5 consequences of a leaky roof

The roof is one of the most important components of your home, so it is vital to take care of it properly. If you maintain your roof, you can avoid costly repairs in the future. One of the most important things you can do is check your roof for leaks regularly. A leaky roof has several consequences that you should know about:

Mold
Since a roof leak adds moisture to a home, mold can start growing in your attic. Mold doesn’t just look unsightly; it can also lead to several health issues. According to Olde Raleigh Roofing, mold can cause skin irritation, sneezing, headaches, throat irritation, chest tightness and nasal congestion. If the mold infestation is severe enough, it can even lead to neurological damage. If you notice mold growth in your home, it crucial to contact a mold remediation company soon.

Slip -and-fall incidents
A roof leak can result in a puddle on the floor, putting you and your family members at risk of slipping and falling. Until you can get the leak fixed, Redbeacon recommends being proactive about mopping up the water.

Higher energy bills
A roof leak can also increase your energy bills, according to The Roof Clinic. All the water from the leak can saturate the insulation in your attic and prevent it from doing its job. If you do not repair the leak as soon as possible, your house can lose heat and cold air.

Fire hazard
Redbeacon states that a leaky roof can pose a fire threat if it reaches the electrical wiring in your home. If you turn off the electricity in the affected area right away, you can prevent a fire from occurring. Have an experienced electrician check out that section of your house as soon as possible.

Damaged home structure
According to Redbeacon, if a leak isn’t addressed soon enough, it can lead to structural damage to your home. A collapsed ceiling is one of the most severe consequences of a leaky roof. Besides dark spots, there are not many warning signs of a caved in ceiling.

Roof leaks are nothing to mess around with. They can lead to everything from home damage to slip-and-fall accidents. If there is a leak on your roof, do not put off getting it fixed. If you need help detecting a leak, contact American Leak Detection today.