The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Leak Repairs

The average homeowner may pay up to $5,600 for water restoration services. Structural damage and high water bills are just two complications leaky roofs may cause.

If you’re lucky, the leak only caused discoloration and a slightly weakened ceiling. But sometimes, water damage is so bad, an entire section of flooring or roof needs replacing.

The real issue is you may never know how awful it is until it’s too late. Leak damages will sneak up when you least expect them.

It helps to understand the potential risks. Here are a few hidden dangers of disregarding leak repairs.

Home Mold Issues

Mold doesn’t take long to spread across your home. Carpet, drywall, wood frames, floors, and clothing can all carry mold.

The danger of mold is threefold. Firstly, it’s difficult to remove. It can also cause home structural damage and health issues. The structural damage comes from mold’s ability to feed on and weaken organic material.

Health problems that come from mold include:

• Itching

• Wheezing

• Stuffy nose

• Red eyes

• Fever

• Shortness of breath

• Upper respiratory complications

Structural Damage

We’ve touched on home structural damage in the previous section. But leaks can harm homes without mold. Many materials can’t withstand constant exposure to water.

Wood deterioration, damaged ceiling joists, impaired framing, and rotted drywall are common victims of burst pipes and leaky roofs.

House Pests

Something you may not have realized comes from ignored leak repairs is home pests. The two perpetrators are moisture and softened wood.

Water attracts mosquitoes; it’s why these annoyances come in droves after it rains. Mosquitoes also like to lay eggs inside or near areas full of water.

Areas collecting water in or around your home are prime real estate for these insects. Carpenter ants and termites prefer chewing through softened wood. Water-logged studs are the perfect home for these bugs.

Home Water Contamination

Roof leaks may carry water into your home and risk contaminating you and your family. Potentially harmful materials and outside water enter the waterline and can taint drinking and bathing water.

Increased Utility Bills

You might have known leaks can create high water bills. The more water being leaked, the more your bill increases. What you may not know is that leaks can increase electric bills.

Insulation doesn’t do a good job standing up to water. The liquid seeps into the material and weakens it, which means it can’t trap warm and cool air inside your home as efficiently.

This, in turn, increases your electric bill because the heater and air conditioner must work harder to heat and cool your house.

Who Will You Call for Leak Repairs?

There are a lot of hidden damages that occur when you ignore leak repairs. Home mold issues, structural issues, and water contamination are the most dangerous.

However, proper preventative measures can prevent these problems. Rain Man Roofing can help by providing you with residential roof maintenance, repairs, and replacement.

Our team operates throughout Arizona and is always available in an emergency. Contact us.