Your home’s protective covering is its first defense against the elements. When your roof is compromised, your house is at risk of damage—and the longer you leave the root cause of the problem unaddressed, the bigger it becomes, and the more costly it is to repair.
Read on to better understand the difficulties a leaky roof can cause if left unattended, and learn what you can do to solve the underlying problem and how you can get a roof replacement.
The Problems a Faulty Roof Causes
1. Water stains inside your home’s highest layer
If you see discoloration on your second-floor ceilings, it’s a sign that your roof is leaking. These may be faint in color, or become a grungy yellow or brown. While this may look annoying, it’s a sign that your roof is leaking. Even if it’s only a small leak, you should have your roof inspected to get to the bottom of the issue before it worsens.
2. Puddles of water in your living space
If you have small pools of water forming indoors from an active drip, your roof is leaking, and it’s imperative that you contact a roofing contractor swiftly.
3. Gutter damage
Gutters may be small, but they have a big job. They channel water away from your home, preventing roof damage, water pooling at the base of your house, and even foundation trouble. When gutters become rusted, wear out, warp, crack, get clogged with debris, or pull away from your home, they can’t do their job properly. The result is that moisture gets absorbed under your roofing shingles and causes damage that can lead to rot, mold, and roof leaks.
4. Broken, cracked, or missing roof shingles
When roof shingles are not in good condition, they allow Denver’s rain, snow, and ice to infiltrate your roofing system’s components. The result can produce roof leaks that infiltrate your attic and home interior.
5. Icicles and ice dams
During the winter months, when your attic’s warmth causes the snow on your roof to melt, and the moisture travels down your roof and refreezes, an ice dam or icicles form. If this happens, contact a roofing contractor and have your roof and attic checked.
6. Moisture in your attic insulation
If you’re concerned about your roof’s condition, climb up into your attic with a flashlight and take a good look at your insulation. If it is wet, you likely either have a roof leak or you don’t have enough roof ventilation. Adequate ventilation is vital to the longevity of your roof, and a lack of proper ventilation (exhibited by damp insulation) shouldn’t be overlooked. If you store personal items in your attic, they’re at risk of being damaged due to moisture intrusion.
7. Mold in your attic
Mold growth thrives in dark, moist environments. If your roofing system is compromised in any way and water seeps into your attic, mold can result. If left unaddressed, the wood in your attic can begin to rot and deteriorate. If you spot mold in your attic, contact a roofing professional.
8. Fire hazard
If you have a leaky roof, the electrical components in your ceiling pose a fire risk. Don’t procrastinate getting your roof assessed if you have signs of a leaky roof. It could cost you substantially if a fire breaks out.
9. Roof collapse
If you ignore a leak long enough, the problem can damage your roof to the extent that it impacts its structure. This can cause part or all of your roof to collapse, putting you, your loved ones, and your possessions at risk.
You Can Put an End to Your Roofing Problems
If your roofing system is compromised and damaging your most significant investment, take a proactive approach and you’ll save yourself time, money, and hassle as a result.
Reach out to our team at Refined Exteriors for a free consultation so you can get to the bottom of the issue. Whether your roof needs repair or replacement, we are here to help.
At Refined Exteriors, we install roofs the right way, and industry leader GAF trusts us so much that they awarded us a GAF Master Elite Residential Roofing Contractor, affirming we’re in the top 1% of roofing contractors in the Denver area. To ease your concerns about roofing problems, take a look at our free homeowner’s resource on roof replacement.
