It all starts at the top – if anything goes wrong with your roof, every other part of your home can be affected. By the time a roof leak drips actual water drops a homeowner or building manager can see, it’s been around for a while. Today, we’ll outline some signs of a leaking roof and the risks of not repairing it right away.
Signs of a Leaking Roof
Because a roofing system is complex, a leak can take anywhere from a few months to several years to be discovered. When a roof becomes damaged, it compromises its ability to properly protect your home. Check the roof periodically to see if a leak might be forming. Also look inside the house. Signs include:
- water spots on the ceiling that spread only after a rainstorm
- water damage to exterior walls
- asphalt shingle granules in the gutters
- damaged roofing tiles – cracked, curling or missing shingles
Reasons for Delaying Repairs
While the reasons for delaying repairs to your roof are perfectly valid, putting them off now will most likely cost you a lot more in the long run. Reasons for not repairing leaks as soon as possible are:
- waiting until it’s worth repairing – it might appear to be only one or two small damp patches, but it’s not just about fixing; a good roofing contractor will find the source of the leak, and the longer you wait to call, the more difficult it’s going to be to find
- not in the budget
- roof is going to be replaced in two years anyway – not doing repairs now could cause structural issues that will impact the time and cost of your roof replacement
- don’t have the time
- it’s not raining – yes the weather is becoming nicer, but it won’t stay that way; contractors for roofing and gutters become very busy whenever the rain comes back
Consequences of Delaying Repairs
It’s not only about time and money. When a leaking roof isn’t repaired immediately, water damage can result in serious problems such as:
- stained interior walls, ceilings, and damp insulation
- damaged floors, furniture and electrical appliances and equipment
- fire hazard due to damaged electrical equipment and wiring
- appearance of mould, wood rot, and insect infestation
- health concerns resulting from mould growth
- higher utility bills
- structural damage
Water is the number one enemy of any building, commercial or residential. Help your roof protect your home: inspect it regularly for missing tiles, damp patches and worn “tired” areas.
