The Real Cost of Ignoring a Roof Leak

A drip into a bucket does not seem like much. The cost of a leak is mostly in what you do not see: the wet wood, insulation and drywall between the roof and the stain. Here is what a leak damages over time.

The roof deck and framing

Water soaks into the plywood decking first. Wet plywood swells, delaminates and eventually rots. Left long enough, water reaches the rafters and trusses. A leak that would have been a simple repair becomes a repair plus decking replacement, and in bad cases structural work.

Mold

Attics in Texas are hot, and a wet attic is a very good place for mold to grow. Once it spreads across decking and insulation, removing it is a separate job, often done by a specialist, and it can affect air quality in the house.

Energy bills

Wet insulation compresses and stops insulating. Your AC runs longer to keep up, and summer bills climb. It is a cost that is easy to miss because it shows up on the power bill, not on the ceiling.

Drywall, paint and belongings

Water collects on top of ceiling drywall until it stains, sags and in bad cases comes down. Along the way it can ruin furniture, rugs, electronics and anything stored in the attic or closets under the leak.

Resale value

Buyers' inspectors look for water stains and check attics. An active or recent leak, or signs of past water damage without repair records, can lower offers or scare buyers off. Some insurers will not write a new policy on a house with a leaking roof.

Why fixing it early is cheaper

Most leaks start at one small point: a cracked plumbing vent boot, a loose piece of flashing, a lifted shingle. Fixed in the first weeks, that is a modest repair. Fixed a year later, it can include decking, insulation, drywall, paint and mold removal.

What to do now

If a storm caused the leak, it may be covered by your homeowner's insurance, so document it before anything is repaired.

Tell us water is getting in when you call (855) 741-ROOF. Leak calls go to the front of the line.