During a heavy rainstorm, you notice the telltale signs of a leak in your home’s shingle roof. However, the leak doesn’t seem very big or damaging, so you decide to ignore it for now. Unfortunately, this in-the-moment decision could have serious negative repercussions in the future. For a variety of reasons, roofing professionals recommend that you deal with even minor roof leaking right away. Here are some of the top potential consequences of failing to seek professional repair.
Structural Damage to Your Home
Despite their limited size, small shingle leaks can penetrate further into the materials that form your roof. Specific materials that may be exposed to water include the roof’s underlayment and structural frame. Over time, exposure to moisture can rot these key components. If rot affects the wooden framing, your roof can become weakened and unstable. In some cases, the damage caused by a leak spreads even further.
Depending on the extent of the problem, you may experience additional issues such as:
- Ceiling stains
- Wall stains
- Waterlogged drywall
Issues With Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew tend to thrive in damp conditions. And once present, mold, in particular, can spread rapidly. In addition to your roof’s wooden frame, these microorganisms can grow on your walls, ceilings, and floors. They pose a concern because of the hazards they present to human health. Known potential symptoms of mold/mildew exposure include:
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal irritation
- Sneezing
- Bloody nose
- Throat irritation
- Watery eyes
- Rash
- Hives
Exposure is especially dangerous for people with mold allergies or mildew allergies. The same fact applies to people affected by asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory disorders.
Electrical and Fire Hazards
Big problems can happen if water from a roof leak reaches any components of your household electrical system. The list of possible serious issues includes shorted wires and tripped breakers. It also includes the potential for the onset of an electrical fire.
Increased Repair Expenses
If you catch them in their early stages, small roof leaks won’t cost that much to repair. In many cases, all that’s needed is a minimal patching job. However, the situation can change drastically if you let the issue grow worse. Repair of major roof leaks may call for measures such as tearing off your roof decking or replacing framing materials. Not surprisingly, these extensive procedures can add a few zeroes to your total roofing bill.
Higher Utility Costs
More than a third of the heat loss in the average home occurs in the attic. Insulation installed in this often unfinished area can help curb the problem by making it harder for heat to escape. But there’s a catch. Insulation loses much of its protective value when it gets wet. If a leak in your roof reaches the insulating materials, you can lose an important ally in temperature control. As a result, you can find yourself faced with a significant and unexpected increase in your utility costs. That’s true because your heating/cooling system will have to work harder to keep the interior of your home comfortable.
Development of a Larger Leak
Small roof leaks don’t always remain small. In fact, as the consequences of water exposure accumulate, the risks for a larger leak begin to rise. By the time you develop a large roofing leak, you’ve lost your best opportunity to limit your repair expenses. You’ve also boosted the odds that you will experience other serious issues linked to water exposure.
Increased Risks for Slip and Fall Injuries
If your small roof leak turns into a larger leak, you may experience problems with indoor water accumulation. And in severe cases, that accumulation can result in the development of indoor wet spots or puddles. In turn, the presence of these spots/puddles can raise the odds of injuries caused by slips and falls. Common examples of such injuries include bruising, twisted or sprained joints, concussions, and broken bones.
Want to avoid the harmful consequences of a small, unrepaired shingle leak? Just call your local roofing repair experts at Tom Byer Roofing for assistance. Our experienced, trustworthy professionals will know how to diagnose the source of any leak. They’ll also know how to stop water infiltration for the lowest price possible. Of course, you can also turn to your local roofing experts for help with more extensive leak-related issues. Our reputable specialists will conduct a complete survey of the damage before devising an appropriate solution. They’ll also carry out the work with affordable, high-quality materials. For more information on stopping small roofing leaks in their tracks, call us today!
