What Are the Dangers of a Leaky Roof

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A leaky roof is one of those household issues that people postpone fixing until the last minute. However, this is a pretty serious matter which if treated in a timely manner, can save you a lot of trouble. And the damage alone to the structure of your house, electrical installations and insulation can turn into an expensive repair.

Above all, the dangers of a leaky roof to your health grow even more as you delay resolving the issue. Just have a look at these hazards and you will immediately understand why this matter should be taken seriously.

1.     Structural deterioration of your house

A leaky roof will not only cause an aesthetical problem but also impair the structural integrity of your house. Damage to ceiling joints, exterior trim, rafters, and wall framing will start to become more obvious as you delay fixing your roof. Chronic leaks cause wood to deteriorate and rot, thus causing problems that can cost a lot.

Additionally, persistent leaks will cause damp walls and you will have to hire professional equipment and personnel to deal with this. In the end, you won't be able to live in the house prior to and during the repairs since you might be putting your wellbeing in jeopardy.

2.     Development of mold and mildew

When water enters your house insulation it damages its effectiveness. This will be something fairly easy to suspect if your energy bill goes higher because the warm air escapes your house through faulty insulation. But insulation damage carries another problem which may cause health problems for you and your family.

Namely, damp insulation is a perfect breathing ground for mold and mildew which can cause respiratory issues. Additionally, these fungi can also develop on damp walls, furniture and anything else that hasn’t been properly dried and taken care of with appropriate methods.

3.     Risk of electrical shock and fire hazard

When water from leaks enters the structure of your home, it may come into contact with electrical installations. In case there is any break in the insulation of the wires, the water will create an open circuit which might cause a fire. A leaky roof can also cause water to enter junction boxes which contain wires and circuit breakers and thus present a danger as well.

Leaks can also cause accidents such as electrical shock to a person which is in most cases a life-threatening situation. If you notice the leak, turn off the power to the area and call an electrician to examine your electrical installations. However, at the same time, it would be wise to take care of the leak as well since that might fix the issue altogether.

4.     Deterioration of the roof

Roofs are made to withstand any weather and even some of the harsher environmental conditions. However, while a slate roof can last for 100 years, it still needs regular and proper maintenance to stay in the best possible shape. As often pointed out by professionals like First Class Slate “time and weather will leave their mark on a slate roof and tiles can become damaged or loose.”

But taking care of the small damages to the roof in time will prevent deterioration of your roofing system and collapse. And damage to property and human health from this worst-case scenario can be unimaginably high. Therefore, if you notice a small leak or a broken slate, don't wait for it to get more serious, and fix it.

5.     A risk to slip and fall

An unattended leaky roof can create water puddle on the floor which you may not notice right away. Said puddle may not pose a huge risk, but that is only if you walk normally. If you have children or elderly in the house, then that puddle is a safety hazard and can cause slips and consequently injuries.

However, if the leak occurs on the stairs or tiles that get slippery when wet, the risk applies to every member of your household. Until the repairmen arrive or if you can’t immediately tend to the problem, put a bucket underneath the leak to collect the water. 

Lastly

Dangers of a leaky roof may vary in seriousness, but they all have one thing in common – a hazard to human health and wellbeing. For that reason, repairing your roof immediately is imperative, as well as maintaining it regularly throughout the year.