Homeowners put down a lot of money when they buy a home with a roof—and it's not just the roof that needs to be in good shape. Sure, every homeowner should repair any leaks as they come up, but ignoring leaks can create an unsafe environment for your family. Read on to learn about seven dangers a leaky roof can create and what you can do to fix a leak and prevent any potential dangers in the future.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are some of the most disgusting problems in and around your home, but they can also be dangerous. A leaky roof is a good environment for these issues to grow because water is dripping through the ceiling for days or weeks. As mold spreads, it can sprawl across the walls and floor of your home, and it can even spill into the air where you breathe and make you sick.

Flooding

Unchecked water damage is a serious problem. If a leaky roof does cause flooding, it's not only an annoyance for the homeowner but also anyone who lives in the area and has to deal with water damage and cleaning. People in apartments or rental homes could be affected too. Even if you don't have any flooding, leaks can still widen cracks in floors or walls that allow water to seep through. In addition, a wet wall will dry out more slowly than a dry one and cause more cracks. These are two reasons why you should always have your roof inspected.

Structural Damage

If a leak is left unchecked, it can cause structural damage to your home and make it more susceptible to other problems. For example, when your roof provides no support to the rest of your house, everything will weaken over time, and cracks will appear in ceilings and walls. So even if you don't have any structural damage now, a leak could cause it.

Fire Hazard

Leaks can cause electrical wiring to short out and potentially cause a fire. Even if you don't have any wiring in the area where water leaks, a soaked carpet or wood floor could start a fire in other parts of your home. They might be at risk if you notice mold or mildew near outlets, switches, or light fixtures.

Falling Objects

Even if you don't have any structural damage, a leaky roof could still cause something to fall from the ceiling. Large amounts of water can become heavy and pull away from a roof's surface, so large ceiling sections could cave in or fall off if your roof isn't in good condition. In addition, even small leaks can cause pieces to pop off, leading to potential hazards for anyone underneath them and forcing you to repair the damage.

The Bottom Line

How you choose to fix a leaky roof and prevent any potential dangers in the future is up to you. If you're overwhelmed by maintenance issues, hire a professional like Akurate Roofing Group LLC and get your home back in shape. Take care of your family's health and make sure your home is safe for everyone there.