Many homeowners might assume a leaky roof is only a small structural problem, but little do they know that this can pose numerous safety and health risks. Even a small roof leak can create more problems in your home and become a headache later on if not fixed. You may procrastinate fixing several home issues, but not a dripping roof.
Some aspects that cause leaking roofs are storm or wind damage, inappropriate installation of the roof, and lack of maintenance. Roofs may last 20 to 30 years, so if it hasn’t been replaced for that period and begins to reveal signs of leaks or drips, it might be time to change them. Now let us know the hazards a leaky roof can cause you and your home.
Five Potential Threats of Leaky Roofs
A dripping or leaking roof is one of the significant causes of water damage, and everyone knows this might be worrying if it keeps going unfixed. Here are five hazards of dripping roofs we have rounded up to encourage you to fix them immediately if you have one in your house.
1. Damaged ceilings and attics
Water from dripping roofs goes straight from the ceiling to the attic. An unaddressed leak in your roof can create water damage to the contents of your attic and your ceiling. The affected portion of your painted ceiling might appear darker in color, and ceiling plaster might expand and bubble.
This may also cause damage to the nearby walls and impact ceiling-mounted fans and lights. When dealing with a leaking roof or any indications of water damage, it’s suggested to have restoration companies come by to prevent more damage.
2. Mold and mildew
Mold can grow in your house if your roof leaks. Additionally, mold and mildew do not indicate the direction the water has flowed either. Those who suffer from asthma, allergies, environmental sensitivities, and compromised body immune systems can become seriously ill from mold spores spotted in water-damaged houses.
If you see your house having molds all over, it could be a sign of water damage. Hire mold removal specialists immediately to prevent it from developing even more.
3. Fire hazards
If you have electrical wires or connections in your ceiling or attic where a leaking roof is most exposed, it may pose fire threats from the shorted wires and even potentially cause electrocutions. When dealing with this case, it’s suggested to turn off the electricity in the affected part and have an electrical contractor come by to examine the damage that needs to be repaired. You may refer to these safety tips to be protected from electrical hazards of pool and spa.
4. Compromised structure
Even the toughest homes are not immune from the rot water damage can cause. A tiny ignored leakage in your roof may turn into something serious and put your house’s structure at risk. Water drips can go to your foundation levels and cause rot that can harm its structure and make it unstable as time passes.
5. Slip Injury
Slippery floorings are everyone’s nightmare, and you might be on your way with one if you have a leaking roof. Water drips from roofs to your home can cause puddles, causing people inside that house to slip up due to the slippery spots from roof leaks.
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