When a roof contains leaks or other damage, it can fail to protect your home and for that fact, your health in the manner that it should each day of the year. That is why you must keep watch over your roof at all times and catch any minor issues before they turn into major ones that can have negative effects on your house’s structure and your health. Even one small leak can lead to you spending excessive amounts of money repairing all of the issues that can result from it when you do not take immediate action. Below, you will discover the many negative effects that roof damage and leaks can cause.
Sheathing and Attic Damage
Once your roof shows signs of leaks and/or other damage, the sheathing or decking can also suffer issues along with your attic area. Even the insulation can be ruined as a result of roof issues.
Danger of Electrical Problems and Fires
Roof leaks all water to seep into the house, and water around live electrical wires can short them out. When this occurs, electrical fires may happen, depending upon the materials that are in the surrounding area of the wires.
Ceiling and Wall Stains and Other Damage Can Happen
As water leaks into the house beyond the attic area, it causes ceiling and wall stains along with possible other damage, such as deterioration of the framework and plasterboard. In severe cases, the ceilings, walls and possibly the framework will collapse. Replacement is your only course of action to remedy this type of damage.
Mould and Mildew May Grow in the House and Might Cause Health Issues
Since roof leaks allow water to seep into the house, they also create the ideal environment for mould and mildew to grow and thrive. Many people are sensitive to these elements and as a result, can develop respiratory and other health issues. Do not be like some homeowners who have had to move out of their homes while mould and mildew remediation steps are being performed to eradicate the issues. Act quickly to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place in your house.
Foundation Problems
Other issues can occur with the foundation of the house when the roof leaks or damaged in some other way that keeps it from protecting your home in the right manner. Remember that part of the roof’s role is to ensure that water drains off the house in such a way as to not pool next to the foundation. Standing water can soften concrete foundations to the point where they can crack and possibly crumble. Once the foundations weaken the house may become unstable.
For further negative effects that roof leaks and other damage can have on your home and health, consult with Johnson Roofing. We are experts in all aspects of roofing jobs from ongoing maintenance to new roofs and re-roofing projects.