Roof leaks can ruin all parts of your house from the ceiling to the floor. Here are the effects of roof leaks and how to prevent them.

Unexpected Dangers of Roof Leaks

Most people are aware that roof leaks compromise roof durability and can lead to damage to interior objects. While all that is true, other dangers of roof leaks exist, such as the following:

Mold Growth

Mold thrives in moist areas. If your roof leaks, some of the water may accumulate in hidden places (such as areas above the ceiling) and encourage mold growth. Mold is a dangerous organism that can cause respiratory problems and even trigger allergic reactions. The dangerous effects of mold will even be worse if the mold gets into the air conditioner system.

Electrical Hazards

Water conducts electricity, which means the liquid can cause electricity to flow via unintended paths (short circuits). Such short circuits can trigger electrical hazards such as electrical fire, shock, and damage. For example, water in electrical outlets can trigger an electrical fire that can burn down the whole house.

Energy Inefficiency

Roof leaks can lead to energy inefficiency in two main ways. First, the holes that let water flow through the roof are the same holes that can let heated air escape your house. Secondly, the water can damage your insulation material and compromise the material's efficiency.

Slip-and-Fall Hazards

Leaks through the roof can also make your floor slippery and dangerous. Apart from the risk of injury to your household, your guests may also get injured and sue you for damages.

Structural Damage

Lastly, roof leaks also compromise the structural integrity of your house. The leaks can damage the ceiling, the drywall, and even flooring (such as hardwood flooring). In the long run, the moisture-related rots and corrosion will necessitate frequent and costly repairs.

Prevention Tips

Roof leaks are dangerous. Take the following measures to prevent the leaks:

Keep the Roof Clean

Too much debris on the roof will trap moisture and keep the roof perpetually wet. A roof that is constantly wet deteriorates fast and may develop holes that may lead to leaks. Clean your roof, as well as the gutter, to avoid such complications.

Trim Trees Around the House

Bushy trees around the house can cause leaks in two main ways. First, the trees can shed debris on the roof and lead to leaks as previously discussed. Secondly, the trees or their branches can crash on the roof during a storm and cause serious damage. Remove weak trees around the house and trim branches of the healthy trees to deal with these risks.

Prevent Ice Damming

Ice dams occur when the upper parts of the roof are warmer than the edges of the roof. In such a case, snow accumulated on the roof melts, runs down the roof, and refreezes along the edges of the roof to form ice dams. Water then collects behind the dam and leaks through the roof. Insulate the roof properly, ventilate the roof, and warm up the edges of the roof to prevent ice dams.

Inspect the Roof Regularly

Lastly, inspect your roof regularly to identify problems in their infancy and prevent leaks. Regular inspection, for example, can identify damaged flashing and curling shingles that you can repair to avoid leaks.

For more information, get in touch with a company that offers residential roofing services.