Problems Caused by a Leaky Roof – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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Problems Caused by a Leaky Roof

Having a leak in your roof is one of the worst nightmares a homeowner can face when you initially see the leak, it can be hard to tell just how extensive the damage is.  Repairing damage on a roof can be costly, but it’s important to know what to do so you can treat the issue quickly.  Ignoring roof leaks will only make the problem worse.

Damaged Ceilings and Attics

The first place water goes when your roof leaks is straight into the ceiling, and then into your attic, should your home have one.  If you have an unaddressed leak in your roof you can expect water to damage the contents of your attic and also darken, stain, and damage the ceiling.

Insulation Damage

As water leaks into your home, starting at the roof and then leaking into the attic, it can seriously damage any insulation you may have inside your roof.  The water causes the insulation to clump, making it virtually ineffective in keeping warm or cool air inside your home, depending on the season. Be sure to regularly inspect your roof so you can stop damage before it escalates.

Mold and Mildew

A leak in your roof can inevitably lead to a serious mold or mildew problem.  That mold and mildew doesn’t just indicate where the water has gone, either.  Mold spores in water-damaged homes can even pass through the HVAC systems, leading to serious illness for people with allergies, asthma, environmental sensitivities, and compromised immune systems.

Sagging Drywall

Drywall is commonly used to divide spaces within the home during the construction phase of the process.  You shouldn’t expose drywall to water, but when you’ve got a leaky roof, that’s exactly what happens.  Too much water can cause your drywall to sag, buckle, or fall apart.

Bulging Drywall

If your drywall is bulging or bubbling, there’s a good chance it’s due to water damage.  Disfiguraton in your wall could indicate a leak in your plumbing, but it could also be a roof leak.  Sometimes water from roof leaks travels beneath the wall and is invisible from the outside.

Fire Hazards

Water and electricity do not mix. When you realize you’ve got a leak in your home and you know that your attic contains wiring, make sure that a local professional electrician examines the damage.  This precaution keeps you safe from shocks, and your home safe from any potential errant sparks flying that could cause a fire.

Slip Hazards

A slippery floor is a parent’s nightmare, and a leaky roof is almost a guarantee that you’re on your way towards one.  Leaks from your roof into your home can cause puddles, making slippery patches that are sure to slip up everyone who comes across them.

Energy Inefficiency

We already mentioned the effect that water damage has on insulation, but damaged installation caused by a leaky roof can also lead to another problem: energy inefficiency.  If your insulation isn’t doing its job, you’re going to wind up using more power and losing more power.  This is bad for the environment and bad for your wallet.

Damaged Shingles

If your shingles are damaged or warped, there’s a much higher chance that water can come in through your roof.  It’s important to routinely inspect and maintain your roof to catch these issues early.  If you don’t, they can be costly in the long term.

Spots on Your Exterior Walls

Just like on your interior walls, spots on your exterior walls are a bad sign.  They could indicate an issue with the step flashing, which is where the roof meets the wall.  It could have become loose or deteriorated overtime, allowing rainwater to leak through and leave dark spots.

Compromised Structure

Even the strongest homes are susceptible to the rot that comes with water damage.  What starts as a small leak in your roof can develop into a systemic failure of your home’s foundation—all that water can leak down to your foundation levels and start rot that can make it unstable.  Stop leaks in their tracks before they become even bigger problems.

Leaking water can also cause damage to:

  • Paint and plaster on walls

  • Ceiling-mounted lights and fans

  • Insulation

  • Rafters and ceiling joists

  • Wall framing

  • Fascia boards

  • Exterior trim

  • Floors

  • Furniture and personal belongings

If you have spotted a leak in your roof and you’re worried about the damage it could be causing, do not hesitate to contact a roofing professional in your area.  What might on the surface seem like an easy fix could be the sign of a bigger problem.

Steps If Your Roof Is Leaking

It can be hard to know what to do after you first notice a leak in your roof.  There are a few initial steps you should take before jumping into cleaning up and repairing the roof.

Catch the Water With a Container

If you can see water dripping from your roof, you should place a large container under the leak to catch the water.

Puncture the Ceiling

If all you see is water damage or bulging walls, it’s likely water is pooling on the other side of that spot.  Again, you’ll want to place a large container under the water stain.  Next — although it seems counterintuitive—you’ll want to puncture a hole in your ceiling.  This will allow the water to flow through. If the water is allowed to continue to pool in the ceiling, it could collapse.

Tarp Your Roof

If you know where the leak is coming from, you can place a tarp on the exterior surface.  If you’re not sure you can safely access the leak, you should call a professional. Keep in mind that during inclement weather, a professional will not be able to tarp the leak until the weather stops.

Check Your Attic

If your home has an attic, check rafters and roof sheathing for water marks or signs of mold.  It’s possible that water may have pooled on the floor of the attic, so watch your step when investigating.

Treat the Leak Quickly

The most important thing to remember is that you should not ignore a leaky roof.  Leaks do not go away on their own, and they only get worse.  It’s best to treat the leak as soon as you see it so it doesn’t grow larger and cause more damage down the road.