7 Major Problems Caused by a Leaky Roof
By ozroofworks|June 28, 2018
A leaky roof is a problem that many homeowners might be tempted to push aside for the time being. Unless it is raining, there’s not a lot of reason why homeowners should be concerned with fixing the damage. Considering the fact that costs associated with roof repair can be rather steep, it is natural to want to push it to the back burner until you are sure that you can afford the costs associated with the repair of your leaky roof.
Mildew and Mould Due To A Leaky Roof
Leaks in the roof can create a humid indoor environment that will make dark, untouched corners of your home perfect for mildew and mold to grow in. Mold in the house can be a serious problem that not only damages the structural integrity of your home; it also contributes to causing serious complications to your health. Certain strains of mold are extremely toxic and can put you and your loved ones at risk. Black mold is toxic, and prolonged exposure to it can cause respiratory failure, nerve damage and has even death.
Pest Infestation Due To A Leaky Roof
Infestations in homes aren’t always frequent but in warm climates such as Brisbane, they can occur, particularly if you home has damp corners. Leaky roof can let in enough water to create a humid environment indoors and attract pests like gnats, termites, cockroaches and fruit flies. It also provides them with the best environment to breed so a fly or two can easily exacerbate into a full-blown infestation by the time you find out about it. Again, prevention is better than the cure here. You will have to fix the leaky roof to ensure that the infestation doesn’t occur again.
Structural Damage Due To A Leaky Roof
Structural damage is usually something that most homeowners think can occur because of natural disasters or when the house is finally beginning to feel its age. On the other hand, certain factors can also contribute to early structural damage and one of the culprits is a leaky roof. Based on where the leak has occurred, water can slowly seep down and either gets absorbed by wood or by concrete. While these are not extremely porous materials, they do have a capacity to absorb a certain amount of water.
Damage to Insulation Due To A Leaky Roof
A leaky roof can also affect your insulation. This is an issue that can become seriously problematic on the fact that many people don’t check on their insulation as much to be able to detect whether it is experiencing any problems. Depending on the type of insulation you are using, excessive moisture can really harm its ability to function. Insulation can absorb water and then begin to clump. This causes it to be less efficient and even if you don’t see it, you will begin to feel its impact.
Electrical Problems Due To A Leaky Roof
Water and electricity don’t always react well and because of its conductive nature, water near electrical appliances is never a good idea. With a leaky roof, you cannot control where the water is seeping into your home. Water can sometimes drip down to the electrical box or to other areas of the house where there is electrical wiring. Water can also easily drip inside a junction box that houses different, exposed wirings. Once water comes into contact with electrical wiring, you can end up blowing a fuse or require proper grounding.
Rotting Due To A Leaky Roof
Constant exposure to water caused by a leak can cause serious damage to the area. In many cases, it increases the chances of the material decomposing and rotting. Rotted wooden plans, dry wall and other materials can be extremely problematic as they also contribute towards harming the structural integrity of the house. Also if the wooden frame of the roof begins to rot, you face a lot of problems since the roof can cave in and fall down at any time. Areas where the wood is directly exposed to water can also be problematic.
Wide Spread Water Damage Due To A Leaky Roof
A leaky roof can also contribute to causing significant water damage to the walls of the house. This can include water stains on the painted walls or even the wallpaper. The water stains can occur continuously every time the roof leaks and then dry, requiring you to paint them again and again to get rid of them. Dry wall can also begin to crumble because of the water damage that is occurring.
Roof Damage Due To A Leaky Roof
A leaky roof might cause damage to other areas of your home but the first place where it starts to do the initial damage is the roof itself. This means that before the water damage travels down to other areas in the house, the roof frame and the materials are in serious problem. In the case of metal roofs, a leak in the roof could mean that water is getting into the seams, the bolts and other areas. This can cause rusting and cause the roof to deteriorate and get weaker. In some areas, it can even make rust spots to appear that are difficult to fix properly.
Work With Professionals To Fix Your Leaky Roof
If you are looking for a good roofing professional in Brisbane, get in touch with OzRoofWorks. As a licensed roofing company, our professionals are trained to handle any roof repairs and replacements you might require. From metal roofs to wooden frames, hybrids and more, you can rely on us to meet all your roofing needs.
For more information regarding our professional roofing services, please visit our home page or give us a call on 1300-459-915 or 0410178007 to speak to one of our professionals. You can also drop us an email at info@ozroofworks.com.au or fill in our online form to get a free roof consultation from our roofing experts.
Mildew and Mould Due To A Leaky Roof
Leaks in the roof can create a humid indoor environment that will make dark, untouched corners of your home perfect for mildew and mold to grow in. Mold in the house can be a serious problem that not only damages the structural integrity of your home; it also contributes to causing serious complications to your health. Certain strains of mold are extremely toxic and can put you and your loved ones at risk. Black mold is toxic, and prolonged exposure to it can cause respiratory failure, nerve damage and has even death.
Pest Infestation Due To A Leaky Roof
Infestations in homes aren’t always frequent but in warm climates such as Brisbane, they can occur, particularly if you home has damp corners. Leaky roof can let in enough water to create a humid environment indoors and attract pests like gnats, termites, cockroaches and fruit flies. It also provides them with the best environment to breed so a fly or two can easily exacerbate into a full-blown infestation by the time you find out about it. Again, prevention is better than the cure here. You will have to fix the leaky roof to ensure that the infestation doesn’t occur again.
Structural Damage Due To A Leaky Roof
Structural damage is usually something that most homeowners think can occur because of natural disasters or when the house is finally beginning to feel its age. On the other hand, certain factors can also contribute to early structural damage and one of the culprits is a leaky roof. Based on where the leak has occurred, water can slowly seep down and either gets absorbed by wood or by concrete. While these are not extremely porous materials, they do have a capacity to absorb a certain amount of water.
Damage to Insulation Due To A Leaky Roof
A leaky roof can also affect your insulation. This is an issue that can become seriously problematic on the fact that many people don’t check on their insulation as much to be able to detect whether it is experiencing any problems. Depending on the type of insulation you are using, excessive moisture can really harm its ability to function. Insulation can absorb water and then begin to clump. This causes it to be less efficient and even if you don’t see it, you will begin to feel its impact.
Electrical Problems Due To A Leaky Roof
Water and electricity don’t always react well and because of its conductive nature, water near electrical appliances is never a good idea. With a leaky roof, you cannot control where the water is seeping into your home. Water can sometimes drip down to the electrical box or to other areas of the house where there is electrical wiring. Water can also easily drip inside a junction box that houses different, exposed wirings. Once water comes into contact with electrical wiring, you can end up blowing a fuse or require proper grounding.
Rotting Due To A Leaky Roof
Constant exposure to water caused by a leak can cause serious damage to the area. In many cases, it increases the chances of the material decomposing and rotting. Rotted wooden plans, dry wall and other materials can be extremely problematic as they also contribute towards harming the structural integrity of the house. Also if the wooden frame of the roof begins to rot, you face a lot of problems since the roof can cave in and fall down at any time. Areas where the wood is directly exposed to water can also be problematic.
Wide Spread Water Damage Due To A Leaky Roof
A leaky roof can also contribute to causing significant water damage to the walls of the house. This can include water stains on the painted walls or even the wallpaper. The water stains can occur continuously every time the roof leaks and then dry, requiring you to paint them again and again to get rid of them. Dry wall can also begin to crumble because of the water damage that is occurring.
Roof Damage Due To A Leaky Roof
A leaky roof might cause damage to other areas of your home but the first place where it starts to do the initial damage is the roof itself. This means that before the water damage travels down to other areas in the house, the roof frame and the materials are in serious problem. In the case of metal roofs, a leak in the roof could mean that water is getting into the seams, the bolts and other areas. This can cause rusting and cause the roof to deteriorate and get weaker. In some areas, it can even make rust spots to appear that are difficult to fix properly.
Work With Professionals To Fix Your Leaky Roof
If you are looking for a good roofing professional in Brisbane, get in touch with OzRoofWorks. As a licensed roofing company, our professionals are trained to handle any roof repairs and replacements you might require. From metal roofs to wooden frames, hybrids and more, you can rely on us to meet all your roofing needs.
For more information regarding our professional roofing services, please visit our home page or give us a call on 1300-459-915 or 0410178007 to speak to one of our professionals. You can also drop us an email at info@ozroofworks.com.au or fill in our online form to get a free roof consultation from our roofing experts.
