly why you need to know what dangers can be found underneath your watery roofing materials.

Increased Utility Bills

One of the biggest problems with a leaking roof is the fact that leaks can easily compromise your roof’s ability to keep your home functional. A Even a minor leak means you’ll have problems staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As the roof leaks, this will put stress on your HVAC systems. Leaks from the roof mean these have to work harder. When they work harder, they use more energy. More energy use means you’re likely to see an increase in your utility bills. That’s another reason why you want to fix leaks with your home’s roof as soon as you notice them.

Damaged Attics and Ceilings

Another major problem you’ll have when you have a leaking roof is the possibility of major damage to your exterior and interior spaces. A roof leaf can harm your attic. If you have an unfinished attic, water can leak directly onto the rafters. A short burst of water can cause minor damage. A much longer period of leaks will create even more problems such as walls that have been damaged. If you have a finished attic, the excess water will hit all areas of the attic. That includes items that you are using to create an additional bedroom in this area such as beds, bedding. Excess water can also damage the items you’re storing up in this part of the house.

You will also face problems with your ceilings if you have a leaking roof right now. Ceilings can get soggy as a result of having too much  moisture inside of your home when the roof leaks. Drywall is particularly susceptible to problems with lots of moisture. Even a minor leak can drip down from the top of your roof and get into places like your dining room and bedrooms. It can even seep into your finished basement and utility room. As it does, it will harm all parts of your drywall. A single sodden drywall section has to be fixed as quickly as possible as the the whole structure is now weakened. Leaks are also unappealing. They’ll leave parts of your drywall stained and unattractive. You’ll might need to repair only part of the ceiling or take down whole sections entirely.

Mold and Mildew

If you have too much water in your home as a result of roof issues, this can encourage the growth of both mold and mildew. Mold and mildew may seem like minor issues but they can lead to all sorts of frustrating health problems.. Mold spores can pass from the exterior all the way through to your home’s interior via your HVAC systems. Lots of pre-existing conditions can be made a lot worse when you have mold and mildew in your home. Mold can trigger asthma attacks in vulnerable family members. If you have allergies, mold can also make them much worse.

Fire Dangers

Your home has lots of electrical systems. Water and electricity are a very bad combination. Water falling into your home as a result of a compromised roof can get into your home’s electrical systems. When water comes into electricity, you’re in danger of a home fire. Home fires of any kind of extremely dangerous. If you think water has gotten into your electrical systems, it’s time to bring in a professional. A professional can help you make sure all parts of your home are safe and free from the dangers of electrical fires.

Slippery Spaces

Water in unexpected places poses an immediate hazard for everyone in your home today. If you’re not expecting water, you’re not on the lookout for it. A leaky roof brings water where you might not notice it. You’ll be in danger of falling from slippery floors. A larger puddle can cause problems when you’re carrying things. Even a small puddle can create huge issues. Water from a leaking roof that gets on to your stairs is especially problematic. A slight fall down a single step can leave you with a sprained ankle or even broken bones.