Water Damage Dangers from a Leaky Roof in Chattanooga

2/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tip for Chattanooga Homes: Prevent Leaks, Repair Your Damaged Roof

Call SERVPRO When a Chattanooga Roof Leaks Water Causing Damage

Many household problems are put off; however, repairing a roof leak needs to be on highest priority of your honey do list. There are a variety of reasons why roof leaks develop including wind or storm damage, improper roof installation and lack of maintenance. Alternatively, you may simply need to replace your roof.

Whatever the cause, even a small roof leak can cause several problems throughout your Chattanooga home, causing you to need a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO. Constant water intrusion eventually comes down from the attic to the foundation, creating plenty of costly damage on its way. Below, find some ways a roof leak can damage your home.
 
Ceiling and Attic Damage
Initially, a roof leak can damage the attic area and items stored there. If your home has no attic or the seepage is large, the water can damage the ceiling inside your home. Ceiling paint which is affected acquires dark spots, and ceiling plaster can expand and bubble. The water leaking also damages plaster or drywall and paint on walls nearby. It also affects any ceiling-mounted fans and lights.
 
Issues with Interior Mildew and Mold
One of the most serious problems with a leaking roof is mildew and mold growth. Mold can spread within the structure of your home, to the HVAC system and then through the whole house in the vents, invading furniture, carpets, and clothing.
 
Black mold is a common mold species that forms from a constant water intrusion. It can attack ceiling tiles, wood framing, and floor and wall coverings. It can pose health effects for you and your family, so you need the technicians from SERVPRO to come in right away and clean it up.
 
Fire Hazard
If you have electrical wiring in a ceiling or attic, a leaky roof could post a fire risk from shorted wires. You should turn off your electricity to the area affected and have an electrician check it out.
 
Slip and Fall Hazard
A badly leaking roof can cause a puddle to form on the floor. Although not seemingly a big risk, but with an active family, especially one with children who like to run around, the water needs to be mopped up to prevent any accidents.
 
Wasted Energy and Higher Utility Bills
Another side effect of a faulty roof is higher utility bills. Water intrusion greatly affects the insulation in your attic. The fiberglass or cellulose insulation gets saturated and takes a long time to dry out. If a repair is delayed,  consistent water intrusion weakens the insulation fibers, and the matting can degrade the effectvess of air entrapment. This result illustrates how you can lose cool or hot air from your home, depending on the season, creating larger utility bills.
 
Compromised Structural Integrity
The most apparent danger of a leaking roof is the rafters, wall framing, ceiling joists, plus fascia boards and exterior trim being damaged. Wood deterioration and weakened, rotted framing creates serious problems that need the assistance of an experienced contractor.
 
As you can see, there are many challenges a roof leak can cause, including plenty of water damage throughout your home. If you have had a roof leak and subsequent damages, SERVPRO of East Chattanooga needs to be notified right away to help. It is easy to reach us at any time by dialing (423) 326-1406.