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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.
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