No one wants to deal with a roof leak in Canton Michigan. But something more problematic than a roof leak is a roof leak that has gone unaddressed. While in television shows, the dripping roof may look comical, in real life, when you have reached that stage in a roof leak, you are in for very costly repairs and potentially even damage throughout your home. If you still aren’t convinced that roof leaks are a big deal, consider some of the problems that occur when not addressed right away.
Why a Leaky Roof in Canton Michigan Need to Be Fixed Right Away
One of the biggest problems is a roof leak that you don’t notice right away. While a roof leak that allows water to pour into your home quickly is a problem, it can usually be addressed fairly quickly. A roof leak that is slower and hardly noticeable is a huge problem. A roof leak like this will allow water to affect the home time and again and you may not even realize it.
Pooling Water
When water comes into your attic through your roof, it can have a much harder time drying out. Especially if you don’t have enough ventilation in your attic, you can end up with water gathering into puddles in your roof. Sitting water has a lot of problems on it’s own, but can lead to additional issues like:
Warping and Sagging
Warping and sagging is common in porous materials and can occur in both the roof and the attic. When moisture comes in, wood will absorb it, causing the overall stability to weaken and the materials to lose the ability to hold up. This can be minor at first, but get much more severe over time. Simply removing the moisture will not fix this problem.
Structural Damage
Moisture can also be absorbed in the structural beams and supports that hold up your roof. This can lead to warping, sagging, rotting and even breaking down. This will aid in sagging, but also can lead to cave ins, which can cause serious injuries or even death.
Mold and Mildew
When moisture is allowed to sit for long periods of time, mildew and mold have a stronger chance of growing. In areas like attics where heat is absorbed through the roof, high humidity can create the perfect breading ground for mold to grow and thrive. Mold can also spread throughout the rest of your home, and wreak havoc on the health of anyone inside. This includes allergies, skin reactions and respiratory issues. The only way to fully irradiate mold is to remove any porous materials that it may be inside of.
Insulation Replacement
Whether your insulation has mold in it, or just got wet, it will need to be replaced. Insulation and moisture do not mix, and you can never add more insulation to that area once the existing insulation is wet. This will only amplify the chances of mold growth. Insulation will need to be completely removed and replaced with fresh insulation.
Water Stains
While it may not seem like the biggest issue, roof leaks can leave ugly brown water stains on your ceiling. These stains will only grow and become more prominent, but can also be a sign of more problems to come in the future like sagging. Once you see water stains on your ceiling, you know that you have a roof leaks that is definitely an issue and you may be facing many more complications.
Electric Shock
Whenever there is any time of water leak in your home, you increase your chances of electric shock. This is especially true if your roof leak has entered your walls where electrical wires are. Shocks can be minor, cause serious damage to your health, or even cause sparks.
Fire Risks
With sparks from water interacting with electrical wires comes the increased risk of fire. This can be a major safety hazard and can cost you your home and your life.
Insurance Coverage
If you delay roof repairs, your insurance company will most likely disclaim and refuse to help you. At best, you may be covered for the cost of the initial damage, but they will not help you if they know you let the problem go untreated. That means paying for all of these repairs completely on your own.
If your home in Canton Michigan has been affected by a leaking roof be sure to call the experts at Twelve Oaks Roofing for roof repair. They offer free inspections and quotes on your roof. Call 248-525-6950 today.