Roof leaks can develop for many reasons, including age, neglected maintenance and storm damage. Fortunately, the damage caused by water entering your home can be minimized if you take quick action. A regularly scheduled inspection performed as part of your preventive maintenance program can even catch potential leaks before they happen, but since adverse weather can cause immediate damage to an otherwise sound roof, your roof should also be inspected as soon as possible after any severe weather event. No roof is expected to last forever, so as your roof ages, it should be inspected more often to catch the threat of a potential leak before it can wreak havoc on your home. Following are some of the risks related to a leaky roof that you might not have considered.
Higher Repair Bills
Once a roof leak develops, any moisture present will work its way down the structure through gravity. The leak itself may become larger and larger over time as material around the leak continues to deteriorate, allowing more and more water into the structure. What may first appear in the interior of your home as cosmetic damage in the form of stains on the ceiling can rapidly accelerate into serious structural damage requiring extensive and costly repairs. Instead of a quick, economical repair, you could end up with damage from the rafters to the floor joists.
Leaky Roofs: The Risks | Austin, TX | Mold and Mildew
The constant or even periodic infiltration of water into the structure can cause mold and mildew to develop. The presence of mold and mildew can cause health issues if the spores are inhaled; babies, the elderly and people who already have respiratory issues are especially vulnerable to mold-related illnesses.
Once the mold and mildew reach the HVAC duct and venting system, the spores will be spread over the entire home and its contents. Mold and mildew appearing on walls and ceilings cannot simply be painted over to alleviate the problem. After the source of the leak is discovered and properly repaired, areas of the home showing signs of mold and mildew may have to be carefully removed and replaced. Structural members behind removed wall and ceiling material may also be infected with mold and mildew, and these structural elements often require replacement as well. Floors and foundations can similarly be affected.
Leaky Roofs: The Risks | Austin, TX | Electrical Fire and Shock
Electrical wiring that comes into contact with water from a roof leak could potentially cause a fire from sparking. Insurance claims could be affected if it is determined that the homeowner was negligent in exercising due diligence to repair known roof leak problems before the fire occurred. Physical contact with wet electrical wiring carries a definite possibility of electrical shock that could result in serious injury or death.
Leaky Roofs: The Risks | Austin, TX | Lost Energy Savings
If the insulation in your attic, ceiling, walls or floors becomes wet from a roof leak. it will quickly break down and lose its insulating value. Because the heating and air conditioning system will have to work harder to keep the home comfortable, higher energy bills will result. Furthermore, the additional demand on the HVAC system can shorten its life.
Contact Alpha for Prompt, Professional Roof Repairs
Alpha Roofing is the Roof Repair expert in Austin, TX. We are a well-respected contractor with excellent references and a reputation for delivering high-quality results. We offer roof repairs as well as emergency roof repairs. We also install metal roofs, asphalt shingles, siding, flashing, and skylights; repair chimneys and flashing, and offer preventive maintenance plans. We offer free quotes, so call 512-777-1086 or submit the online form today.