That leaking hole in your roof might not look like much, but it can cause a whole lot of damage. Let’s check out some of the unexpected dangers of a leaky roof.
It might seem tempting to ignore that tiny, seemingly harmless leak up in your attic—how much damage can it possibly do, after all? Actually, quite a lot. If you have holes, cracks, or other forms of damage on your roof, you have a problem on your hands, and a big one. A leaky roof can cause a huge amount of damage when brushed aside. It’s not just a structural problem; it can damage your entire home and pose serious safety and health risks. Let’s look at some of the unexpected dangers of a leaky roof and learn more about why it can cause so much harm.
Higher Utility Bills
If you thought you didn’t have a reason to hire a professional roof repair company, the surging price of your utility bills might change your mind. If you put off repairing your leaky roof, you’ll probably start noticing a sizeable increase in your utility bills each month. Water can be detrimental to the insulation in your attic because the cellulose or fiberglass will become saturated and take a long time to dry. This harms the insulation, causing your home to lose hot and cold air. Your air conditioning and heating units will have to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. The only way to bring your bills down to their original price is to have professionals come in and patch any cracks or holes on the roof.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew love moisture. If your roof is leaking, it can make your attic a breeding ground for mold. Mold can spread throughout the entire structure of your home through the HVAC system. It spreads through vents, affecting your carpet, furniture, and other items. The most common type of mold resulting from moisture is black mold. This type of mold is rarely toxic, but it can destroy your wooden framing, ceiling tiles, wall, and floor coverings. Mold can also lead to serious health issues, especially in people with high sensitivity, including nasal congestion, rhinitis, inflammation, and asthma. It can cause worse allergy and asthma symptoms in sufferers and even lead to respiratory problems in people without these sensitivities.
Fire Hazard
Another one of the unexpected dangers of a leaky roof is fire. If you have any electric wiring in the attic or ceiling, your leaky roof could pose an immediate fire hazard. Turn off electricity in the affected area and have an electrician check the wiring for potential damage. Shorted wires can cause a fire in a matter of seconds, which makes them incredibly dangerous.