No one wants to be confronted with a leaking roof; associated with expensive repairs and a disruptive environment, it can be tempting to just bury your head in the sand and hope that it goes away. However, as with most household issues, the problem won’t just simply fix itself. And, if left alone, it can actually incur further damage – leading to more costly repairs.
It is no secret that Britain is prone to having wet dreary weather. So, at the first sign of a roof leak, it is something that you will need to fix quickly as more rain could be on its way. You may initially think that all will happen is damage to your furniture, or creating a slippery surface – after all, how dangerous could a few drips of water be? But in fact, the actual problem could be way worse than you initially thought, leading to extensive roof repairs or a new roof altogether.
With this in mind, if you do notice a leaking roof, you should have it seen to as soon as possible – whether from your local building contractor, a roof repair specialist or roofing company nearby.
Signs of a leaking roof
First and foremost, it is important to note the different signs of a leaking roof. This may at first seem obvious – simply because if your roof is obviously leaking water into your home then this is most likely the cause. However, there are other signs to look out for as listed below:
Water stain
A water stain on your ceiling is one of the first signs that your roof is leaking. These look like a small or large puddle which often has a brown tinge at the edges. However, you should also keep an eye out for any discolouration on your ceiling too as this could indicate a leak.
Intermittent drips or moisture on the walls
You may notice drips and moisture on the walls one day, and you may not notice it the next. Just because the problem appears to have gone away, doesn’t mean that it won’t return. Actually, it is highly likely that it will return as your leak could be caused by an ice dam in your roof which freezes and melts water over and over again causing intermittent leak signs.
Moss or mould on the exterior walls
Moss or mould growing on the exterior of your home is actually a sign of sagging gutters, resulting in leaks. Sound working gutters are an integral part of a good roofing system as they move water away from your roof. Yet if water is appearing on the exterior walls then it means that your gutters need repair and a good clean.
Missing shingles or debris around your roof
Though missing shingles are not a clear sign that your roof is leaking at that moment, it is definitely a precursor to roof problems. Simply because missing shingles could mean that water is more likely to getting into your roof, causing slow leaks into attic spaces.
Dangers of roof leaks
If you notice any of the signs above, it is imperative that you contact a roofing company in your area as soon as possible because there are a variety of damages and potential hazards that could follow a leaking roof. It is best to get it solved quickly so you can restore peace of mind to you and your family.
Damage to interiors – from paint to furnishings
One of the main potential risks of a leaking roof is damage to your property, which can create extra restoration and replacement costs on top of the initial roof repair. Soft furnishings, furniture, electronics important documents and paint can have irreparable damage from water, meaning that you may need to completely buy new products altogether. If you have prized possessions, family heirlooms, photos and memorabilia in your attic, then you need to make sure that these are not damaged. And, if you are worried about them being damaged in future, perhaps look for an alternative place to store them.
Wood deterioration and breakages
Water can significantly damage and cause wood to rot over time. Not only can this hamper the interior structures of your home, but it can also lead to an increase in pests. Breakages and damaged structures can cause severe hazards within your property, with worst-case scenarios of falling ceilings and walls, wreaking plenty of havoc in their wake.
Fire hazard
Drips of water may, on the surface, look and feel relatively harmless but it can create a potential fire hazard to the home, especially if your electrical wiring is in the ceiling or in the attic. A few drips of water on shorted wires could create sparks and fires that seriously can cause extensive damage not only to your home but also is a life-threatening risk to your family. When you first notice a leak, make sure to turn off the electricity and call an emergency electrician, as well as your roofing contractor, to examine it.
Damage to insulation
If your attic has insulation, and it comes into contact with water, then this can cause permanent damage depleting it over time. Due to this, your home will lose both hot and cool air, and you may notice that you will be using the central heating more. If this is the case, then your energy bills could significantly rise.
Mould
The presence of mould in a home is always a worrying concern and can contribute to serious health issues. From asthma to nasal congestion, these can be worsened if mould starts to grow from a leaking roof. Plus, mould grows, meaning that it can infiltrate your wood framing, ceiling, carpets and furniture. What you should keep an eye out for it toxic black mould. Although rare, this is most likely caused by chronic water intrusion.
Slips
Though this is not as serious as a potential fire hazard, water pools and moisture can cause slippery floors which is dangerous for both adults and vulnerable people like the elderly and children. A quick slip could result in a range of physical injuries – so make sure if you notice pools of water to call your roofing contractor and clean them up as soon as possible.
Will I need roof repairs? How much will a new roof cost?
If are noticing the signs of a leaking roof, it is highly likely that you will need a roof repair, especially if there are missing roof shingles and tiles. Like most household structural issues, if you don’t get it fixed as soon as possible the problem could worsen – especially if you are expecting bad weather. Furthermore, you should call out a roofing contractor to first assess the damage and then perform the repair. Though it may be tempting to save money and try to fix it yourself, a roofing company will have years of experience under their belt, as well as the right safety equipment to operate from high heights.
In the case of serious roof leaks or serious damage, you may need to consider having a re-roof performed. Many may be concerned about this due to the cost, however, different roofing companies will offer different prices – so don’t be afraid to collate plenty of quotes. Although, don’t just automatically go for the cheapest as this could reflect the quality of work. Plus, the price could vary depending on the style of roof that you would like – whether its a modern flat roof or a traditional gable roof. Why not try to make the best out of a difficult situation and see it as an opportunity to change the exterior of your home? For example, there has been a rise in eco-roofs of late and optimising roofs for solar panels. A serious roof leak could be the chance for you to help the environment and also improve the curb appeal of your home.
James Dunn Roofing: Roofing Contractors and Building Services in Oxford
If you are searching for a local roofer in Oxford to fix your leaking roof, then you have come to the right place. Here at James Dunn Roofing, we have been serving clients for over 35 years, providing excellent customer service and roof repairs to a variety of industries and domestic homes. No matter the type of property, whether it is on an industrial estate or a period home, our team are highly skilled at what we do.
We pride ourselves on being a family run building contractor and offering great prices to all of our customers. For a free estimate, or to find out more about our services, contact us today.