Water damage can have serious and expensive consequences. One of the most common reasons for water damage within your home is a leaking roof. While it is true that many household repairs can be put on hold, the professionals at Disaster Services recommend a roof leak as being number one on your home maintenance repair list. A roof leak can be the result of lack of proper maintenance and care of your roof, wind or storm damage caused by inclement weather or improper roof installation. Even a tiny roof leak can be catastrophic. Many homeowners are under the impression that a roof leak is just a structural problem, but the truth is a leaking roof should be cause for concern when it comes to the health and safety of your family. The constant assault of leaking water will eventually work its way down from your attic to the foundation of your home, resulting in extensive damage along the way. The professional restoration specialists at Disaster Services have provided the following examples of less-obvious ways a roof leak can cause damage to your home.
Attic & Celling Damage
One of the first areas to be damaged by a leaking roof is the attic. If you have items stored in the attic, those items will also be damaged. If the leak is continuous and undetected it will damage the interior ceiling causing the paint to darken and the ceiling plaster to bubble up and expand. Water will also damage ceiling mounted lights and fans along with damaging the paint and plaster on the walls nearby.
Interior Mold & Mildew
One of the most serious consequences of water damage caused by a leaking roof is the growth of mold and mildew. Mold has the capacity to spread throughout the structures of your home including your HVAC system. Once in the air vents, mold can rapidly spread to carpets, furniture and clothing which can make you and your family sick. One of the most common types of mold that results from a chronic water leak is black mold. While toxic black mold is rare, non-toxic black mold can damage wood framing, wall and floor coverings, and ceiling tiles. Mold can be difficult to tackle and once it has set in, can be hard to get rid of. Mold and mildew can pose serious risks to you and your family’s health, especially for family members that are prone to allergies and respiratory issues such as nasal congestion, rhinitis, inflammations, bronchitis, and asthma.
Fire Hazards Caused by Water Damage
A leaking roof can cause electrical wiring to catch on fire by way of a shorted fuse. The knowledgeable water restoration specialists at Disaster Services recommend turning off the electricity to the area that has been affected. Consult a professional electrician to examine the wiring for damage before turning the power back on.
Increased Utility Bills Resulting from Wasted Energy
Another side effect of a leaking roof is higher utility bills. Once the insulation in your attic becomes saturated with water it takes time for it to dry out. If a leak is left to its own devises, it can significantly damage the insulation in your home causing a loss of heated air in the water and cooled air in the summer both of which will result in higher utility bills.
Structural Damage
One of the most obvious signs of water damage caused by a leaking roof is damage to areas such as rafters, ceiling joists, and wall framing. Wood that has been damaged by water can become spongy and weakened leading to damaged ceilings, buckled walls and peeling paint. A damaged ceiling could potentially break off and fall, causing damage to whatever happens to be beneath it.
Flood & Water Damage Restoration in Baytown, Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring & Greater Houston, Texas
If you have experienced water damage caused by a leaking roof or any other type of water damage either naturally occurring or accidental, contact the expert water restoration specialists at Disaster Services and speak with a customer service representative today. Our restoration specialists are available 24/7 to respond to your water emergency. We will restore your home as if it were our own!
