If you have a leaky roof, the best time to do something about it is now before it becomes an even bigger problem. There are many ways a leaky roof can cause damage to your home and affect its livability and longevity. Letting such a problem fester will lead to problems that are more expensive to fix in the long run. Here are some of the reasons why you should repair a leaky roof now:
1. A Higher Energy Bill
According to the Energy Star Program, gaps and cracks in your home contribute to a third of what you spend on heating and cooling annually because they allow air to leak. That’s about $350 on average. A leaky roof is one of these gaps.
2. Loss of Insulation
Your insulation can also get damp from rainwater and lose its R-value, meaning that it has to get replaced eventually. Black mold forming on the insulation is another reason you need to repair a leaky roof as soon as possible.
3. Mold
Water damage can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home. The spores can enter your HVAC system, causing havoc to the health of anyone with environmental sensitivities, asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems.
4. Ceiling Damage
One of the first places to get damaged is your ceiling. Water will cause it to sag, darken and stain. It could even grow mold or end up breaking apart and falling.
5. Structural Damage
Allowing the structural supports of your home to become saturated with water will, over time, cause them to lose their strength. Wooden beams may warp and go soft. Concrete can crack. Allow this to go on long enough, and you run the real danger of your roof caving in.
6. Wall Damage
As with the ceiling, drywall can sag when exposed to water and collapse. It can also lose color over time and turn to a dull gray.
In the end, all the consequences mentioned above will lead to you having to spend more money in order to get them fixed. Leaky roofs will put your home and your health at risk. Don’t delay and call your roofing service to repair a leaky roof right away.
