A roof leak can have a far greater impact on your home than you may realize. Not only are your ceiling and attic in jeopardy if you don’t fix a leak promptly, but there are also a host of other issues that may arise.
It’s important to be aware of all the consequences of a roof leak and the ensuing water damage to follow. Here are six damages caused by roof leaks to watch out for.
1. Damage to Your Roof
Believe it or not, your roof can sustain more damage when a roof leak occurs.
Your roof is comprised of a number of different pieces that can be gravely affected when a leak occurs.
Once the roof plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) becomes saturated, it begins to delaminate (to divide or become divided into layers) and lose its structural integrity. Unrepaired, this can quickly cause further roof damage, worsening the leak and leading to costly roof decking replacement.
Get the roof leak inspected as soon as possible to avoid further roof damages.
2. Damage to Your Attic, Ceiling, and Electrical
If not addressed right away, the leak will make its way into the home causing further damage. Attic and wall insulation can become saturated, leading to significant damage. Paint and plaster on the ceiling and walls may stain, bubble, and peel.
Even electrical systems are at risk of getting wet. A leak can cause corrosion to wiring and possible short circuits.
3. Damage to Drywall
As water pools into the ceiling, it will eventually begin to trickle down the walls throughout the house levels. Once saturated with water, the drywall will expand and deteriorate. This can quickly ruin your entire wall. If a leak gets to this point, you’ll have to replace large areas of drywall to repair the damage.
4. Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can pose a problem for both your home and the health of you and your family. Once water gets trapped within your walls or under your flooring, mold or mildew spores can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours.
These organisms thrive in the dark, wet environments where a leak usually forms. Once established, the organisms will feed off the drywall and wood in your home until contained. Your home is not all that’s at risk. Mold and mildew can also cause respiratory problems and other health issues in people living in the home.
5. Structural Damage
Water can degrade the structure of your home. When a leak isn’t resolved quickly, wooden beams, ceiling joists, and wall framing can rot. This is a major problem that could call for a major restoration.
Eventually, the foundation of the home might even feel the effects of a leak. Water can soak into the soil beneath the slab of your home and disrupt its stability. This can cause it to shift and crack.
6. Property Damage
Water damage can devastate your entire home and the property within it. It can be a slippery slope from a slow, isolated leak to a problem affecting your entire home. If you don’t act fast, a leak can seep through the ceiling, into the walls, and possibly reach your belongings. Clothes, furniture, carpet, flooring, and anything else in the water’s path are vulnerable when a leak is left to spread.
Call in the Roofing Professionals!
Reclaim your sense of security and safety as soon as you notice a leak. Here at 970 Services, we pride ourselves on being there when you need us most. We offer roof repair to stop the leak and restoration services if you didn’t catch it in time to prevent internal home damage. Get in touch with us today for a free inspection and estimate!