What Happens If You Don’t Repair A Roof Leak?

How do I know if I have a roof leak?

You might have water actively dripping from a ceiling or wall inside your home. Or, you notice a water spot in your ceiling that wasn’t there before. What does that mean for you? 

Water coming into your home is obvious – there is a water leak.

If you see water spots or water stains in your home, you have a water leak. The cause depends on where the leak is coming from. If the leak is showing on the uppermost floor, it’s likely caused by a leaking roof! Yet, if you see the water stains anywhere else in the home, it could be internal pipes or plumbing.

Additionally, if you notice the water penetration after a rain, wind, or snow storm, there is a good chance that it’s a roof leak. Keep in mind the age of your roof! If your roof is older than 10 years, it’s very likely that the roof is the cause of your leak. Overtime, roofing materials weaken from environmental factors. 

If this is the first time the water stain appears, you may not urgently act on it. However, we recommend that you schedule for a roofing expert to inspect the damage. The inspector can look at where the water is coming inside from in and out of the home. Once they locate the compromised area of your roof, they can determine and strategize how to prevent further leaking.

What if you don’t act on it right away? We’ll discuss what can happen if you ignore the warning signs of a roof leak. 

Effects of Ignoring A Roof Leak

• Repairs will get more expensive & extensive

  • Small holes get bigger. More shingles detach. Animals infiltrate your home. The dampness from the original leak, and likely more water entering over time, can produce mold and mildew. This growth immediately poses a health risk to you and your family!
  • The water will compromise the roof decking and your ceiling which produces rotten wood that will need to be replaced. It can also turn your insulation bad which would then need to be restored.
  • All of this causes more damage to the interior of your home! The issues can add up quickly which will make the repair bill exponentially climb.

• Fire hazard

  • While you may just see the wet area of the ceiling, the water could be coming into contact with other home elements that are hidden in your ceiling and walls. Exposed wires getting wet is a genuine concern! Should you not stop water from entering your home, it could damage your home’s electrical wiring.

• Decreased property value

  • Whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put, ignoring a leaking roof is an issue that no one wants to have. No matter how long you push off addressing the leak, it must be fixed at some point. If you as the homeowner doesn’t restore homeostasis of the roof, the next homeowner will. The expected cost of the repair is reflected in your property’s value and a homebuyer won’t pay as much for your dwelling since they will have to pay to fix the leak themselves. 

What repairs will fix my leaking roof?

Not all roof leaks require a roof replacement! That’s often why people don’t address the issue immediately is fear of needing to invest a lot of money. It could be a small issue that can be fixed for a couple hundred dollars. 

We find common areas that tend to be the source of a leak. This could be determined based on where the water is coming in and a visual inspection of the roofing system. Common areas for roof leaks include:

• Vent pipe boots
• Chimney flashing
• Skylights
• Broken shingles
• Cracked flashing
• Clogged gutters

That being said, sometimes the roof is too far gone and it needs to be replaced. This can all be determined by inviting a professional to inspect the status of your roof in order to consult with you the work that needs to be completed. 

Choosing the Right Roofer

Make sure to ask the roofing contractor questions if you don’t understand! Do not let them sell you a full roof replacement without fully understanding the issue. Choosing the right roofing company is the most important first step! Find a contractor that focuses on your needs as the customer, like Joyland Roofing.

At Joyland Roofing, when we inspect your roof, we take pictures and videos so you can understand and see for yourself what is needed! This way, you don’t have to just rely on the personal judgement of a roofer telling you information.