Roof Water Damage: What You Need To Know
The smallest flaws in your roofing system can pose a significant threat to the structural integrity of your home. When moisture seeps into your property, it can be devastating. Continue reading to discover the dangers of untreated leaks, causes of roof water damage, and precautions you can take to protect your home.
The Dangers of Roof Water Damage
A roof leak can be detrimental to your entire household, causing structural problems, safety risks, and health issues. In addition to obnoxious leaks, water damage from a faulty roof leads to:
Health Issues
The most dangerous effect of roof water damage isn’t a faulty structure, but the health issues associated with stagnant water.
When water enters your home, it absorbs into your ceilings, walls, and wooden foundations. Mold spores constantly float through the air, and if they land on these wet surfaces, it can pose a health risk to your family.
Damp spaces are hotspots for mold growth and are only exacerbated by a leaky roof. Toxic spores from roof water damage can start growing into mold in a matter of hours.
Black mold is the result of chronic water intrusion and leads to:
- Nasal congestion
- Rhinitis
- Inflammation
- Difficulty breathing
When mold spreads throughout your home, it eventually reaches your HVAC system, releasing spores through your vents and settling in your carpets, furniture, and clothing.
Now that you know the dangers of roof water damage, let’s take a look at a few common causes.
Higher Utility Bills
When water seeps through your roof membrane, it often lands in your attic. This moisture accumulation can destroy your insulation, which is made from a highly absorbent material. This makes your home less energy-efficient because your HVAC units will use more energy to regulate your temperature, increasing your monthly utility bills.
Causes of Roof Water Damage
If you notice water in your home, it’s likely coming in through your roof. There are several reasons why your roof could be leaking, with some of the most common being:
Damaged Shingles
Shingles do more than protect your home; they’re designed to direct water drainage off the roof and into your gutters. Damaged shingles can’t drain water properly, allowing it to easily enter your property.
Shingles can be damaged in a number of ways. If you previously worked with a low-cost roofing provider, it’s possible they cut corners during the installation process. Gaps between your shingles are a major entry point for water, which is why it’s imperative to always work with a trustworthy roofing contractor.
Storms and high winds can also cause damage to your shingles. Heavy winds place a lot of stress on roofing materials and can blow off your shingles completely. Strong winds, especially during monsoon season, also carry debris that can puncture your shingles and the roofing membrane underneath.
Old Age
Nothing lasts forever. The older your roof gets, the weaker it becomes. Over time, standard wear and tear eventually takes a major toll on your roofing system. Several environmental factors can contribute to this, such as:
- Sunlight
- Heat
- Dust storms
- Monsoons
As a general rule of thumb, most homeowners can expect to get anywhere from 20 to 25 years out of their roof. Once your roof is past its prime, it’s time to start exploring replacement options.
Corroded Flashing
Flashing refers to the thin pieces of metal under the shingles and joints of your roof. These pieces create a water-resistant barrier between your roof and your home.
When flashing is installed on your roof, a tar-like seal is applied. Over time, exposure to the elements causes the sealant to lose its adhesiveness and crack. Once your bond begins to erode, rain can easily find its way into your home through the gaps between your flashing.
These issues are fairly common for Arizona residents. If you suspect your roof has a leak, keep your eye out for the following signs of roof damage.
Signs of Roof Damage
Damage to your roof isn’t always preventable. You can’t control the severity of the monsoon season or extreme storms. However, catching roof leaks early on allows you to fix them before they become a significant problem for your home.
There are a few signs of roof water damage to look out for. Some standard signs of roof leaks include:
- Watermarks on ceilings
- Discolored areas on walls
- Darkening of your ceiling paint
- Peeling paint around elevated windows
- Bubbled or cracked plaster
- Mold growth
- Wood rot
- Discolored wood
- Crumbling drywall
- Mildew scents
- Dripping water during heavy rain
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s crucial to find a reputable contractor to fix the root cause before it’s too late.
Reduce Water Damage With Roof Repairs
Professional roofing providers are capable of much more than just nailing shingles down. Many of them offer a range of water reduction services to keep your home dry. Some of the most effective are:
Elastomeric Sprays
An elastomeric coating system is another effective way to prevent roof water damage. Elastomeric coating places thin layers of silicone, acrylic, and urethane on top of your roofing materials.
Like rubber, this spray-on coating is highly resistant to water, patching up any flaws that can perpetuate roof leakage. And because it only takes a few days to install, elastomeric spray is one of the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for stopping roof leaks.
Essentially, reaching out to a professional service for help is your best chance at preventing roof damage.
Roof Waterproofing
Investing in a professional waterproofing service is arguably the most effective solution to prevent roof leakage.
This process involves applying a rubber layer on top of your roof to fill any gaps or holes. Since rubber is naturally hydrophobic, it prevents rain from seeping through cracks in your roof membrane.
Paramount KangaRoof Keeps Your Home Dry
For waterproofing, repairs, or preventative maintenance, turn to Paramount KangaRoof.
With over 30 years of experience, we’ve perfected our craft. We can help you choose the right service for your roof, so you can rest assured knowing your roof is getting exactly what it needs.
Have a roofing project on the horizon? Reach out to Paramount KangaRoof—we’re hoppy to help.