Unexpected Problems Caused By a Roof Leak

We spend a lot of time discussing the importance of roof maintenance because it can help detect issues before they become major problems that can drain your bank account.  If you're guilty of ignoring your roof until you spot a leak, it's important to place roof leak repair at the very top of your priority list.  Roof leaks are caused by a number of reasons: wind and storm damage, improper installation, poor maintenance, or age.  Even a small roof leak can cause major damage to your home, causing not only structural problems, but safety and health risks as well.

Here are some of the unexpected ways a roof leak can affect your home:

1. Structural Integrity:  While this one may be an obvious problem, it is a significant one.  Constant water intrusion will damage the rafters, ceiling joists, wall frames, fascia boards, and even exterior trim.  The wood will weaken and deteriorate, causing expensive repairs.
2. Damage to the Attic & Ceiling:  The attic (and all the items you store in your attic) is the first place affected by a roof leak.  Depending on the size of the attic and the size of the leak, your ceilings may be damaged as well.  The paint on the ceiling will darken, the plaster may bubble or crack, light fixtures and ceiling fans may be affected, and the leaking water may also affect nearby walls.
3. Mold & Mildew Problems:   A long term problem caused by a roof leak is the growth of mold and mildew in your home.  It can spread throughout the structure of the home and even into the HVAC system, which will push it through the vents and cause it to spread even further.  The most common type of mold growth caused by water intrusion is black mold.  While not always toxic, it is difficult and expensive to remove.
4. Health Problems:  Mold and mildew can cause health problems, including asthma, rhinitis, inflammation, nasal congestion, allergic reactions, and other respiratory problems.
   
5. ​Increased Utility Bills:  The intrusion of water into your attic is also detrimental to the insulation.  It will become saturated, taking much longer to dry out.  This can deplete the effectiveness of the insulation, allowing your home to lose hot and cold air depending on the time of year. 
   
6. Fire Hazards:  If the electrical wiring in your attic or ceiling comes into contact with the water from a roof leak, the wires can be shorted and cause an electrical fire.  If you do have a roof leak, be sure to turn off the electricity to that area and contact an electrician for an inspection. 
7. Fall Hazards:  A major roof leak may cause water to puddle on the floor.  While this might not seem like a big risk, it can cause people to slip and fall, especially in families with children who like to run through the house. 

It is best to have your roof inspected regularly and to perform regular maintenance in order to avoid a roof leak and all the problems that come along with it.  While a roof leak is a major inconvenience that can cause a variety of problems in your home if left unattended, most leaks can be easily repaired by an experienced roofing contractor.  ​