Your roof is the first point of contact when it rains, so naturally, it may leak over time. This is especially true if your roof is older. You might be unaware of leaks until it’s too late, resulting in structural and surface damage that could be costly. Leaking roofs also pose health and physical hazards that could put you and your family at risk.

By knowing the damages caused by leaking roofs, you can take preventive measures to keep your property and your family safe from the dangers of water leaks. Learn about these dangers and more below and discover why it’s essential to contact a professional as soon as you discover a leak.

1. Electrical Damage

Electrical damage caused by water leakage from a roof is a potentially lethal hazard. These issues might include:

Short circuits: When water connects with electrical elements, it could short-circuit and damage the electrical system.
Electrical fires: Although there are many reasons electrical fires can happen, one includes leaking water coming in contact with uncovered wiring.
Risk of electrocution: If water from a leak gathers in a puddle close to a source of electricity, it increases the risk of electrocution.
Loss of equipment: Lights and electrical devices may be compromised and stop working if exposed to consistent dampness due to leaks.

If you hear a buzzing sound or your lights start flickering in your house, it could signal a fault with your electrical system. Check your electrical box and all the light fittings and plugs for signs of a short circuit.

If there’s an immediate concern for your safety for any of the reasons listed, switch off your electricity and call an electrician to inspect the wiring. As a further precaution, contact a roofing contractor to find the source of the leak and conduct repairs. Fixing a leaky roof is key to your safety in this case.

2. Rotting Frames

If water is seeping through your roof’s shingles, the roof decking will likely soak it up and cause it to warp out of shape. If the rafters are also exposed to water leakage for an extended period, they may decay and end up losing rigidity and ultimately cave in under pressure. This is one of those roof leak dangers you want to avoid.

An environment where moisture festers increases the chance of the damage progressing faster. If it’s extensive, water droplets will collect on the frame and drip onto the ceiling floor, forming pools that will leave visible water stains.

Any change in the roof’s composition could compromise the entire structure and ultimately cause your roof to collapse. This problem will only occur over a long period of time when moisture is constantly present, but it’s important to take action long before your roof becomes that damaged.

3. Mold

Condensation causes mold to grow, which is evident in the formation of unsightly dark green, black or brown spots on your ceiling and walls. Fixing a leaky roof can help prevent mold from forming.

Some illnesses have been attributed to the presence of excessive mold in homes. These include:

Respiratory problems
Asthma
Rhinosinusitis
Bronchitis
Allergies
Congestion

Getting an industry expert to investigate the source of mold growth will ensure it’s removed properly.

4. Damage to Drywall, Attic and Insulation

Leaks from your roof can also damage your attic, drywall and insulation. Depending on the type of drywall in your home, you could experience less or more mold growth. Standard drywall would be more susceptible than mold-resistant drywall, for example. Although you may not know which is fitted, you could look at replacing it with the appropriate one if the mold is out of control.

Your attic and insulation are at the most risk of damage and dangers of water leaks in your roof. If you can, assess the damage and remove any objects that may be affected. Dry your attic with fans for a few days and check on it again to see if you can find the leak.

Inspecting your attic could be dangerous because you don’t know if there are weak spots caused by water damage, so it’s best to get the help of professional contractors to have a look.

5. Stains and Discoloration on Ceilings and Walls

Roof water damage has another drawback — stains on your ceilings and walls. It might start off as a small patch in a corner of your ceiling. Next thing you know, an unappealing brown or beige stain appears. The faster this appears, the more serious the leak probably is.

Water that’s leaking from the ceiling and creating stains should be taken seriously. Contact a plumber to check out your pipe system and a roof repair company to inspect your roof for signs of a leak.

6. Personal Property Damage

Beyond causing problems with the structural integrity of your home, water leaks from your roof can impact your personal belongings, especially if you store items in your attic. In some cases, leaks can ruin items to the point where you need to replace them completely, which can be costly or even impossible.

As soon as you notice the signs of a leak, get in touch with a professional to avoid further damage to your personal property. Even if the damage is minimal, taking proactive measures now can ensure you protect the rest of your furniture, clothes, keepsakes and other valuable items.

Drake’s Construction & Restoration Can Fix Your Leaky Roof

If you’ve noticed any of the signs of a leaking roof, or your home is already experiencing some damage from a leaky roof, it’s essential to get in touch with a professional so you can take care of the issue quickly. Drake’s Construction & Restoration has over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry, and we strive to put our customers and their needs first.

With our comprehensive roofing services, you can rest assured that we’ll identify the leak and repair it promptly. Roofers are responsible for leaks when the issue is a bad construction job, and we can help you resolve the leak with proper repair techniques. Additionally, we offer expert restoration services for homes that have experienced extensive water damage.

Contact us today to learn more about how we help homeowners in and around Parkersburg, West Virginia, with their roofing needs.