Roofs are an essential part of the house. Without a strong and durable roof, we are exposed to several extreme and harsh weather conditions. Throughout several centuries, roofs have protected us to brave through storms, typhoons, winter and even scorching heat during the summer season. Because of this, roofs take the bullet in facing all these harsh and intense conditions. As a result, they exhibit noticeable wear and tear. Various causes include abrasions from tree branches , corrosion brought about by moisture build up and also holes brought about by the accumulation of debris, just to name a few. Holes most often lead to leaks that are automatically noticed whenever water starts to drop inside of the house.
The issue now is, when is the right time to get worried about a leak? Often times, people will overlook small roof leaks, underestimating the threat they give off. However, regardless of how small a leak is, over time, this will increase in size. When this happens, leaks will definitely cause grave damage to a house. You may be surprised to wake up one day swimming in a pool of rain water since your roof has decided to breakdown on you. With that said, here are some of the complications that may arise from leaks on your roof.
Damage to the ceiling
One of the most common complication of roof leaks are noticeable damages to the ceiling. Houses with attics are more difficult to diagnose since roof leaks are harder to find. When the ceiling is damaged, the paint starts to fade and water will drip from the ceiling to the walls causing a distinct staining on the wall. Accumulated water on the ceiling can also jeopardize electrical wirings like ceiling lights and fans attached. This is one of the major causes of fires caused by electrical sources.
Accumulation of mold and mildew
Accumulation of water and moisture will often lead to build up of mold and mildew. These conditions are conducive for the growth of fungi. These organisms are opportunistic, damaging everything that comes along their path. In addition, they give of an offensive and foul odor that may spread throughout the house. You would not want to host a party with friends complaining of an unexplained rotten scent abounding the house. In addition, mold and mildew can get into your HVAC systems and vents posing a huge threat to the health of the residents. Severe diseases such as colds, coughs and other respiratory illnesses can result to this
Physical Hazards
Leaks can cause physical hazards in the house. Water that drips on to the floor can cause slips and falls resulting to unnecessary injuries and health issues.
With these things mentioned, it is definitely not right to underestimate the damaging power of small leaks from roofs. When you notice even a slight sign of leak in the roof, it is best to first do some troubleshooting yourself. However, for serious leaks it is best to seek advice and contact a reliable roofing company that will get the job done in a matter of minutes.