What damage can a roof leak cause?

Many homeowners believe they can put off get a leaking roof fixed. This may be because the weather has yet to change and it continues to rain, or because money is an issue and they cannot immediately spend the money on repairs. However, delaying repairing a roof leak can have serious consequences. If left alone too long, you may even find your home’s structural integrity compromised, as well as the health of you and your family affected.

Where possible, it’s important to prioritise household issues over other expenses, and this includes fixing a leaking roof. If not dealt with quickly you might find yourself having to pay to fix a lot more damage. 

1. Mould and mildew

When water is allowed to accumulate in your home, you can expect mould and mildew to begin growing. This can happen when a roof leaks and your roof space becomes damp. Not only can mould and mildew affect cause problems to your home, like stains, but it can also be extremely unhealthy. 

You may experience respiratory issues, like nasal congestion or increased illness. If you already have respiratory health problems, these may become more severe. In extreme cases, the presence of mould and mildew can lead to respiratory failure and put yours or a loved one’s life at risk. Ignoring a leaking roof might not just cost you money.

2. Damage to roofing materials

In most modern homes, the structure of your roof will be made from a variety of materials including wood. When wood is continually exposed to water, it can begin to discolour and rot. If you ignore a roof leak you might notice issues with beams, studs, joists, or other structural pieces of your roof’s frame. 

In this situation, the wood becomes so wet that it will start becoming spongy and soft. As a result, it may not be able to support the weight of your roof, which could be disastrous. 

The only way to avoid this disaster is to fix your roof leak and repair any additional damage to the roofing materials. 

3. Damage to walls and ceilings

A roof leak can quickly go from affecting your roof space to the interior of your home, including walls and ceiling. You may see early signs like peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper. There may even be cracks in the walls or ceiling or stains. This can be expensive to correct and is unnecessary if you dael with the roof leak quickly.

Similarly, a roof leak can cause drywall fatigue. If the drywall or plaster becomes saturated it can break into pieces and fall. This can be extremely dangerous if your ceiling starts to fall. 

4. Damage to insulation

Along with affecting the structure of your home, did you know a leaking roof can affect your home’s insulation? If your insulation becomes saturated it may not function as well. As a result, it may become harder and therefore more expensive to heat and cool your home adequately. 

Not only will you be paying for higher power bills, but you will have to replace your insulation. This can be a costly task, far more so than repairing a leaking roof. 

5. Electrical problems

It’s an early science lesson we all learn: water and electricity do not mix. When water leaks into your roof, there’s the potential for it affect your electrics. This can result in short circuits and blown fuses, or worse. 

In some cases, when water comes into contact with electricity it creates a spark. These sparks have been known to cause housefires. If you aren’t quick to act or notice the fire too late, your home can be seriously damaged or even destroyed. 

Get help from experts

Clearly, a leaking roof is not something to be ignored. If you do, you can expect all kinds of damage, from mould to falling ceilings to even a housefire. And while money can sometimes be tight and you might not think a little water will do too much, you need to be prepared to get roof leaks repaired as quickly as possible.

While it may seem cheaper to do the job yourself, you can cause just as much damage attempting the repair yourself. All roof repair jobs should only be completed by professionals who understand the complex nature of roofs and how to stay safe up there. 

Look after yourself, your family and your home by treating roof leaks seriously and getting a professional out to fix the problem before it can get any worse.