Unexpected dangers of a leaky roof

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your roof is leaking call our techs at SERVPRO today!

Roof leaks are detrimental to your home or business. Left untreated, leaking roofs can cause major issues and costly repairs. When it rains, water can seep into the roof, dripping water to the floor as well as eventually resulting in other complications. Thankfully, by being proactive, you can prevent these issues or address them before they become major problems. Here are some unexpected dangers of a leaky roof and how you can stay one step ahead.

LEAKY ROOFS CAN CAUSE MOLD

Mold is one of the most common unexpected dangers of a leaky roof. You may think that some water on the floor isn’t a big deal, but once mold sets in, it can quickly move to other areas of your home, even if the water hasn’t reached that far. Mold spores can be carried through your HVAC system and may result in serious health complications for you and your family. To make matters worse, you may not even be able to see the mold if it’s hidden deep inside your vents or walls. If you have a leaky roof or you spot mold in your home, reach out to a mold remediation company immediately to assess the severity and possible risk to you and your family.

YOUR FRAMES MAY START ROTTING

As water leaks into your home, it sets into your framing. Over time this will cause it to deteriorate and rot. Since most wood inside your home isn’t treated the way outdoor wood is, it can’t handle repeat exposure to moisture. Unfortunately, if you see signs of water in your home, such as ceiling spots or water dripping, then it’s probably already an issue in your home’s framing. You can fix your framing by hiring a professional contractor to drain the water, dry out the framing, and assess the structural integrity of your home. 

DAMAGED INSULATION

Since most water leaks come from the roof, it stands to reason that your attic will be one of the first areas impacted. As water enters your attic, it will cause your insulation to clump up and stop working the way it’s supposed to. Not only will this make your home cold in the winter and hot in the summer, but it will cause your energy bill to skyrocket as your HVAC system won’t be able to keep up anymore. 

SAGGING DRYWALL

Drywall is a great building material, and it’s often used to separate your home’s rooms with walls. However, it’s not supposed to get wet, and leaking roofs can cause unnecessary damage to your drywall. Once water enters your home through a leaky roof, it will steadily drip down and soak into your drywall. This will cause it to become soggy, and it may buckle or fall apart in extreme cases.

Leaky roofs are serious complications, but normal repairs are necessary as your roof deteriorates over time. While repairing your roof may not be a cost you were expecting, it’s far more affordable to address your roof issue than to wait for other related issues to escalate. Don’t let the rain get the best of your home. Hire a professional disaster management recovery group to take a look at your roof and help get your house back into working order.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is here to assess your storm damage and determine the next step. If you need a roofing evaluation or have suffered exterior damage due to storms or other natural disasters, contact us today @ 307-228-1559 and schedule a storm damage evaluation and start on the road to recovery.