Whether the cause is a fallen branch or missing shingle, a leak in your roof may not always seem like a major problem at first. However, if you don’t address the issue in a timely fashion, your home could be subject to several kinds of water damage that can be unsafe for your family and costly to fix. If you’ve discovered a leak, here are five problems you can prevent by calling a roofing contractor for repairs.  

5 Risks of Unresolved Roof Leaks  

1. Surface Stains  

As moisture makes its way down from the roof and attic, it will start to penetrate floors and drip down walls. After some time, this water will leave behind unattractive stains on the walls or ceilings. In addition to discoloration, water damage can also cause paint layers to bubble and crack.

2. Wood Rot

When water leaks into your home, it can creep into areas that are unseen to the naked eye—such as behind walls and between floors. If the underlying structure is exposed to too much moisture, it may rot. As the wood framework and support beams weaken, they won’t be able to reliably hold up your home, which may lead to serious structural risks.

3. Mold Growth

Increased moisture due to roof leaks creates the level of humidity that mold spores need to thrive. In just a matter of days, mold growth can take over your home’s surfaces, as well as compromise its structural integrity. Many people also experience health problems—such as impaired breathing and allergies—when they inhale mold.

4. Wet Insulation

During an inspection, roofing contractors will often look at the insulation first to determine if a leak is present and where it’s located. When insulation becomes wet, it won’t be able to keep hot or cool air from flowing between the surfaces. As a result, you are likely to experience an increase in energy bills and have trouble maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

5. Electrical Malfunction  

Water from a roof leak can find its way into the hidden areas that hold your home’s wiring. This can cause water-damaged wires to stop working, causing you to experience power loss in affected areas of your house.  If left untreated, this moisture could spark an electrical fire and possibly put your household in danger.

If you have experienced a leak in your home, minimize the damage your property incurs with prompt assistance from Quality Enterprises. Serving the Waynesboro, VA area for more than three decades, this experienced roofing contractor uses advanced tools and techniques to provide repairs, stop the water damage, and prevent the leak from returning. To learn more about their capabilities, visit this licensed and insured roofing company online. For estimates, call (540) 949-0566.