A roof leak is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. It means a faulty roof and damage to the delicate interiors of your home, both of which will come at a large cost to fix. To prevent this calamity, it pays to know a thing or two about leaks, and what are the causes, and consequences of them, as well as how to prevent them.

Causes

Age: Time takes it’s toll on your home, just like everything else in your home. As wear and tear from the elements continue on, it becomes less effective at keeping out water, as temperature fluctuations causes cracks and the material becomes brittle over time.

Roof Vents: It’s not just the shingles on your home that need to be secure, but the vents on top of your roof as well. Inspect the gaskets around vent pipes on your roof for cracks, gaps, and missing nails.

Debris: Buildup of debris such as twigs, leaves or pine needles can trap water against the roof and cause it to seep under the shingles. Therefore, it is important to keep the roof clear to permit water to runoff quickly.

Flashing: Flashing is sloped metal pieces that are placed where runoff is more difficult and where water might connect. Check your flashing around chimneys and skylights to ensure that both are sealed shut.

Gutters: Gutter cleaning is something that no one wants to do, but it is essential. It is crucial to keep the gutters clear and prevent clogs, in order to ensure that no water backs up into the shingles, or worse yet the gutters collapse from the weight of the debris.

These causes are commonplace in any typical home, and once they appear, it’s important to get it done. Otherwise, this could lead to serious problems with your home that will be costly to repair.

Consequences

Attic and Ceiling Damage: The immediate damage will be to the attic and the items within, as well as the interior ceiling. The paint under the leak will darken and the plaster within the affected area will bubble and crack, eventually becoming fragile and subject to it falling.

Mold and Mildew: Probably the most pressing concern is the mold and mildew that can spread throughout the home’s structure, the HVAC system, and in vents to reach the rest of the house. Untreated, the mold is a major hazard to residents, and can seriously affect their health, especially those who have any breathing concerns such as asthma, rhinitis, and nasal congestion.

Fire Hazard: In addition to that, there is also an increased risk for fire hazards, for if there is any electrical wiring present in the attic or ceiling, a leaky roof could pose a fire threat due to shortened wires.

Higher Utility Bills: Water tends to soak up into and damage insulation within the roof. This will take a long time to dry out even after the leak is fixed. If left unattended for long periods of time, there is a good chance that the water intrusion will deplete the insulation ability significantly, resulting in loss of hot and cool air.

Degradation of Structural Integrity: Probably the most worrying consequence is the damaged parts of the frame, such as the ceiling joists, damaged rafters, and exterior trim, as they can be weakened and rotted thanks to water intrusion. This can also trickle down into the surrounding walls, leading to expensive wood framing repairs.

As you can see, roof leaks are no joke. They lead to costly damages, and can ruin a house if not attended to. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you properly maintain your roof, and get it routinely inspected by a knowledgeable contractor to ensure it’s integrity. Us over at Derek Cook Construction would lovee to assist you with this matter. We have experienced contractors who can not only identify, but fix your roof when problems arise. To learn more about our roof repair services, call us or submit an inquiry form.