How Serious is a Roof Leak?

Roof leaks in Texas are pretty common. Most homeowners, business owners and property managers will eventually be faced with one. Although it’s a common occurrence, when the roof of your home or business starts leaking, you’ve got a serious problem. Eventually, a leak can work its way down from the roof to the very foundation itself, which can cause rot, decay and serious structural damage.

Roof leaks typically start out small and are usually fairly inexpensive to fix. If they are not taken care of right away, they can worsen, cause extensive damage and even become dangerous. You can try to fix small roof leaks yourself, but it is best to hire a licensed roofing contractor to address the problem. If left unaddressed, here are the damages your leaky roof can cause:

Damaged Ceilings and Attics

One of the first signs of a roof leak is damage to your ceiling and attic. The water can damage the contents of your attic and darken, stain and damage the ceiling. Water damage restoration costs vary, depending on the severity of the leak. It is best to fix the leak early before it becomes severe and costly.

Insulation Damage

The second place a leaky roof typically affects is the attic insulation, should you have an attic. When water seeps into your attic, your insulation will clump up and lose some functionality, such as inhibiting heat transfer. Attic insulation is moisture-sensitive and loses most of its value when it gets damp.

Mold and Mildew

A leak in your roof can eventually lead to a serious mold or mildew problem. That mold and mildew doesn’t just indicate where the water has gone, either. Mold spores in water-damaged homes can pass through the HVAC systems, leading to serious illnesses for the those exposed. Mold and mildew are problems that should be dealt with immediately.

Slip Hazards

A slippery floor can be dangerous in homes, apartments and commercial buildings. If you are forced to mop up water, put up caution signs and put out buckets due to leaks, you know it is time to get your roof fixed. If you don’t, someone could slip, fall and get seriously injured.

Sagging Drywall

Drywall is used to separate the rooms in your home or commercial property and shouldn’t get wet. If you have a roof leak, that’s exactly what will happen. Too much water exposure can cause your drywall to sag, buckle, or fall apart.

Fire Hazards

One of the most dangerous hazards of a leaky roof that you might not expect is electrical damage. When water penetrates into your property’s electrical wiring, it may cause electrical shocks, damage to the electrical wiring and worst-case scenario: fire hazards. If you suspect your leak may have damaged your electric wiring, it is important to have a licensed electrician to inspect the damage.

Energy Inefficiency

Insulation is moisture-sensitive and loses most of its value when it gets wet. If your insulation isn’t doing its job, you will wind up using more power and losing more power. This is bad for the environment and expensive as well. If your roof leak has affected your insulation, your property will no longer be energy efficient.

Compromised Structure

All properties are susceptible to the rot that comes with water damage. Water can leak down to your foundation and create rot. What once was a stable foundation is no longer stable. What began as a small roof leak can lead to a systemic failure of your property's foundation if unaddressed.

Roof leaks can also cause damage to:

• Paint and plaster on walls

• Ceiling-mounted lights and fans

• Rafters and ceiling joists

• Wall framing

• Fascia boards

• Exterior trim

• Floors

• Furniture and personal belongings

If you suspect that there is a leak in your residential roof or commercial roof, you should act quickly to get it fixed before it leads to excessive damage and costly repairs. Contact a professional roofing company as soon as possible. Corey Construction roofing company will provide a free roof inspection and free tarping services to protect your property. Contact us to speak to a roofing specialist or call us at 855-752-6739. Our team of roof experts will make sure your roof leak is repaired before it leads to more damage.

‍