You may not think that a minor roof leak is a major concern. Unfortunately, even a small leak can have devastating cumulative effects if it is not dealt with quickly.
Identifying and fixing any leak quickly may save you thousands of dollars on house repairs. Examine some of the main reasons why you cannot afford to ignore roof leak repair.
Roof Leaks Can Lead to Mould and Rot
One of the main threats of a roof leak is mould growth. The excess moisture from pooling water or constant leakage creates the perfect environment for mould spores.
These spores spread quickly. After they reach the vents, they can spread everywhere.
Prolonged exposure to mould can lead to negative health effects for some individuals. Mould is known to increase the risk of eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, and throat irritation, especially for those who suffer from mould allergies or sensitivities.
Studies also show that upper respiratory infections are more common when members of a household are exposed to mould.
Dealing with mould growth is not easy. Expert removal is needed, which costs money and time. During the removal process, you may need to stay somewhere else overnight, adding to the cost of treating the issue.
If mould is present, there is also a greater risk of damp wood. Dampness leads to wood rot, which weakens the beams, joists, and overall framework holding your home together.
Depending on the severity of the wood rot, entire sections of wood may need to be replaced. Repairing the damaged areas may become an expensive restoration project.
Mould and wood rot can also encourage pest infestations. Wood-boring insects such as termites may decide that your rotting wood is the perfect home.
Besides needing to deal with rotting wood and mildew or mould, you may need to hire pest removal experts to deal with a termite infestation.
If you detect mould or rotting wood, a leak is often the cause. Professional roof leak repair can help you resolve the issue quickly before any more wood gets exposed to dampness or mould.
Untreated Leaks May Damage the Foundation
A roof leak can lead to damage throughout your property. As water leaks through your home, it may cause stains and water damage on the walls, ceilings, and flooring. While these are serious issues, the biggest risk is to the foundation of your property.
When water starts to leak down to the lower floors, it may collect along the sides of your house. Gutters and downspouts are designed to keep water runoff away from the house. If the water accumulates, it can cause the foundation to slowly deteriorate.
As the foundation weakens, the entire structural integrity of the property is at risk. A crumbling foundation may not provide the support needed for the rest of your property. Support beams may start to bend or bow. You may also notice that the walls shift.
Leaks may also cause water to accumulate in the walls or above the ceiling. This accumulation combined with a weakened foundation can add pressure, increasing the chance of your walls or ceilings collapsing.
Fixing major foundation damage can cost thousands of dollars. If you do not have a lot of equity in your home and need to borrow money to cover the repairs, you may end up owing more than your house is worth.
In some cases, the cost of repairing the foundation is greater than the value of the property. If the cost is too great, the home may be a total loss. It may be cheaper to demolish the property and sell the land.
The best way to avoid these problems is to deal with roof leaks quickly.
Most Common Signs That You Need Roof Leak Repair
How do you know if you need professional roof leak repair? You may notice the obvious signs such as flooding or excess moisture in the basement. There are also subtler signs of leaks.
If water is entering through the roof, you may notice water stains on the upper walls or ceilings. The areas affected by water damage may appear darker compared to the rest of the paint.
Over time, the stains may darken as mould starts to spread. You may also detect excess moisture or humidity in rooms on the upper floors.
You may also detect leaks from the outside of your property. The exterior walls may have stains, mould growth, or a mossy buildup.
If you suspect that your property has a roof leak, do not wait to solve the problem. Delaying roof leak repair can increase the risk of severe damage to the rest of the home. You may even need to replace the roof.
By ignoring the leak, you could end up spending thousands replacing the roof and repairing other areas of your property. To avoid these issues, identify and repair roof leaks quickly.
Does it matter if my roof is leaking?
Yes, a roof leak can lead to mould growth or further significant damage
How can you remove mould from water damage?
Dealing with mould growth is not easy. Expert removal is needed.
What are signs I need a roof repair?
Flooding or excess moisture, water stains on the roof or ceiling, excess moisture or humidity in rooms and/or a mossy build up.
