Dangers of a Leaky Roof

A good amount of people are probably guilty of putting off home repair projects: the squeaky drawer, the door knob that sticks, etc. However, there is one repair project you shouldn’t put off - fixing your leaky roof. Contrary to popular belief, a leaky roof can pose more dangers than just a structural problem.

1. Ceiling Damage: A combination of undrained gutter water and a leaky roof can cause major damage to your ceiling. Water can seep in and start to collect in your attic; if you don’t have an attic, the water will drip directly onto your ceiling and cause the paint to darken. The leaking water can also cause plaster to bubble on the ceiling and nearby walls. If you have lights or fans mounted to your ceiling, you can anticipate damage to those items as well.
2. Mold & Mildew Issues: If you let a leaky roof go unrepaired for too long, mold can develop on the ceiling and walls and can spread into your HVAC system. Once there, the mold can infest your carpets, furniture, and even clothing.This poses the risk (especially if black mold grows) of asthma, allergic reactions, and more serious health problems. Once in your home, mold is often difficult and costly to remove.
3. Higher Utility Bills: You probably didn’t think that water entering your home could cost you more money in utility bills, but it can. When your leaky roof allows water to spill into your attic, your fiberglass or cellulose insulation can become saturated and not work as efficiently. This will allow heat to escape your home and cause you to hike up your thermostat, increasing your energy bills.

Leaving your roof unrepaired can cause problems for your home and wallet. Most of the time, these issues are more costly to fix than patching up a couple of damaged spots on your roof. All Aluminum Gutters has been doing residential and commercial roofing for over 30 years, providing free estimates so you know what the cost is before we start. For roofing repairs in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, the Bronx, or Westchester, call us at 631-816-2498.