Though often overlooked, the roof is the most important part of any home. It protects everything from the structure of your home to the contents inside and, of course, you and your loved ones. Even a small roof leak can have severe consequences if not addressed quickly and efficiently by a professional roofing company that specializes in roof leak repair.
What Happens If You Ignore The Signs You Need A Roof Leak Repair
Now that we’ve listed the most common causes of roof leaks, what should you look for? How can you tell there is a roof leak without noticeable water inside your home? We know it can be easy to ignore the sometimes silent signs of a leaking roof, but if you do, you’re risking major home damage that can be catastrophic if it isn’t addressed.
1. Increased Energy Bills
Increased energy bills are one of the first signs something could be wrong with your roof. A sudden jump in electricity usage could be caused by poor insulation from roof damage. Over time, an increase in energy bills can lead to an overloaded HVAC system, ventilation issues, and more. One of the best ways to prevent a skyrocketing energy bill is with regular roof inspections that can identify potential issues before they get worse.
2. Mold, Mildew, Moss, and Algae
Mold, mildew, moss, and algae are the next most common signs you may need a roof leak repair. Moss and algae accumulate on the roof when it isn’t diverting water properly. Eventually, the moisture trapped by the moss and algae breaks down the surface of your roof, if it hasn’t already.
Meanwhile, a significant sign of a roof leak indoors is the sudden appearance of mold or mildew along the ceiling or drywall. Not only can excessive mold and mildew cause damage to your health, it will ultimately lead to severe structural damage.
3. Structural Damage
When the roof is damaged and then ignored, water will seep slowly into your home. Water becomes trapped between the shingles or tiles, allowing enough time for it to saturate the decking, flashing, insulation, and underlayment until it reaches the rafters, ceiling joists, framing, and even the foundation. Once this happens, the wood begins to rot and warp, meaning it is only a matter of time before your home’s structure won’t be able to stand anymore.
4. Sagging or Uneven Roof
Along with severe structural damage, a roof leak left unrepaired will lead to a sagging or uneven roof. This is the result of wet, damaged roof framing and is commonly caused by hurricane damage, poor roofing construction, and, you guessed it – a roof leak that went untreated for too long.
5. Electrical System Damage
As rain falls on the damaged section of your roof, it will, eventually, reach the electrical system. Once water reaches the wiring, outlets, switches, or circuit box, you’ll be looking at not only roof leak repair, but also new electrical system components. Electrical system damage from ignoring a roof leak can be costly and extremely dangerous.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks
When we think about home maintenance, the roof isn’t typically on the list. Unless there is major, visible damage from a roof leak inside, it’s an out-of-sight, out-of-mind part of our homes. Because the roof surface isn’t visible, it’s easy to forget about all the factors that impact the top of your home.
Although on the surface, it seems like an obvious thing you wouldn’t be able to miss, the signs of a roof leak often begin so subtly, that many homeowners don’t notice, leaving months or even years for damage to occur.
Roof leaks are caused by a variety of issues, but most commonly are connected to:
- Clogged Gutters
- Roof Vents
- Chimney Damage
- Skylights
- Cracked Flashing
- Incorrectly Sealed Valleys
- Damaged Tiles or Shingles
- Age
Clogged Gutters
Gutters are designed to collect rainwater and direct it away from your home. However, without proper maintenance and annual cleaning, they become clogged with dirt, debris, leaves, and even pieces of trash, ultimately leaving the water to build up. Over time, the water will soak into the roof, eventually causing a leak.
Roof Vents
When properly installed, roof vents work by providing air flow to the attic space which prevents the roof from overheating during the hot summer months. Damage to a roof vent from age, high winds, or heavy rains allows water to seep into your home.
Chimney Damage
Although chimneys are not very common in South Florida, some older homes still have them. Flashing is what prevents water from leaking into or around the chimney and if it’s damaged from age or weather, it can cause a roof leak.
Skylights
The most common reasons for a skylight leak are improper installation or waiting too long to replace an existing one. The weather stripping can erode, the seals can begin to crack, the flashing can become damaged, or the glass may even crack, ultimately inviting water into your home and your roof.
Cracked Flashing
Flashing is usually made of galvanized steel and is used around certain roof features like the ones above (chimneys, skylights, and vents). Its purpose is to direct water away from these areas along the roof and is also installed where the roof surface meets something vertical (think dormer or wall). When flashing is damaged, there is nothing to prevent water from getting into the roof.
Incorrectly Sealed Valleys
Roof valleys exist as a way to direct water off the surface of your roof. Without this design, water would have nowhere to go and instead would pool in certain areas. If the valleys are improperly sealed, the rain will eventually damage the roof decking and flashing before making its way through the rafters and into your home.
Damaged Tiles or Shingles
We often say the roof is the first line of defense against the elements. While this is true, roofing tiles and shingles are the main surfaces that are hit with rain and wind before anything else. If tiles are cracked or missing or shingles are deteriorating or peeling, it’s an open invitation for rainwater to penetrate your roof.
Age
The average lifespan of a well-constructed and properly maintained roof is 15 to 20 years but will depend on which roofing material: tile, asphalt shingle, or metal. Regardless though, the roof age is a major factor that can contribute to leaks.
Coral Springs Roof Leak Repair Company
In the busyness of everyday life, it’s too easy to overlook the small, sometimes silent signs of a roof leak or even delay repairs. From structural issues to health hazards from mold and mildew, you can’t afford to wait.
Call our professional roof leak repair team at 954-344-4622 to get a free quote.
