When the roof in your home starts leaking, you may think that putting out a few buckets to collect dripping water is enough to prevent any damage occurring. The dirty truth about leaking roofs is that by the time the water has landed in the bucket, the majority of the damage has already occurred, and while a DIY repair may seem appealing to your wallet, that carries its own risks.
Signs Of A Leaking Roof
The immediate sign of a leaking roof is visible dripping from the ceiling, or the sound of dripping water. The next sign is the formation of water stains and water spots. Water stains commonly look like puddles which are stained brown, but any signs of discoloration on your ceiling or walls can be sign of leaking water.
Water stains are often followed by mold. As soon as you notice mold, you should immediately find the source of the leak. Should you see any missing roof shingles, that is a sign that in the next downpour, you are almost certain to experience a leak.
Damage That Can Be Caused By A Roof Leak
The immediate danger with a leaking roof, is damage to the wood and ceiling boards of your attic, as well as potentially damaging items stored there. Leaking water can also damage paint and plaster, discoloring them and potentially causing bubbling.
Water in the attic can seep into electrical conduit pipes, causing damage to your home’s electrical system, and ceiling mounted light fixtures. Exposed wiring can short in the presence of water, which in turn can lead to a fire. In areas where leaks are present, it is recommended to cut off electricity to that area.
Should the water seep into the ceiling boards and wood, or pool and stand, it creates ideal situations for mold and mildew to grow. Black mold is the most common type to grow in areas that frequently get damp. Any mold that forms poses a risk to your health, and removing and replacing mold affected areas can become expensive.
Water can cause rafters, wall frames, drywall and ceiling boards can cause these items to swell, deteriorate and weaken, which over time, can cause these items to collapse.
Risks With DIY Roofing Repairs
While the cost saving aspects of a DIY roof repair seem appealing, it is not a good idea to tackle roof repairs without the help of a professional roofing company. While you may believe that replacing a few shingles may fix the problem, it often is not that simple. Many people neglect to check roof seams, and the corking and sealing of the roof at points where the roof meets walls and chimneys, which can make the project far larger than initially anticipated.
Professional roofers have experience in repairs and know what to look for when inspecting a roof and doing repairs. This experience will always lead to a better job than any tutorial. Roofing can be dangerous. There is always the risk of a ladder falling, or if you roof has a slope, it is quite easy to your footing and slipping off the roof. A professional roofer will not only have the correct safety gear, but will also have insurance to cover them and you from any injuries that may occur. This insurance also extends to any damage that might occur you your property during the repair process.
A quality roof repair ensures that you won’t experience any future leaks, but also maximizes your curb appeal, and ensures that your property value is not affected by unsightly visible damage. Should you have experienced any roof issues, or if you have any fears you may have a leaking roof, please contact AABCO roofing.
