In our busy lives, things innocently get ignored when they need fixing. Our honey-do lists seem to grow every day and we just can’t find the time to repair everything the second it needs it. While this is a normal human behavior, some issues can wait. One thing that should not be ignored is a leaky roof! This takes priority and should be dealt with right away! Roofing leaks happen for a number of reasons including improper roof installation by an amateur, wind or storm damage, fallen trees, or lack of maintenance. Leaky roofs are more than just a structural issue, it can cause safety issues and attribute to health problems as well! If water is allowed to penetrate the structure of your home, it will not only cause damage to your attic space but will most definitely compromise the foundation as well! These things are obvious, so what are some of the hidden dangers in leaving a leaky roof to get worse? Nickerson Roofing has the answers!
Can a Roof Leak Cause Mold & Mildew?
When water sits on a surface for too long, mold and mildew begin to grow. Mold thrives in moist, dark areas and tends to spread rather quickly. Not only is your home’s structure at risk of developing mold, but your home’s HVAC system will become compromised too. After mold has entered into your home’s ductwork, it gets blown out the vent and can ruin carpets, furniture, clothing. Black mold is the most dangerous and common type of mold caused by frequent water intrusion. Though rare, even non-toxic black mold can enter the structure and deteriorate wood framing, ceilings, walls, floor and any furniture or clothing it comes in contact with. Mold is difficult to remove and can be an added expense to your already high repair bills. Even worse, exposure to mold can lead to some health issues for healthy people but it is especially dangerous to those who suffer from respiratory ailments, elderly or infants. Not all people will respond to mold exposure in the same way. Some people are very sensitive to it. Some of the symptoms of mold exposure include: Nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose, cough, throat irritation, sneezing, wheezing or difficulty breathing. If you believe your health is being affected from mold exposure, contact your doctor right away.
Are Water Leaks a Fire Hazard?
When water is able to penetrate your roof, the first place it will go is to your attic. In your attic is a ton of wires. If any of your wiring has been compromised, water mixing with live electrical wires = disaster. If water has entered the structure, you may want to contact an electrician to diagnose whether or not you may have a fire hazard on your hands, as well as repairing the roof.
Can a Leaky Roof Cause an Unusually High Electric Bill?
A hole in your roof has the potential to let in more water than you may realize. Located in your attic is not only electrical wiring, but insulation too. When water is able to contact the fiberglass or cellulose insulation, it will take a long time to dry it out and may even require replacing it all together. Without proper insulation, the heat or air in your home is able to escape at a fast rate, which will cause you HVAC system to work overtime to keep your home at the desired temperature you set it to, which will make your energy bills skyrocket!
Roof Repair, Replacement & More in Truckee, Mystic, Tahoe City, Kings Beach & The North Lake Tahoe Basin of California
Nickerson Roofing knows the ins and outs of roof inspections, repairs or if needed replacement. A well installed roof should last homeowners 20-30 years, keep that in mind when it comes time to make necessary repairs. You may benefit from replacing the roof altogether instead of just fixing it. Fixing a small leak before it has time to cause extensive damage will save you thousands in costly repairs! Call us today, and we will come out, inspect your roof and recommend the best course of action to take to fix your roofing problems!
