Owning a home comes with a lot of obstacles. Small, unforeseen problems don’t often get as much attention when compared to larger, more pressing ones, but they should. Over time, small things can create big problems, especially in regards to your roof. With that being said, to avoid major, expensive problems, you need to prioritize your roof. If you notice any leaks, don’t hesitate to call in a professional roofing company today. Otherwise, you might find yourself facing thousands of dollars in repairs and countless headaches. Here are just a few ways that small leaks can create big problems with your roof.

Compromised Structural Integrity

If water starts to enter the roof and begins leaking into your attic and home, your structural integrity will be compromised. Over time, water causes large-scale damage to rafters, framing, joists, and even fascia boards. The longer this occurs, the more likely that the wood will rot. Small leaks can also contribute to waterlogged foundations, which is extremely expensive to repair.

Mold and Mildew

Setting water creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Depending on where it occurs, this is spread throughout your home through your heating or air conditioning units. In certain cases, such as black mold, the consequences can cause serious health concerns.

Dangerous Hazards

Water in your home is problematic, especially if it comes in contact with an open circuit—this leads to fires or even electrical shock. This is a completely avoidable hazard that can be mitigated with repairing small, or large, leaks when they happen. Water causes instability in drywall, which could lead to teardowns and expensive repairs. Avoid submitting yourself to dangerous hazards by inspecting your home for leaks regularly.

Reduced Energy

Oddly enough, small water leaks can affect your energy usage. They damage your home’s insulation, which then reduces the energy efficiency of your air conditioning or heating units. The less insulation your home has, the more money you’ll spend on utilities.

Ceiling Damage

If your roof leaks, the water will enter into the attic first. Over time, the water in the attic will seep into your ceilings. As water sits on your ceiling, it will cause unsightly watermarks, the paint will peal, lighting fixtures can be destroyed, and your ceiling may eventually cave in. Repairing your ceiling and attic is expensive and avoidable with proper maintenance and care.

To avoid experiencing any big problems, make sure you do home inspections after any extreme storms or weather. If you notice any signs of damage or deterioration, call a professional, like those at Elysian Construction, as soon as possible.