Don’t Let a Leaky Roof Lie! The Dangers of Waiting

What’s the worst thing you can do if you discover a leak in your roof?

Ignore it.

We can’t tell you the number of people who, instead of calling for help, throw a bucket under the drip, wait for the rain to stop (and the leak to dry up), and call it good.

This solution is fleeting and incredibly dangerous. Let’s explore why.

 

There’s no such thing as a small leak

Don’t be fooled into thinking a tiny leak is no big deal. You may only see a few drops on the floor or a small wet spot on the ceiling, but there’s a lot more happening beneath the surface. Even just a small water intrusion issue can result in major problems that spreads to the rest of your home.

Mold

The drip may have stopped, but there’s undoubtedly still water trapped somewhere in your roof, ceiling, or walls. The resulting humidity is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can spread throughout your home’s structure, to your HVAC system, and even into your carpets and clothing. This is extremely dangerous for your health, potentially causing respiratory problems. It can also weaken the framework of your home.

Pests

Holes and other issues in your roof open your home up to pest damage. Even small holes, combined with the moist environment inside, can attract an infestation. Everything from mosquitoes and wood boring insects (like termites, beetles, and carpenter ants) to mice, rats, and potentially even raccoons are possible!

Higher utility bills

If the leak has found its way into your insulation in your attic or walls, it can affect its ability to keep your home warm or cool. You may find that your monthly energy bill is skyrocketing for no apparent reason.

Structural damage

Of course, the most obvious issue with a leak is damage to your roof and your surrounding insulation, rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing, and fascia boards. Depending on how long water is left to sit and soak into the home, you could face structural issues, putting you and your family in serious danger.

 

Waiting to fix a leaky roof will cost you

A leaky roof will never fix itself. No matter how hard you try and wish it into existence, the leak will not get better on its own. We can tell you exactly what will happen though. The damage will continue to worsen, weakening the surrounding structure until it eventually causes a much bigger issue.

Here’s a great example.

We recently responded to a roof leak issue for a homeowner in Hillsboro. They noticed a wet mark on their ceiling and asked for us to come check it out. Since we provide free roof inspections, we’re happy to come out to your home quickly if you think something’s wrong.

We arrived at the home and found they had a small hole in their roof and needed to fix and replace a few shingles. We helped them ensure the interior of their home was safe from any possible water intrusions, scheduled a time for our crew to come to the house, and made the repairs.

Around this same time, we also responded to a homeowner with a bigger leak issue. We arrived at their home right away after learning water was flowing into the house. It turns out the homeowner had been experiencing small leak issues throughout their home for over a year. Because of the extent of the damage over time, it caused major interior and exterior issues. The entire roof had to be replaced and they even had to throw out damaged furniture and carpet.

Lesson learned: The longer you wait, the more damage the leak will cause, and the more expensive the repairs will become.

 

How to keep your roof (and home) safe

Prevention is the best medicine. We recommend that you have your roof inspected at least twice a year. Our roof inspections are free, so there’s no reason NOT to schedule these preventive appointments.

After our inspection, we’ll send you a detailed report about what we found. We’ll outline the condition of your roof. If we find anything to be nervous about, we’ll explain the steps you can take to restore your roof to its top condition and avoid leaks or other damage in the future.

Since the goal is to prevent leaks, there may be a time when small repairs are suggested even if there isn’t currently a leak issue. Don’t wait until you notice a problem to get help. Stop it before it can start and you’ll increase the life expectancy of your roof, save money in the long run, and keep your home and family safe.

 

What to look for throughout the year

Between inspections, keep an eye on the condition of your roof to prevent a fixable issue from turning into a nasty, costly repair. Look for signs inside and outside your home.

On the outside, keep an eye out for:

  • Missing, broken, warped, blistering, or buckling shingles
  • Moss growth, signs of mold, and rotting on the roof
  • Clogged or slow-draining gutters and downspouts
  • Debris and loose material around your chimney or vent

Inside your home, watch out for…

  • Dark spots on the ceiling or walls
  • Areas of your ceiling where you see light shining through
  • Sagging
  • Mold in the corners or along your baseboard
  • Soggy carpets

 

Moral of the story: Don’t wait!

Catching problems early on is the difference between a simple roof repair and replacing your entire roof (and potentially damaged household items, too)

Save time and money by scheduling a roof inspection before it’s too late. Remember, our inspections are free and there’s never any obligation. And if you do notice an issue, call us right away. We offer emergency leak repairs to save you money and take care of the problem before it can spread.