When was the last time you went up to your roof and checked it’s the condition? Was it when you were playing catch and your ball ended up there? It’s good that you got the ball and got a good view of the street while up there. But did you check to ensure that the shingles were in a good state? One thing to note is that the roof is the most neglected part of the house. And it’s not that it’s out of sight of reach, it’s just because it will be assumed that things up there are in perfect condition.
But what makes a roof? What makes a clamshell roof top tent? Definitely, not one that could collapse over your head if you had just the right tremors. The roof, being one of the most valuable investments, can in so many ways get damaged. And you know what this means; constant repairs and if the damages are beyond repair, roof replacement or new roof shingle.
That said, below are six reasons you should never overlook a leaky roof.
1. A Leaky Roof Can Compromise the Structural Integrity of Your House
The leaks from your roof will eventually cause the wood beams to hold your house together to weaken. In addition to this, it can cause the ceiling to give way. Over time and if untreated, this will make your home susceptible to wind and storm damages. This will not only endanger those in your household, but your neighbors as well. As stated by the roofing experts at https://albanygaroofingpros.com/services/roof-repair-residential-commercial/, a leaking roof can cause roof rot. Now, this will be as a result of excessive moisture and humidity in the attic. When left untreated, it will eventually cause damage to your home’s insulation and in the worst-case scenario, cause the roof to collapse. Before this happens, you’ll be better advised to schedule an annual roof inspection and to also ensure that minor repairs are done before they escalate into bigger problems.
2. Leaking Roof Can Damage Your Attic
Is it old albums that you’ve put there, your old TV, a box of baseball kits, or things you wanted to donate? Whatever is up the attic may end up getting damaged by the leaks from your roof. This means that you shouldn’t overlook the dangers posed to your attic by ignoring what your roof is telling you. Spend time in the attic checking for any cracks, bends, or leaks. One thing to note is that the attic is hidden and quite hard to tell if anything might be amiss. But with regular inspections, you might be able to salvage your valuables and save your attic from further damage.
3. Higher Utility Bills
The insulation in your attic plays an important role in energy conservation. As earlier mentioned, this insulation will be subject to water damage if the leaks are left untreated. As a result, your home will lose cool and hot air, resulting in higher energy consumption.
4. The Possibility of a Fire
House fires are real and can be caused by anything from gas leaks, faulty electrical connections, to lightning. Speaking of faulty electrical connections, a leaking roof can cause such wires to short circuit with an arc and eventually cause a fire. House fires are destroyers and they consume everything. This can be a real setback to you and your finances. A leaky roof is a safety concern as it can also cause issues with your electrical appliances.
So after fixing your roof, you need to find a qualified electrician to check your home’s electrical wires to make sure there isn’t a fire hazard lurking in your home. This needs to be a priority, as fires can start unexpectedly at any time. Electrical inspections not only detect possible risks but also promote safety and save money by preventing you from investing in future repairs should a major malfunction occur.
5. A Bad Roof Can Damage the Ceiling
It shouldn’t be hard to look up at your ceiling and tell if there are irregularities. These are things such as a saggy ceiling, watermarks, and discoloration. Ceilings play a big role in improving the aesthetics of your house and an ugly or damaged ceiling will downplay your home’s interior decor. To ensure that your roof stays in top-notch condition, ensure that there are no leaks from your roof. This means making any necessary roof repairs and sealing all the loopholes.
6. Health Issues
A leaky roof will cause mold to grow on the ceiling and wet walls. In addition to this, water damage from a leaking roof may seep into the vents of your home’s HVAC system, causing a damp environment suitable for the growth of molds and mildew. Without realizing it, your whole family could be breathing contaminated air circulating through the vents of your HVAC system. As you may be aware, molds are health hazards and can cause respiratory problems and allergies.
As you can see, a leaky roof can be more problematic and dangerous than you realize. It will not only cause structural issues, but can also affect your health. While there are home maintenance issues that can be procrastinated, roof repairs need to take priority in your maintenance checklist.