Water Damage and its Effects on Roofing

A leaky roof is the bane of every homeowner’s existence. Not only can it cause damage to furniture, it’s a sign of improper roof installation.

Roofs are built to last 20–30 years. Most homeowners believe that a leaking roof is caused by a structural problem. There are various reasons why your roof could be leaking. Letting the problem slide will result in health and safety concerns. Water intrusion is the main cause of structural damage. Not only will this lead to expenses, there’s constant danger of the foundation of the house collapsing!

So, what are some of the ways water damage can cause problems? Here are a few things to be aware of:

 Ceiling or Attic Damage

One of the causes of a roof leak is due to damage to the attic area or items stored there. If your house does not have an attic, and the size of the leak is big, it can damage the interior ceiling. This will cause the ceiling paint to darken, and the plaster will bubble. Water seepage will cause damage to nearby walls as well.  

In addition, lights and fans on the ceiling will also be affected.

 Interior Mold

If the problem is ignored, after a while, one of the most serious problems you can expect is mold.  Mold will spread throughout your house’s structure, to the HVAC system. It will then spread to the vents and eventually to the carpeting, furniture and even your clothes!

Mold can be difficult to remove once it spreads. This is not only a costly process, there are constant health risks involved.  

 High Water Bills 

High water bills are another costly side effect. This is because water intrusion damages your attic’s insulation. The fiberglass or cellulose insulation becomes damaged and saturated. This results in it taking a long time to dry.

If repairs are put off for a long time, it can result in chronic water intrusion, which can deplete insulation completely.  Eventually, it results in high utility bills.

 Damaged Structural Integrity

The most common an obvious result of a leaky roof is damaged ceiling joists, rafters, wall framing, exterior trim, and fascia boards.

In addition, it can also result in deterioration of wooden materials and framework. Mold, mildew and swollen materials become a problem. This can lead to costly repairs, and homeowners find them in a difficult situation.

In addition, water can affect the paint of walls inside the house. Spongy, damaged peeling paint can be hazardous to health—especially if children are present.

You may need to replace or repair parts of your home. Therefore, it’s important to have that leak checked by a professional roof contractor before it’s too late.

We’re a professional commercial and residential roofing company. If you’re looking for a roof repairs company, we have you covered!

Feel free to contact us or call 330-784-4000 if any questions/queries.