Small leaks in your roofing can be annoying, especially if they’re intermittent. Still, even the smallest of leaks suggest the need for calling a roofing contractor to trace its origin and correct the problem.
Left uncorrected, small leaks can do a lot of damage that can remain undetected until it’s too late. Arrange for roofing repair as soon as you find evidence of a leak, even if it’s not active, so you won’t end up dealing with these annoying and potentially dangerous problems.
1. Damage in the Attic
The first problem you could have to deal with if your roofing is leaking may likely be damage to the interior of your attic.
Water entering the attic can wet and damage the underside of your decking and framework, attic insulation, and even the ceilings and walls of the rooms below the attic.
Without prompt roofing repair, water leaking into your attic will also drip on anything you have stored up there, ruining it over time and leaving you with quite a mess.
2. Fire Hazard
Much of the electrical wiring of any house runs partly through the attic. A leak in that space could be potentially deadly if it causes a spark that ignites attic insulation, drywall, or items being stored.
At the first sign of any leak inside your home that originates from the roof, arrange for a roofing contractor to come and take a look. A fire caused by a leaky roof could result in the total loss of your home.
3. Reduced Energy Efficiency
Leaks in your roofing can reduce the energy efficiency of your roof and home in two ways.
First, water leaking into your attic can upset the balance of ventilation inside.
Condensation due to leaking water will cause its own damage to your roofing components and can affect attic ventilation, which will reduce energy efficiency.
Second, insulation that becomes moisture damaged does not perform well in keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
4. Mold, Mildew, and Their Inherent Health Concerns
Even if a leak is so small that it doesn’t cause any actual damage in your attic, it can still create a dangerous situation in your home if you fail to have appropriate roofing repair done. Moist attics are notorious spots for growing black mold and mildew.
Mildew in your attic could generate a musty smell that infiltrates your entire home. Black mold spores circulating through your house can cause allergies, upper respiratory infections, and other serious health concerns.
5. Structural Damage to the Roof
Lastly, a leak that is not corrected quickly by a roofing contractor can become chronic and cause much damage to the top of your home.
Whether due to actual water seeping in or condensation due to moisture, damp decking and roof framework will rot over time, warp, sag, and weaken the structural integrity of your roof and home.
When left ignored long enough, a leak that could have been easily repaired when it first started could eventually lead to a dangerous roof collapse and tens of thousands of dollars in damage to your home.
In the End
The moral of this story should be clear. When it comes to roofing leaks, even small ones could end up costing you greatly if you don't arrange for prompt roofing repair.
Avoid the possibility of structural or property damage as well as health risks by calling a roofing contractor right away.
The sooner you get that leak taken care of, the faster you can go back to enjoying your safe, comfortable home!
