8 Big Problems Caused by a Leaky Roof

When it rains, it pours, and when it pours and the roof of your home starts leaking, that is when you have a serious problem. Water from a leaking roof can work its way down from the top of your home to the very foundation itself, where it can lead to rot, decay, and serious structural damage. 

Whether it is age, weather conditions, or other catastrophes, leaks in roofs are inevitable and can cause more danger than you probably expect. That is why it is important to fix small roof leaks yourself or hire a local roof repair company to handle it as soon as possible. Here is what you need to know about the dangers your leaky roof could be causing.

1. Damaged Ceilings and Attics

The first place water goes when your roof leaks is straight into the ceiling, and then into your attic, should your home have one. If you have an unaddressed leak in your roof, you can expect water to damage the contents of your attic and also to darken, stain, and damage the ceiling. Water damage restoration costs for ceiling repairs typically start at $350 and can go up to $2,000, depending on the severity of the leak.

2. Insulation Damage

As water leaks into your home, starting at the roof and then leaking into the attic, it can seriously damage any insulation you may have inside your roof. The water causes the insulation to clump, making it virtually ineffective at keeping warm or cool air inside your home, depending on the season. Be sure to regularly inspect your roof so you can stop damage before it escalates.

3. Mold and Mildew

A leak in your roof can inevitably lead to a serious mold or mildew problem. That mold and mildew does not just indicate where the water has gone, either. Mold spores in water-damaged homes can pass through HVAC systems, leading to serious illness for people with allergies, asthma, environmental sensitivities, and compromised immune systems.

4. Sagging Drywall

Drywall is commonly used to divide spaces within the home during the construction phase of the process. You should not expose drywall to water, but when you have a leaky roof, that is exactly what happens. Too much water can cause your drywall to sag, buckle, or fall apart.

"Get a roof inspection done by a professional if you see cracked or missing tile, lifted/curling shingles, degranulation of shingles, or weeds/plants growing on the roof,” says Ryan Westfall, vice president of Westfall Roofing in Tampa, Florida.

5. Fire Hazards

Water and electricity do not mix. When you realize there is a leak in your home and you know that your attic contains wiring, make sure that a local professional electrician examines the damage. This precaution keeps you safe from shocks and your home safe from any potential errant sparks flying that could cause a fire.

6. Slip Hazards

A slippery floor is anyone’s nightmare, and a leaky roof is almost a guarantee that you are on your way toward having one. Leaks can cause puddles inside the home, making slippery patches that are sure to slip up everyone who comes across them. If your new roof starts leaking, do not delay to place buckets under the leak and contact your roofing company and home insurance provider. 

7. Energy Inefficiency

We already mentioned the effect that water damage has on insulation, but damaged installation caused by a leaky roof can also lead to another problem: energy inefficiency. If your insulation is not doing its job, you are going to wind up using more power and losing more power. This is bad for the environment and bad for your wallet.

8. Compromised Structure

Even the strongest homes are susceptible to the rot that comes with water damage. What starts as a small leak in your roof can develop into a systemic failure of your home’s foundation. All that water can leak down to your foundation levels and start rot that makes it unstable. Stop leaks in their tracks before they become even bigger problems. 

What damage can a leaking roof cause? The following areas are those most likely to be impacted by roof water damage:

• Paint and plaster on walls

• Ceiling-mounted lights and fans

• Insulation

• Rafters and ceiling joists

• Wall framing

• Fascia boards

• Exterior trim

• Floors

• Furniture and personal belongings

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are unfortunately common, often caused by the following:

• Roofing nails that shift, come loose, or back out of their holes

• Clogged or damaged gutters, and clogged downspouts

• Cracked, broken, damaged, or missing shingles

• Roof shingles that are buckling, curling, or losing granulation

• Cracked, displaced, or missing flashing

• Roof valleys that have been sealed incorrectly or with deteriorating sealant

• Cracks in and around chimneys

• Cracks, gaps, and failure of pipe boots and vent collars

• Aging, deteriorating, or improperly installed skylights

• Ice dams

• Hail damage

• Damage from fallen tree branches

When damage to a roof or its components creates a hole, crack, or weak spot, water can get in during rainy weather. It is important to have regular roof inspections and perform maintenance or repairs any time there is a chance your roof has been damaged. Most leaks start out as small defects, but they can easily grow if left unrepaired for even a short time. And while roof repairs will cost you something, they are cheaper than roof replacement costs.

How to Find the Source of Your Roof Leak

Dark spots spreading across your ceiling, damp or wet areas on ceilings and walls, puddles on floors, bulging drywall, trickles of water running down walls, musty smells, and the presence of mold and mildew can all be signs of roof leaks. If you are suspicious that your roof may be leaking, act right away.

One way to find the source of a roof leak is to start at the place where you noticed the water and trace back to its source. Keep in mind, though, that water rarely drips straight down from leaks. Instead, it can travel across rafters and joints, eventually coming through walls and ceilings far from its origin point.

For this reason, the easiest way to find the source of a roof leak can be to head up into your attic with a flashlight. Look carefully at the underside of your roof decking, watching for dark spots, wet patches, mold, mildew, damaged insulation, water dripping from nails or other materials, light coming through a hole or puncture in the roofing, or any other signs of water intrusion.

From the ground (or from the roof, if you are comfortable going up there and can do so safely), you can also look for visible damage to your roof and roofing components. Start by checking gutters and downspouts for blockages or damage. Next, look for damaged or missing shingles, missing or displaced nails, or other problems on the roof surface. Then, move to flashing, valleys, vents, pipe boots, the chimney, and other areas where cracks or aged sealants can allow water in.

You can also simulate rain in order to locate a roof leak. Using a long hose or sprayer nozzle, soak the area of your roof where you suspect the leak is originating. Start with a very limited area, and have another person stand with a flashlight in the attic under the section of roof that you are soaking. Let the water hit the area for at least five minutes while the person inside looks for any sign of water before moving to a new area.

If you cannot safely or easily perform these diagnostics, call a local roofing company to help you.

If you spotted a leak in your roof and are worried about the damage it could be causing, contact a roof leak repair contractor right away. What might on the surface seem like a small issue or an easy fix could be the sign of a bigger problem.