Regular maintenance is a necessity for anything that is being used continuously, including roofs. Roofs work all day and night, protecting you and your valuables from weather hazards and other elements.
Eventually, your roof will get worn out and sustains damage. Roof maintenance ensures that your roof continues to perform at its best. Additionally, this is also the chance to find any problems before it worsens to the point of requiring a complete roof replacement.
Many roofing issues often lead to roof leaks, which are a major inconvenience for homeowners. They can cause damage to both the roof and your home’s interior. When signs of roof leaks begin to appear, you can either get it fixed or ignore it. Some homeowners would rather ignore the signs to avoid facing a hefty repair bill. Others would delay repairs because they don’t see it as an urgent problem.
However, avoidance and ignoring is a wrong move to make. Roof leaks won’t get better on their own, or wait until you have enough budget to get them repaired. In fact, it can even quickly worsen and create its own set of problems.
Roof leaks should be taken care of before you have to do deal with much larger problems. If you leave your roof for too long, you might find yourself dealing with the following consequences that come with delaying roof leak repairs.
Indoor Mold
Mold and mildew are among the most severe consequences of delaying roof repair. High levels of moisture encourage molds to multiply as they thrive in wet environments. Over time, mold will start entering every opening of your home. It can even spread to furnishing, carpeting, and even your clothes.
Once mold spreads, getting rid of it can be challenging and costly. At the same time, you could put your entire family’s health at risk. Children, the elderly, and people suffering from allergies are at a higher risk of developing severe health problems. Prolonged exposure to mold and its pores can lead to an allergic reaction or asthmatic symptoms.
Slip and Fall Incidents
A small drip from your roof can eventually become a giant puddle on your floor, which can create a slipping hazard that can cause serious injuries. Some types of floors can become slippery when wet. Wet tile and hardwood floors are most likely to cause slip and fall accidents.
Any unsuspecting individuals can hurt themselves as they walk on a puddle. This may not be an enormous problem for some. Still, it can be a significant concern for those with seniors or children who love to run around inside your home.
Fire Hazards
Most people do not think about it, but leaky roofs come with a risk of fire. Roof leaks allow water to seep into your home’s walls and ceilings, where it can meet with the electrical wires that run through the light fixtures and wiring.
Wet light fixtures are not only a shock hazard that can bring harm to anyone who touches, but they can also short circuit and make your home catch on fire if they are left unchecked. In these cases, affected fixtures and appliances shouldn’t be touched or unplugged. Instead, you should turn off your circuit breaker and call a professional as soon as possible.
Higher Utility Bills
Most people are quick to blame their HVAC system when they notice a sharp increase in their utility bills. However, your leaky roof is most likely the culprit of your increased bill. Excessive water can damage the insulation in your attic area, making it less efficient. The open spaces created by leaks can also let heat escape from your home quickly.
As the leak continues, it can increase your home’s cooling requirements during the summer season, which will force your HVAC to work harder. This will raise your utility cost during this period.
Structural Damage and Roof Collapse
Roof leaks that are not identified or fixed on time can influence your home’s entire structural stability, which will lead to premature roof failure. Leaks allow water to the underlying structures of your roof. As the damage gets more serious, it will spread to the decking, plywood, rafters or timbers, and structural beams.
Wood structures that are damaged by water will become spongy and weak. It can also end in peeled paint, damaged ceilings, and buckled wall coverings. Structural damage is inevitable if the roof leak is severe and has been on-going for a while. Eventually, the deteriorated ceiling could give way and fall, damaging your possessions underneath.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. If you have questions or concerns, visit our website or contact us at (304) 826-1323 for West Virginia or (740) 523-0380 for Ohio.