Home repairs are usually not something on top of the list of fun things to do in your spare time, especially when it involves a leak. There are a number of issues that can easily be overlooked when it comes to maintenance, but a roof leak is not one of these. Waiting to fix a leak can cost you a lot more in the long run. Damage caused by a leak can quickly escalate, making it very important to organize a roof repair as soon as possible.
The best route to take is to call on a professional and experienced roofing company to take care of the leak. Repairs that are executed poorly can worsen the damage, which can lead to unnecessary time and money being wasted. We have compiled a list of reasons why a roof leak needs to be attended to as soon as it’s discovered:
1. Risk of Roofing Component Failure
Chronic roof leaks can seriously harm various roofing components like wall framing, rafters, and ceiling joints. Wood can start to decay when it is exposed to dampness and water on a regular basis. Over time this can weaken the roof’s framework and could lead to a failure of the roof’s structural support. Water that enters the roof always follows a downward path. This means that in addition to the top section of the roof, the roof’s foundation can also be negatively affected. All roofing contractors will confirm that a roof leak, left unattended, can cause a serious roofing problem.
2. Mold Growth
Wood that is exposed to moisture will rot. Furthermore, continuous moisture will result in the growth of fungal organisms, which just cannot be avoided. Roofing companies often look for mold growth in or near the roof, as this can be a tell-tale sign of a leak. Mold growth can not only cause your roofing components to deteriorate at a faster rate, but it can also cause health problems. Mold can spread quickly and at some point, may reach the HVAC system and spread further throughout the home. Mold can react with other elements in the air and produce toxins. This in turn can lead to various respiratory diseases and asthmatic problems.
3. Significant Loss of Energy
The problems caused by a leaking roof are not limited to structural deterioration and the possibility of mold growth. Loss of energy can also become a significant problem. This is easily detected via a sharp increase in your monthly energy costs. You may think twice about postponing calling on roofers for maintenance or a roof repair once you start noticing these rising costs. The insulation in your attic can easily start to deteriorate once it is affected by a leak. Insulation does not dry out very quickly and after some time the moisture or water damage will reduce its ability to withstand temperature changes. As a result, heat losses become significant and with that your power consumption will rise.
4. Expensive Roof Repair Costs
Commercial and residential roofing experts understand how quickly damage can escalate when a leak is not attended to quickly. Once a roof structure has deteriorated due to water exposure, the problem generally becomes exponentially worse. Do not wait until the roof has become extensively damaged as this will only cost you so much more time and money to repair. In some extreme cases, a complete roof replacement may become necessary.
5. Fire Risk
A roof leak can ruin your insulation as well as any electrical wiring that is installed in the ceiling. This can easily become a fire risk. In general, anything that breaks, needs to be fixed. This is especially true when it comes to a roof leak, but you need to act sooner rather than later. If not, the situation can worsen, and it could necessitate future repairs that may cost substantially more. Get in touch with All Roofs Inc. today for a free estimate for your residential or commercial roofing repairs. We will fix the leak in your roof and safeguard your investment.
