Roofs are vital in shielding interior parts of a home and protecting its occupants from rain, snow, and hot sun. Still, some homeowners often ignore essential inspections and fail to conduct the needed repairs. Unfortunately, roof damage can cause leakage and pose different safety and health risks. Here, we discuss the less obvious dangers of a leaky roof and suggest some measures you should take to prevent further harm.
#1 Attic and Ceiling Damage
A leaking roof will allow water to seep into your attic and damage items stored there. The walls in this area can also absorb moisture and encourage mold and moss growth. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check your attic or hire a professional to identify any signs of roof leakage.
Another part of your home that a leaky roof can damage is your ceiling. As water flows down through the cracks or gaps, it eventually gets to this area and causes various types of damage, such as darkening, bubbling, and staining. Furthermore, if you have a wooden ceiling, it may absorb the water and swell or rot. This damage may then cause the surface to weaken and fall into the house, damaging more items or causing physical injuries.
#2 Fire Hazard
Most homes have electric wiring running in the attic, ceiling, or walls. If your roof has a leakage, it can cause a fire when the water comes into contact with a shorted wire. To avoid such risks, it is always advisable to turn off your electricity if you identify signs of water damage. After that, contact a professional roofing expert or electrician for repairs. Doing this will prevent the leakage from causing a fire that may destroy your property and increase repair costs.
#3 Health Hazards
A leaky roof can pose a wide range of health hazards to you and your loved ones. For instance, when mold grows in the attic due to a leakage, it will spread to other parts of the house through your HVAC system. Apart from damaging carpets, curtains, and furniture, mold may also affect your physical well-being.
Some of the health issues that it can trigger include:
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Throat irritation
- Eye irritation
- Skin rashes
- Headaches
Mold exposure can also increase infections in people with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and compromised immune systems. A toxic infestation may also trigger asthma attacks and severe respiratory conditions in people with chronic lung disease. So, if you identify signs of mold in your home, move to safer rooms and contact a specialist to prevent these health issues.
#4 Increased Energy Consumption
Roofs provide insulation, which reduces the use of HVAC systems and saves energy in the long run. However, a compromised roofing system will affect heat flow, making your home too hot or cold depending on weather conditions. Besides that, when your walls absorb water, they will increase humidity and make the house colder. To regulate the temperature in your home and make it more comfortable, you will need to use your HVAC more frequently.
Unfortunately, this will increase your energy consumption and make you spend more money on utility bills. Besides, the excessive use of your HVAC system can be overwhelming and cause a breakdown that will be costly to repair.
Once you identify that your energy bills are high, it is crucial to call an expert for a roof inspection. They will check your home to determine if a roof leakage is causing the increased consumption, then conduct any needed repairs.
Contact Absolute Construction Today to Repair Leaky Roof
A leaky roof exposes you and your home to many dangers, some of which are life-threatening. At Absolute Construction, we provide inspection and roof repair services to help you deal with leakage. We can conduct a comprehensive search on your roof to identify the leak source. Our experts will then repair the surface and advise you on ways to prevent leakage in the future, such as by conducting regular inspections. If you are looking for a roof repair expert in Plano, Texas, contact us today for professional services.