As a busy homeowner, a minor leak in your roof may not be your biggest priority. If it isn’t causing a huge inconvenience or only seems to be a problem occasionally, it can be easy to put it at the bottom of your to-do list! While a minor leak in your roof may not seem like a big deal, it is so important to have these inspected and repaired as quickly as possible.
They can be deprioritized when they aren’t directly impacting your living space or only become a nuisance now and then. However, a seemingly small leak can end up costing you much more in the long run when not resolved promptly.
It is important to recognize that even though a leak may seem minor, it could be causing greater problems within the walls of your home. We say it often in the storm damage repair field: just because it is “out of sight” doesn’t mean it should be out of mind!
Leaks that are left unrepaired for an extended period of time can mean a higher cost on the homeowner’s part due to the unexpected issues they can cause.
Damage to Your Walls
Though a leak may not be visible to the eye at all times, it is possible that it is slowly causing damage to your insulation or drywall. In some cases, the leak may be impacting your electrical wiring. Not only is this another repair waiting to happen, but it can also be a fire hazard. The leak can cause an electrical short, and this is something that should be resolved immediately. If you have electrical wiring in your attic or in your ceiling, it is a good idea to turn off the electricity in the area affected by the leak.
Higher Energy Bill
The damage to insulation can result in a higher energy bill due to an increased loss of heat or cool air. When you have a leak, it can saturate and eventually deteriorate your insulation. This causes your heating or air system to work overtime, resulting in a higher bill overall.
Damage to Exterior Paint
When moisture gets trapped under the roof underlayment, it can cause your exterior paint to peel. While this isn’t dangerous for you or your family, it does hurt the curb appeal of your home and can be frustrating! This can lead to the additional cost of needing to have your home repainted.
Mold
Where there is prolonged moisture, there is often mold. This can be a health hazard as it can spread throughout your home and into your vents. Leaks can cause black mold, and though it is not always toxic, it can be very difficult to get rid of. Not only does this spell danger for your family’s health, but it can also be a costly fix!
Structural Damage
A prolonged leak can lead to wood framing rotting within the interior of your home, which can result in structural damage. Rafters and joists can also experience damage from a roof leak. This can become an expensive fix if left for an extended period of time, as it will typically require intervention from a professional contractor. This may entail completely ripping out drywall and replacing the wall in its entirety, depending on the severity of the wood rot.
Damage to Flooring
If a leak goes undetected, it can result in damage to your flooring, particularly if you have hardwood floors. If water makes its way into your home and you consistently have moisture on your floors, it can cause them to warp or sag.
It is clear that an unresolved roof leak can result in many other additional costs when left unrepaired. These other consequences can be damaging to all aspects of your house and can even be a danger to your family’s health and safety in your home due to potential fire hazards, mold, and structural damage. All of these make a great case for getting any leaks, regardless of their size, repaired as quickly as possible!
When a storm rolls through an area, it can create damage that can go undetected for days, weeks, or even months. If you’ve recently had a storm in your neighborhood, we recommend that you schedule a professional inspection with a storm restoration expert who has the knowledge and experience to find the problem before it results in any further damage to your home!
ASPEN EXTERIORS®, INC. is one of the largest and most reputable storm damage restoration companies in the country. If you suspect you may have storm damage, please give us a call at 1-866-68-ASPEN to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection!
