A roofing system is made of durable materials and properly installed in homes, making it able to withstand the harsh outdoor elements and endure the test of time. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the system up above your home is designed to last forever. Over the years of usage, the time will come when it will be subject to wear and tear, which is when minor and major problems start to appear.
One roofing issue commonly encountered by most homes is a roof leak, usually after heavy rain or storm. However, the problem is that some homeowners tend to ignore it and assume that the issue is only minor, but it will quickly escalate into an extensive problem.
If you ignore a roof leak for a long period, here are five results that you’ll have to deal with:
Costly repairs or replacements
Did you know that something as simple as a roofing leak can wreak havoc on your property and compromise its structural integrity? The water can leak into the ceiling, get into the attic, run into walls, seep in the flooring, and settle in the basement. Imagine the number of damages it can cause to your property. Not only will you get some house parts repaired, but you also may need to have some replaced – all of which will dig a big hole in your pocket!
Mold growth and compromised health
You may or may not be aware of this, but molds thrive in a moist environment. If you leave this leak unaddressed in the nooks and crannies of your home, don’t be surprised at how you’ll soon have mold growth or infestation. Not only will it cause significant damage to your property, but it will also compromise your family’s health because it can cause skin allergies and respiratory problems.
Pest infestation
If you have a roof leak, your roofing system is more likely to have displaced or missing shingles. As a result, it will be very easy for pests like insects and rodents to get into your home. The last thing you will ever want to happen is to share spaces with mice, spiders, termites, and even fleas. Eventually, you’ll have to spend more on pest control services to eliminate them from your property.
High energy bills
As mentioned above, leaks are an indication that there are holes in your roofing system. When confronted with this situation, it’s easy for your home to allow cold air to enter during winter and warm heat during summer. As a result, the cooling and heating systems will have to work harder to maintain comfortable temperature levels inside, meaning that more energy is consumed. At the end of the month, you’ll likely have to pay more for your energy bills!
Reduced lifespan
If you completely ignore a roof leak, know that you’re harming the roofing system itself! The fact that the shingles are already damaged, displaced, or even missing indicates that they must be fixed immediately to prevent more severe issues. Otherwise, they will significantly reduce your roofing system’s life expectancy, and you’ll end up paying more for a total replacement.
Conclusion
At this point, you now know what will happen if you ignore a roof leak and fail to address it as soon as possible. As outlined above, you’ll be confronted with the following circumstances—costly repairs or replacements, mold growth and compromised health, pest infestation, high energy bills, and reduced roof lifespan.
As soon as you notice a leaky roof, it’s best to contact roofing professionals immediately so that they can quickly address the problem and maintain your home’s structural integrity. Ultimately, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
We’re a roofing contractor in Charlotte, specializing in roofing installation, maintenance, and repair services. If you need emergency roof repair brought by rainwater leaks, get in touch with our roofers to request a free estimate today!