Augusta Roofing
  • Home
  • Locations
    • Evans, GA
    • Grovetown, GA
    • Waynesboro, GA
    • Hephzibah, GA
    • Aiken, GA
    • Wrens, GA
    • Thomson, GA
    • Edgefield, SC
    • Jackson, SC
    • Wagener, SC
  • About Us
  • Contact

How dangerous is a leaking ceiling in Augusta?

Roof replacement Augusta
​​A leaky ceiling can be dangerous but not for the initial reason you would imagine. A leaking ceiling will almost never collapse on the family or make the home come tumbling down. A leaky roof though can be a big problem if left over several weeks or months where water damage and mold can take a toll on the home. Water damage is not something to joke around with since it is the biggest cause of wood damage both structural and aesthetically. A leaky roof can become an issue over time or overnight, though overnight leaks are usually caused by damages from a storm in the shingles of the roof. Another reason your roof may be leaking is because it is simply very old and needs to be replaced. Be sure to keep in mind that a common asphalt roof will only last between 20 and 35 years at most. 
No matter the size of a leak it can cause damage to the home. It could be a small trickle over time or a river coming through the roof. Over time water can travel from the rafters and joists  into the foundation of the home and walls which can cause serious damage and rot. Since water is a liquid it can travel in spaces you would not think, making water damage a problem you should keep your eyes out for all the time. When boards and supports begin to rot they get much weaker and can fall apart or break.
Like mentioned above, a leaky ceiling can be dangerous for a variety of reasons like mold, water damage, mildew, weakening of the roof and rafters etc. For example, If your roof has multiple leaks across the shingles and a tree branch falls onto the home it will be weaker and cause more damage compared to a roof with no leaks that is structurally sound. Mildew and mold spores are among the most dangerous aspects of a leaking roof since they can cause sickness, respiratory problems, rashes and an overall bad time. Once mold begins to grow in the attic it can spread to the HVAC system and eventually blow through the entire home landing on things like furniture, clothing and carpets. If anyone in the home has respiratory concerns or conditions they will become more severe during the period where mold is present.
If you have noticed that your utility bills keep rising but you are not using any more heat/AC this may be a sign that the roof is leaking somewhere. Heat both escapes and enters through spots in the roof where there is a hole. In the winter months since heat rises it will be pushed out the leaky spots while in the summer months it will allow the sunlight to enter the home much easier.  Insulation is an important part of keeping your home the proper temperature and once this insulation has been damaged by water it has a much harder time insulating the home even once it is dried. A leaky roof can also be more of a concern for fire hazards if there are exposed wiring or wiring connections in the attic which can short due to water exposure. 
Overall there are many different dangers that can be caused by a leaky roof. The final one we will discuss in this article is when a leak roof has created structural damages to the rafters, joists, plywood boards and framing. If your roof has been leaking for several months this means that the rafters and supports could be rotted out and susceptible to collapse under a strong storm or wind gusts. Damaged framing and OSB boards cannot continue to hold up the shingles forever, at some point they will fail and the roof will collapse in on itself. Replacing or repairing damaged framing and wood rot can become expensive so be sure not to let the damages get to that point by hiring a professional roof inspection at least once every few years. Contact our roofing company in Augusta, GA for a roof inspection or to discuss your leaky roof and the required measures we need to take to protect the home from the elements and mold.

Call us today for a FREE quote
​
​

919-420-3997

Contact Us

  • Home
  • Locations
    • Evans, GA
    • Grovetown, GA
    • Waynesboro, GA
    • Hephzibah, GA
    • Aiken, GA
    • Wrens, GA
    • Thomson, GA
    • Edgefield, SC
    • Jackson, SC
    • Wagener, SC
  • About Us
  • Contact