While you may not realize it, your home’s roof is one of your biggest assets. Why? Well, its job is to keep the home a safe and comfortable place to be! Just imagine the problems a home without a roof would have. That large hole where the roof should be will allow everything from the Sun’s rays down to hail and rain to enter your home, causing nothing short of a mess. A roof’s purpose, then, is to keep the outside elements out so that you can live comfortably. And, of course, it protects your finances from being spent on unnecessary repairs to the home that a roof could have helped fight off.
Unfortunately, there is one slight issue: a roof isn’t indestructible. Sooner or later, roof problems occur that can range from minor to major. Today, we want to talk about a couple of these problems and the danger of not repairing them as soon as they occur:
1. Leaks
A leak is one of the most common problems you can see on a roof. Usually, a leak is a result of water getting into the wrong places. The reason this happens is that the water isn’t being channeled back outside, sometimes caused by clogged gutters or damaged roofing. Either way, the water ends up seeping into the home. This, of course, is a very big problem, but if left unfixed, it can grow into a seriously big one.
A leaky roof that’s left to worsen will lead to all sorts of water damage. This can include mold growth, damaging electrical wiring, weakened structural integrity, and so on. All of these problems are not only expensive to fix but pose a risk to you and your family’s well-being.
2. Rot
Water damage and a leaky roof can lead to rot, which is an issue you need to address right away. This is because rot is the destruction that can occur on the part of the roof that’s directly exposed to the elements, such as wooden support beams. This is also something to be very careful of because it can also lead to structural damage, which is even more difficult and expensive to repair.
What’s even more dangerous here is that rot can happen to the materials that keep your roof up, such as the roof’s rafters. When this happens, you may notice the roof beginning to sag and won’t be able to support the weight of your roof. This can pose a serious threat to you and your family’s well-being.
3. Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew are two things that even you, who may not be as familiar with them, know all too well. Mold is known to be a fungus that grows wherever moisture is found, and mildew is a specific type of fungus that grows when no air circulation exists. Around the house, mold and mildew aren’t much of an issue if they’re found in the bathroom or the kitchen, as they can quickly be tackled.
But on the roof? That’s a different story. If a leak makes it so that water seeps onto the roof and excessive mold or mildew is present, the situation can start to get bad. This is because mold and mildew are known to be harmful to the health, causing problems such as respiratory irritation and rashes.
Conclusion
Your home’s roof is meant to protect your home. Unfortunately, when a roof is damaged, it can cost you a lot of money in repairs, may put you and your family in danger, and can even destroy your home. However, all of these problems can be prevented. Just remember to check your roof periodically with professionals you can rely on, and the moment you spot a problem with your roof, don’t be hesitant to hire experts to get it fixed!
Cardinal Roof offers roofing services to both residential and commercial clients to meet various roof-related needs. If you are looking for roof repair services in Alabama, get in touch with us today!