How dangerous is a leaking ceiling in Durham?
A leaking ceiling can be a serious problem depending on the severity of the leak and how long it has been leaking for. The most common problems that result from a leaking roof are mold and water damage. Water damage is not something to joke around with since it is the biggest cause of wood damage both structural and aesthetically. A leaky roof can become an issue over time or overnight, though overnight leaks are usually caused by damages from a storm. A leaky roof can develop by improper installation when the roof was first installed on the home, Wind or storm damage and lack of maintenance. Another reason your roof may be leaking is because it is simply very old and needs to be replaced. Be sure to keep in mind that a common asphalt roof will only last between 25 and 30 years at most.
A leak in the roof can cause damage no matter the size, it could be a small trickle over time or a massive hole in the roof. Over time water can travel from the rafters and support beams into the foundation of the home and walls which can cause serious damage if not repaired. Since water is a liquid it can travel in spaces you would not think, making water damage a problem you should keep your eyes out for all the time.
A leaky ceiling can be dangerous for a variety of reasons such as mold, water damage, mildew, weakening of the roof and rafters etc. If your roof has multiple leaks across the shingles and a tree branch falls onto the home it will be weaker compared to a roof with no leaks that is structurally sound. Mold and mildew may not seem like major areas of concern but many people have reactions and serious rashes which have been caused from mold in the home. Once mold begins to grow in the attic it can spread to the HVAC system and eventually blow through the entire home landing on things like furniture, clothing and carpets. If anyone in the home has respiratory concerns or conditions they will become more severe during the period where mold is present.
Higher utility bills may be a sign that your roof is leaking. The insulation in the attic is not designed to be wet, this material will absorb the water and become inefficient. Insulation takes a long time to dry out and while it is wet the insulation will not keep the heat or cold away from the home. Once this insulation has been damaged by water it has a much harder time insulating the home even once it is dried. Your home will be losing more hot/cold air than it normally does which will result in your utility bills going up in price. If you can’t understand why your bills are getting higher it may be a great idea to call our local roofing company in Durham for a roof inspection and to see if there are any leaks in the roof. A leaky roof can also be more of a concern for fire hazards if there are exposed wiring or wiring connections in the attic which can short due to water exposure.
If your home doesn't have an attic or it is very shallow then you can expect to see water damage on the drywall of the ceiling or light fixtures in the ceiling. A leak will cause the paint on the ceiling to bubble or turn a brownish color due to the moisture that is building up above the sheetrock. In many cases the water damage can spread to adjacent walls if the leak is not repaired quickly. If you notice a brown spot building in the ceiling the first thing you need to do is poke a hole in the drywall with a screwdriver to relieve pressure. Find the middle of the brown spot and stick the screwdriver through the drywall (be sure to place a bucket under you because it will most likely drip water quickly).
The most dangerous concern with a leak roof is when the water has created structural damages to the rafters, joists, plywood boards and framing. If your roof has been leaking for several months this means that the rafters and supports could be very weak and prone to collapse under a strong storm or wind gusts. Damaged framing under the roof is more likely to fail under the weight of the shingles compared to rot-free wood. Replacing or repairing damaged framing and wood rot can become expensive so be sure not to let the damages get to that point by hiring a professional roof inspection at least once every few years. Contact our roofing company in Durham for a roof inspection or to discuss your leaky roof and the required measures we need to take to protect the home from the elements and mold.
A leak in the roof can cause damage no matter the size, it could be a small trickle over time or a massive hole in the roof. Over time water can travel from the rafters and support beams into the foundation of the home and walls which can cause serious damage if not repaired. Since water is a liquid it can travel in spaces you would not think, making water damage a problem you should keep your eyes out for all the time.
A leaky ceiling can be dangerous for a variety of reasons such as mold, water damage, mildew, weakening of the roof and rafters etc. If your roof has multiple leaks across the shingles and a tree branch falls onto the home it will be weaker compared to a roof with no leaks that is structurally sound. Mold and mildew may not seem like major areas of concern but many people have reactions and serious rashes which have been caused from mold in the home. Once mold begins to grow in the attic it can spread to the HVAC system and eventually blow through the entire home landing on things like furniture, clothing and carpets. If anyone in the home has respiratory concerns or conditions they will become more severe during the period where mold is present.
Higher utility bills may be a sign that your roof is leaking. The insulation in the attic is not designed to be wet, this material will absorb the water and become inefficient. Insulation takes a long time to dry out and while it is wet the insulation will not keep the heat or cold away from the home. Once this insulation has been damaged by water it has a much harder time insulating the home even once it is dried. Your home will be losing more hot/cold air than it normally does which will result in your utility bills going up in price. If you can’t understand why your bills are getting higher it may be a great idea to call our local roofing company in Durham for a roof inspection and to see if there are any leaks in the roof. A leaky roof can also be more of a concern for fire hazards if there are exposed wiring or wiring connections in the attic which can short due to water exposure.
If your home doesn't have an attic or it is very shallow then you can expect to see water damage on the drywall of the ceiling or light fixtures in the ceiling. A leak will cause the paint on the ceiling to bubble or turn a brownish color due to the moisture that is building up above the sheetrock. In many cases the water damage can spread to adjacent walls if the leak is not repaired quickly. If you notice a brown spot building in the ceiling the first thing you need to do is poke a hole in the drywall with a screwdriver to relieve pressure. Find the middle of the brown spot and stick the screwdriver through the drywall (be sure to place a bucket under you because it will most likely drip water quickly).
The most dangerous concern with a leak roof is when the water has created structural damages to the rafters, joists, plywood boards and framing. If your roof has been leaking for several months this means that the rafters and supports could be very weak and prone to collapse under a strong storm or wind gusts. Damaged framing under the roof is more likely to fail under the weight of the shingles compared to rot-free wood. Replacing or repairing damaged framing and wood rot can become expensive so be sure not to let the damages get to that point by hiring a professional roof inspection at least once every few years. Contact our roofing company in Durham for a roof inspection or to discuss your leaky roof and the required measures we need to take to protect the home from the elements and mold.