Water Damage From a Leaky Roof

5/2/2016 (Permalink)

It may seem reasonable to put off repairing a leaky roof because there isn’t always apparent damage but that would be a mistake. A leaky roof can cause significant water damage which could result in other problems impacting the integrity of the structure and the health of its occupants.

Many people think of a leaky roof or water dripping in their home as just a nuisance. But as that water accumulates, water damage occurs around the home which over time can lead to other problems such as structural damage and health hazards.

Structural Problems

If your roof is leaking, that water may be falling right onto the attic floor. Usually when this happens, that water then travels along the underside of the roof decking to the walls and then down the wall framing. As the water continues to sit on the framing, the wet wood will begin to rot and will lose its strength. This will result in the roof potentially sagging, the wall bowing, and the foundation may become waterlogged and spongy. While it may take a few years to become noticeable, even small leaks can cause these problems. And when they are noticeable they’ll likely be quite expensive to repair.

Insulation and Mold Damage

As the water from the leak drips onto the attic insulation it can create more problems. The insulation could begin to congregate and lose its effectiveness. This will become noticeable when you receive your energy bill because, as the warm air leaves through the attic, the heat will need to be turned up in order to keep the house warm.

Another problem it causes is that the congregated and wet insulation becomes a haven for mold. If there is dry weather, the mold will grow. Due to the fact that mold can grow on virtually anything, it will likely continue to spread onto the different parts of the roof deck or the framing that’s been exposed to the water. If not immediately attended to, the mold will continue to grow and cause respiratory problems for occupants of the building.

Fire and Shock Hazard

As the water continues to drip from the roof through the house, there’s a danger that it could end up coming into contact with electrical wiring. Any break that there may be within the insulation may create an open circuit that could end up leading to a fire. If the water flows by metal junction boxes that have uncovered wires then it can be a serious hazard even without insulation damage. When water gets around open wiring it can become electrically charged and anything that ends up around it could get shocked. That includes anyone that comes into contact with it. Because there is such a danger of fire or shock if the water comes into contact with electricity, it’s important to shut off the power to any circuits that may be running through the affected area. In this situation, make sure to have an electrician come to investigate.

Other Water Hazards

While the building’s structural problems, mold damage, and fire or shock are all dangers of a leaky roof, there are other problems that could occur and be hazardous for occupants. As the water accumulates on the floor, it can create puddles that can cause those walking through it to slip. The water also has the ability to collect behind the drywall of the ceiling which could cause it to crumble or cave in. You can usually tell if this is happening because the drywall will begin to sag or bulge. If the roof deck is exposed to water, it can become deteriorated. With the plywood weakened by the water, there’s the potential that someone walking on it could step through the wood causing serious injury.

It may seem like a leaky roof is nothing more than little drops of water falling into parts of your house where you don’t even notice it. But those little drops accumulate and can become serious water damage resulting in structural issues to the building as well as health problems for the occupants. So if you have a leaky roof on your home, make sure to have it taken care of immediately to avoid further damage. But if you do have water damage, call the certified professionals at SERVPRO to remedy the problem.