Although maintaining a roof properly is one of the most important things that you can do for the integrity of your roofing materials, sometimes unexpected water leaks still happen. A water leak can be the result of trauma to the roof, such as a tree limb falling on the roof’s surface, or a heavy wind/rain storm, or perhaps the natural aging of the roofing materials has caused enough deterioration to cause a water leak.
Whatever the reason is for the water leak, it is most important that the diagnosed leak be fixed as soon as possible. Unattended water leaks can be very hazardous to your home, to your building materials, and even to your own health. Below, you will find a list of problems that can happen when water leaks occur, and perhaps some of the things you will find on the list are unexpected. One thing is for certain, though, and that is that all water leaks should be fixed as soon as possible, because they can certainly make things much worse, in very little time.
-Water leaks can cause structural damage to your home: Although this issue may sound obvious to you, you may not be aware of the extent that water can cause damage. A water leak through your roof, can cause severe damage to your rafters, wall frames, ceiling joists, fascia boards, and so much more. Constant water can make these areas weaken, which can cause them to collapse, or can at least cause you some very expensive, and extensive, repairs.
-Damage can occur to items you have stored in the attic: Think about your holiday decorations, old wedding dress, children’s artwork, baby clothes, furniture, and anything else that you have stored in your attic. If water is constantly dripping, or settling, on your personal items, then the items may be ruined forever.
-Mold and mildew may begin to prosper: Standing water often is the starting point for mold and mildew growth. If left unattended, mold and mildew will grow uncontrollably, and can even begin to grow into your HVAC system. Black mold is the most common type of mold that spawns from water intrusion. Black mold can be very expensive to remove, and it can also be harmful to your health. People may begin to suffer from allergies, asthma, nasal congestion, or some other respiratory-type ailment.
-Change in your utility bills: Water that is constantly leaking into your attic may become saturated into your household insulation. Insulation that is wet will not function properly, thus not regulating the temperatures in your home. Unregulated temperatures may affect your utility bills, and cause you to pay higher monthly statements.
In conclusion, water leaks that are caused by needed roof repairs can provide you with some unexpected problems, and damage, that are not known to you, yet. In order to be the most proactive homeowner, it is the best practice to treat any roof repair project with the utmost importance. Once the roof repair is completed, ensure that any other damage caused by the water leak, is also repaired completely and satisfactorily.