3 Dangers Of Having A Leaky Roof
When it comes to home improvement projects and maintenance, there are some projects you can procrastinate on, and some that need to be taken care of immediately. A roof leak should always be one of those projects that goes at the top of the priority list, however. Roof leaks can develop for a wide variety of different reasons, including everything from improper installation, to storm damage, and even just a lack of general maintenance. You may be wondering why it is so important to take care of that leaky roof before you build your patio, or remodel your kitchen. Well, did you know that having a leaky roof is not only a structural problem for your home, but it even endanger your health and the safety of your home? Leaking water coming in through your roof eventually finds its way down throughout all different areas of your home, wreaking havoc the whole way through. Our Bronx roofing contractors has included a short list of some of the dangers a leaky roof can pose to your home.
Attic & Ceiling Damage
The first spaces that inevitably receive the brunt of the damage from a roof leak are your attic and ceiling, as well as any of the items and belongings stored there. If your home doesn’t have an attic or your roof leak happens to be particularly large, your interior ceiling could suffer the damage as well. When water is leaking down to your ceiling, you will begin to have paint discoloration, cracking plaster, and the area may start to bubble or sag. This damage can be compounded if the water is allowed to reach your ceiling fans or lights.
Interior Mold & Mildew
One of the most significant long term consequences of sustaining water damage in your home is the mold and mildew growth that normally follows in its wake. Mold can spread through your home, carried by your home’s HVAC system, finding areas to grow and cause damage among your furniture, carpets, and even clothing. Black mold is the most common type of mold growth that results from water damage. While the toxic type is fairly rare, even the non-toxic mold will ruin your wood frames, ceiling tiles, and anything that happens to be on your walls or floors. Getting rid of mold once it has set in is an expensive and difficult task.
Compromised Structural Integrity
One of the most obvious consequences of having a leaky roof is the damage you can expect your rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing, and exterior trim to sustain afterwards. When you have a constant stream of water coming in through your roof, the steady exposure to water will lead to wood weakening and deterioration. This rotten wood framing on your roof can cause some serious structural problems, leaving you to face expensive wood framing repair costs. The longer this rotting wood is allowed to stay in place means a greater and greater chance that one day the supports for your roof could give out altogether, leading to a roof collapse that can damage or injure anyone or anything caught underneath it.
