Imagine this: the dreaded day when you find yourself standing in a puddle on the kitchen floor and realize that it’s not because of a spilled cup. As you crane your neck towards the ceiling and notice drops landing on your head, you take a deep sigh and think, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” The reality of a leaky roof is one we all would rather avoid in life, but we’re not always that lucky. Once you do realize that there’s moisture seeping through your ceiling, ignoring it is the worst thing you can do.
If you’ve got a leaky roof, here are some of the potential risks that can easily develop if it’s not dealt with and repaired immediately.
Contents
Water Damage and Wood Rot
Of course, the most obvious problem that will arise the longer you wait, is the damage that the accumulating or consistent water will do to surrounding walls, flooring, and furniture. As that water continues to trickle down through your roof and ceiling, it can weaken the structure of both, causing potential wood rot, and soften plaster and drywall. It’s not hard to imagine the headache and cost that water damage can cause even over a short period of time.
Growth of Mold Spore and Mildew
The consistent presence of water with areas in and around your home is the of the main ways that allows mold spores and mildew to develop and thrive. Whether it’s black toxic mold, or non-toxic mold spores, they are a serious matter that can impact the health of you and your family, as well as weaken wood frames, flooring, and ceilings, too.
Fire Hazard
Believe it or not, but having a leak present in your ceiling can raise the potential for a fire hazard. Think about how that water trickles through the ceiling and walls, and travels along everything in between it, including electrical wiring. We all know how dangerous that combination can be. If there is a leak, it’s always a smart move to turn off any electricity in and around the wet area that may be affected.
Wasted Energy, Higher Bills
Over time, as that water makes its way into the roof and ceiling, the insulation in between can deteriorate due to the constant saturation. As the insulation weakens, so does the efficiency of energy since there’s no longer a buffer that’s sufficient in maintaining comfortable internal temperatures. So whether hot or cool – that air will make its way outside the home and cause your energy bills to soar.
If you notice a leak in your roof, ignoring it will only exacerbate the problem. Waiting to deal with it comes along with a variety of other potential risks. So if there’s water entering through your ceiling, call a roofing company in Ottawa to assess the damage and repair it before the damage worsens.
