Roofs are susceptible to wear and tear like any other part of your house. What you might not know is that roofs are only meant to last for 20 to 30 years. That doesn’t take into account climate or severe weather conditions, which can reduce the life span of all roof types.

Your roof is your front line of protection against the elements. That’s why when you spot a leak or hole, getting the proper roof repair should be your highest priority. Contact Elite Remodeling Services at (904) 657-8383 to talk to a roof specialist today. Read on for some of the reasons why roof leaks may be more dangerous than you think.

Why Roof Leaks Can Be Dangerous

Mold and Mildew

Where there are roof leaks, mold and mildew are sure to follow. Both thrive in damp, dark, and warm conditions with little air circulation. These conditions make attics and crawl spaces perfect breeding grounds.

Once they take hold inside of your house, mold and mildew spread quickly. They can spread into your HVAC system, water, drywall, and carpeting. And this is far more than an aesthetic issue; mold and mildew can make you sick.

Black mold is one of the more common types of mold. If you come into contact with it, you can experience a variety of respiratory issues. These include chronic coughing, sneezing, rashes, headaches, and even vomiting.

Getting rid of mold and mildew can be expensive. The solution is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Make sure to keep your attic and crawl spaces dry and hot to limit the opportunities for growth.

Energy Waste

Even small cracks or openings in your roof can allow cold air to enter your home during winter months. Similarly, not enough ventilation may get into your home during summer months.

Roof leaks can also lead to insulation damage. When exposed to moisture, the insulation begins to clump and lose its effectiveness, which creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Sealing air leaks will means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain in-home temperatures. Best of all, eliminating roof leaks can save you as much 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Fire and Shock Hazard

A roof leak can compromise electrical wiring in your attic or ceiling. The result can be a fire or shock hazard.

Wires are often wrapped in plastic coating to protect against the elements. If water reaches an exposed area, it will increase the current in the circuit and blow a fuse. Without the fuse, the wire will heat up. And if that wire is near anything flammable, a fire can start.

If you suspect roof leaks are increasing your chances of a fire or shock hazard, the best thing to do is shut off the electricity to that part of the house. Then contact an electrician and roofing specialist as soon as possible to examine the appropriate areas.

Structural Roof Damage

As we mentioned, roofs typically last 20 to 30 years. Adverse conditions, such as roof leaks, can accelerate the wear and tear on the roof’s structural system, thus shortening its lifespan considerably.

There are several signs water leaks have compromised your roof. You may notice dark spots in painted areas, or that bubbles and sags have formed in the plaster.

Rot, however, is the most dramatic and destructive form of structural damage. Fungi will start to form when the water has access to your wooden building materials for an extended time. Given enough surface area, moisture, and warm air, the fungi will continue to eat away at the wood.

If there is one takeaway from this article, it should be not to underestimate the power of roof leaks. Even the smallest, most innocuous looking holes can have significant consequences. Address them immediately when you notice leaks or cracks in your roof—call Elite Remodeling Services at (904) 657-8383 today.