What Happens When You Ignore A Roof Leak?
Ever asked yourself what will happen if you totally ignored leaks in your roof? Well, no matter how good you maintain them, roofs don’t last forever. They will fade and bow to pressure, allowing leaks. When in this situation, your only two options are to, either fix the roof leak or ignore it. While it might be tempting to ignore a leak, the better course of action is fixing it. So assuming you ignore a roof leak, what are the consequences? Read on to find out!
The dangers of ignoring a roof leak
Ignoring a leaky roof, no matter how small it is can lead mildew and mold growth. Mold can later spread throughout other parts of your house including the carpet, clothing and furniture. Mildew is not only difficult to eliminate but also very costly. It poses serious health threats especially for those with health issues or existing lung ailments.
A fire could also be caused by roof leaks. When water from the roof drips onto electronic devices, it increases the chances of a fire starting from electrical short circuits. The situation could get more dangerous if the wiring is behind the walls and you don’t notice the leak on time. Leaky roofs also cause slippery surfaces when water drips onto hardwood or laminate floors.
On top of potential health concerns and damaging additional parts of your home due to standing water, it ends up being more expensive as you then have to get water damage restoration services from a professional roofing company.
What can you do to avoid a leaky roof?
There are several measures we recommend towards avoiding a leaking roof. First, always ensure your roof is thoroughly inspected by professionals. As much as it might be important to personally monitor your ceiling and walls for leaks, a trained professional has the necessary skills to pinpoint a leak and signs of roof leak damage early enough. You should also pay attention to roof flashings because the highest percentage of leaks occur at flashings.
If your roof is really old you may need a tune up to your roof to make sure it lasts longer,
Ignoring a leak can force you to get a full roof replacement instead of a roof repair.
Ignoring a roof leak can not only be tragic but also costly. Small roof leaks gradually grow into bigger ones, causing damage to your entire roof. Once this happens, your only option will be getting a roof replacement.
The bottom line, don’t wait to get a roof leak fixed.
Regularly check on your ceiling and walls to see if there are any signs of a roof leak. Prevention is definitely better than cure! If you notice a leak in your roof you should immediately get a hold of a professional roofing company to fix the problem before it becomes a bigger and more expensive issue.
FAQs
How do you seal a leaking roof from the inside?
Once you’ve identified a leak in your roof, you can seal it from inside through making a patch. Using a putty knife, spread plywood tar onto the leaking area from the inside of your roof. You can also continuously spread the plywood tar along the leak using a sharp edged knife. We recommend this home remedy because it goes a long way in preventing high damage levels.
How much does it cost to repair a roof leak?
It will cost you around $200 to $1000 to repair a roof leak in Canada. This will however, depend on the level of damage being repaired and the materials used. The size of a leak contributes immensely to the amount you’ll be charged. The kind of company you choose to work with, also plays a critical role determining the amount you spend on roof repairs.
Can I claim for a leaking roof on insurance?
Homeowner insurance may cover for a roofing leak. In such situations, the cost of repairing roof leaks will be catered for by the insurance company. The damages that might occur as a result of the leaking roof will however not be covered.
What usually causes roof leaks?
There are many reasons why roof leaks occur, the most common are broken shingles, cracked flashing, improperly sealed valleys and skylights, clogged gutters, and ice build-up (ice dams). Natural disasters can also cause roof leaks. It is always a good idea to perform periodical maintenance to prevent roof leaks from occurring.
What are the best preventive measures to avoid roof leaks?
To prevent a roof leak, you must perform a regular roof inspection. This way, you will see damages to the roof that needs to be maintained or replaced by new materials. You must also check up on your gutters and downspouts, ensuring that no build-up of debris and dirt may cause water blockage.
Do I need to replace my roof immediately if there are leaks?
No, you don’t need to. When roof leaks occur, you should first assess the damage that caused the roof leak. It is possible that the cause of the leak is a minor one and that it can be fixed with existing DIY projects. If the damage is severe, then that is the time that you replace the roof completely.