10 Dangers Of Having Roof Leaks

It’s a no-brainer that roof leaks can cause serious damage to your property. Roof leaks are often ignored, particularly if they go unnoticed for several years, but this household maintenance concern needs to be treated with utmost urgency. Aside from the damage roof leaks can do, they can also create endless possibilities for algae growth, insulation damage, and fire-related injuries.

As long as your roof is leaking, expect these common dangers to either harm you or destroy your personal stuff. 

1. Structural Damage

Imagine rainwater to seep through the roof, then penetrate the frames before dripping down to the attic floors and walls. Over time, stagnant water will cause heavy damage to the wooden structures, hence losing their strength in the process. However, it may take some time for minor leaks to become noticeable.

2. Health Problems From Molds

The algae growth can raise health concerns among individuals with respiratory issues like rhinitis or asthma. Roof leaks tend to develop molds due to constant temperature changes inside the roof framing and insulation. By the time these molds become apparent, you might need to seek serious medical attention. 

3. Insulation Damage

Once the water reaches your attic insulation, the insulation may suddenly clump and lose its capacity to prevent heat from escaping the roof. You’ll likely notice the gradual increase in your electricity bill since you need to turn up the heat as warm air escapes the attic space.

4. Shock Hazard

Water leaks may get in contact with electrical wires found inside the junction boxes. And if there’s any cut in the insulation, it can generate an open circuit, which may result in an electrical fire. You can also become at risk of electric shock once you accidentally touch the wires.

5. Ceiling Damage

Roof leaks may directly cause damage to the attic zone, especially if you frequently use it to store various items. Water can also reach the interior side of the ceiling, which may potentially develop bubbles to the ceiling plaster and paint fish. Sooner or later, the leaking water will cause damage to your walls, ceiling lights, and mounted home appliances. 

6. Pest Infestation

If there are leaks on your roof, there’s a high possibility that rodents and small animals can make their way inside your home. Apart from this, wet wood may become a good source of food for termites and other ruinous insects.

7. Difficulty in Repairing 

Roof leaks cause deterioration of your roof deck because of continuous exposure to water. Minor repairs will require extra care since you sometimes need to put your feet over a rotten wooden frame. Even professional roofers may find it difficult to repair roofs if there’s a heavy presence of water.

8. Mold and Mildew Problems

Mold growth is one of the biggest problems you can create out of leaking roofs. Molds can rapidly reproduce and spread throughout your house through vent openings and crawl spaces. If you fail to address your leaking problems, you should expect molds to invade your furniture, carpets, and storage areas very soon.

9. Slip and Fall Accident

Keep in mind that a seriously leaking roof can leave water stagnant anywhere in the house, whether on the attic floor or upper floor level. Water can create a puddle on the floor, and anyone could slip on it. This may not put anyone at risk of getting injured.

10. High Maintenance Cost

The high repair cost is one of the serious consequences of having a roof leak. Unattended leaking problems will undoubtedly result in damaged rafters—ceiling joists, insulation, and wall frames, prompting you to seek help from a professional contractor.

Water damage is a severe household problem, so be on the lookout for those leaks before they put your life in great danger. If the water leak on your roof is no longer tolerable, be sure to call the roofing contractor NYC experts from TCI Manhattan Roofing NYC to have all your roofing issues resolved professionally.