The Main Dangers of Hidden Water Damage

We are sure that every homeowner has, at some point, had to deal with pesky water leaks inside their home. Usually, when they’re small, they’re not seen as alarming or potentially dangerous, even though they absolutely should be.

What do we mean by that? Well, even the smallest leak has the potential of becoming hazardous, not only for your property but for your family, as well. If not addressed on time, a leak can cause damage to your roof, but more importantly, it can also affect your health.

It’s understandable that no one has the time to stay on top of every little issue at all times unless it seems urgent or risky. But when it comes to water leaks, they should never be taken lightly. Instead, they should be at the top of your priority list when it comes to your home maintenance due to the many hidden dangers that they pose.

With that in mind, take a look at some of the biggest issues that can result from water leaks and find out where to look for them.

How to Spot Water Leaks?

While some leaks are visible, making them very easy to notice on time, there are also those that are very low-key, with almost zero warning signs that they exist.

If you’ve recently noticed significantly lower water pressure from the faucets, water stains on your walls, and your utility bills have skyrocketed, you most likely have leaks inside your home. The best thing to do is try to find the source before the leak progresses and causes even more damage.

No reason to panic just yet, though, as not all water leaks are necessarily that severe. If the problem is in joint fittings of your pipes, you might just be able to take care of it yourself by simply replacing them.

However, if your leak is coming from the roof, hiring a professional will be your safest bet. Some of the telltale signs that you have a roof leak include water stains, damages, and discolorations on your ceiling, walls, or the attic, mold and mildew, as well as paint peeling on your walls, or obvious water dripping from the ceiling and the roof.

Detecting leaks on time is the most important thing. So, if any of the signs mentioned above are present, you know what to do. Call in an expert immediately to assess the issue and repair it in a timely manner.

Hidden Dangers of Water Leaks

When left unattended, water leaks can lead to severe damages to both your property and your health. Therefore taking care of them on time is of vital importance. Here are some of the main dangers that can come from a water leak.

Mold and Mildew

This is one of the most serious issues you could be dealing with if you have a leak. Mold and mildew typically occur in damp places, as well as wet areas that quickly build up moisture. The worst thing about it? They can spread to other areas of your home, including your furniture, walls, floors, and even your HVAC system. Mold can sometimes be toxic, as well as difficult and pricey to get rid of. So, the moment you notice signs of a potential leak, call in a professional and let them take care of it before the situation gets worse.

Health Issues

Did you know that aside from being harmful to the structural integrity of your property, mold and mildew can also pose serious health risks? This is especially the case for anyone dealing with respiratory issues and asthma. And that’s not the end of it. Mold spores could also lead to allergic reactions, nose and throat inflammation, coughing, red eyes, all kinds of skin irritations, and many other health issues.

Increased Utility Bills

As the leak on your roof spreads and grows, you might notice your utility bills growing, too. The reason is very simple – the water leak will damage your insulation, which can lead to more energy consumption. This is usually the result of significant warm or cold air loss, leading to more energy spent on cooling and heating.

Structural Damage

Did you know that water leaks can also lead to severe structural damage to your property? You could end up dealing with damaged rafters, wood deterioration, wall framing, and serious damages to the walls near the pipes. And that means costly and extensive repairs or even a roof replacement. This is why it’s vital to spot the leaks while they’re still small and easy to fix. 

Fire Hazard

One of the most unexpected dangers of leaks? A fire hazard. When leaks occur near the areas with electrical wiring, there’s a huge risk of short circuits and shorted wires. Unfortunately, this can easily result in electrical fires, which will leave you with serious damages. So, when you notice a leak near electrical wiring, we urge you to turn off the electricity immediately and have a professional deal with it.

Financial Damage

Last but certainly not least, water leaks can also lead to some serious blows to your budget. All the potential dangers that stem from this seemingly insignificant issue can turn out to be rather complex to resolve, which can, in turn, drain your budget.

Bottom Line

Just like with many other things in life, being prepared and staying ahead of issues is always the best way to go. That way, no leak will catch you off guard, and you’ll be worry-free knowing your roof is keeping you safe and sound.

To make that happen, though, you need seasoned professionals in your corner, and who better than your trusted team at Fortified Roofing? We’ve been fixing and replacing leaky roofs for 20 years, and we’d be happy to help you out too!

Call your #1 roof leak repair specialists today, and we’ll come out, assess the leak, provide a quote, and schedule the work. Don’t delay – call us to save the day!