No one ever wants to find a leak, especially from their ceiling. In fact, spotting a roof leak inside the house is enough to make any homeowner worry. Not only can leaks be annoying, damage your possessions and home, but they are also usually signs of a bigger problem.
While you can postpone some things, you shouldn’t wait to fix a leaking roof. But let’s see what happens if you decide to avoid your roof leak and ignore it for far too long.
What Happens If I Wait?
Most experts agree that you shouldn’t leave a leaking roof unattended, even if you’ve contained it temporarily. From mold and mildew to turning your home into a potential fire hazard, there are many things that can happen if you postpone fixing a roof leak. The more you wait, the more you expose yourself and your family to health risks.
Attic and Ceiling Damage
If you avoid fixing your leaking roof, you risk damaging your attic and ceiling. To put it simply, water infiltrations can peel off the ceiling’s paint and cause damage to the plaster. And, even worse, water can damage the interior of your ceiling, which can make it crack over time.
Mold and Mildew
It’s no mystery that mold and mildew are caused by leaks, especially those coming from your roof. Unfortunately, mold tends to grow extremely fast and, if left untreated, can become a bigger and more expensive problem. So be sure to clean and dry your attic as soon as you notice any leaks.
Structural Damage
Leaky roofs can have a devastating impact on your home’s structural integrity. More specifically, infiltrated water can damage the walls, ceiling joints, and even the rafters. Thus, the more time you wait, the more you allow water to corrode and affect the integrity of your house.
Health Concerns
Just like most fungi, mold and mildew can cause all sorts of health issues for you and your family. As a matter of fact, exposure to mold can be fatal for people dealing with respiratory problems such as asthma. Therefore, if you notice any allergic reactions or nasal congestion, you might already be exposed to mold due to a leaky roof.
Fire Hazard
Water leaks can quickly turn your home into a fire hazard. Why? Because water can quickly infiltrate your walls and reach your home’s electrical wiring. And while most wires are isolated, there’s always a chance that water might encounter a shortened wire. If that happens, a fire may follow shortly after.
What Should I Do Next?
As we’ve discussed above, a roof leak is extremely dangerous, regardless of its size. And even though you might want to wait a bit before fixing it, it’s always better to find a timely solution. That’s where Tadlock Roofing comes in, offering roof leak repairs in various locations throughout Florida. With over 37 years of experience, our professional team can help, no matter how severe the leak is.
So, why waste any more time waiting for a miracle when you can give us a call and relax knowing that your roof is in good hands?
One Response
I appreciate you clarifying that people with respiratory conditions like asthma can really die from exposure to mold. My sister’s roof is leaking. I’ll advise her to seek residential roof maintenance to fix the roof and prevent the formation of mold, which might endanger her health.