5 Serious Damages Caused by a Leaky Roof

A leaky roof is one of those household issues that often go unnoticed either due to late impacts or inability to spot the leakage. Detecting a roof leakage is not easy and if ignored for a long time, it may lead to costly repairs in the future. A roof leakage is a threat to the entire roofing system which makes a residential roofing consultation in Fort Worth or other parts of the US imperative. The blog post discusses a few issues arising of a leaky roof. Have a look.

1. Attic and Ceiling Damage

Dripping water from a leaky roof may clump the attic insulation and cause significant damage to the roof ceiling. Apart from the water inflicted structural damage, the interior ceiling may also land in jeopardy. A leaky roof also peels off the ceiling paint and even causes darkening, bubbling, and blistering. The leak may also damage the fans, lights and other electronic equipment attached to the ceiling.

2. Mold and Mildew Formation

Decaying of the roof boards is not only an indication of high moisture content but it also triggers mold and mildew formation. Mold can invade the entire building, spreading through the vents of HVAC systems and cause a number of health issues such as allergic reactions, nasal congestion.

3. Fire and Electrical Hazards

Water dripping from a leaky roof may come in contact with electrical wires causing a short circuit and lead to a fire. If you notice a leaky roof, you should cut off the electricity supply around that area and contact a residential roofing contractor for fixing the leak.

4. Slip and Fall

A leaky roof may result in water puddling on the floor, giving rise to slip and fall hazards. Extended exposure to water puddling may damage the roof deck which calls for additional care during a roof repair as water accumulation causes weakening of the deck.

5. Gradual Structural Deterioration

Leaky roofs may cause deterioration of the entire roofing structure over time. Water seeping may further go down to the framing and cause the roof to sag and wet wood to rot. The entire roof structure may get spongy and by the time leaking effects become apparent and lead to expensive repairs.

The Way Forward...

A leaky roof not only degrades the structural integrity of the entire roofing system but also shortens the lifespan of the roof. Increasing moisture content impairs the attic insulation and may lead to ice dam formation during winters along with visible shingle damage. Although it may sound stressful to carry frequent inspections of the roofing system, a residential roofing company can help you in conducting regular roof inspections and resort to appropriate maintenance measures to ensure your roof remains in good shape for years.