Your roof in Redmond protects you and your home from the elements all year round, so you want to make sure that it’s taken care of and always in good working order. When the flashing around your roof vents is damaged or has shifted, you may have a leaking-roof situation on your hands.

If you’re comfortable climbing up and down a ladder, and have the tools—such as chalk, roofing nails, and a 5-in-1 tool—and the skills to perform minor roofing repair, you could repair your roof’s flashing yourself. Otherwise, enlist the help of a professional roofing contractor . Check out this video to see how roof flashing is repaired.

A roof in Bellevue that leaks can cause you many problems, especially if that leaky roof isn’t dealt with in a timely manner. If you discover or suspect that your roof has been compromised, contact a reputable roofing contractor as soon as possible to set up an inspection. The longer you wait, the more costly the repairs may be. Here are some common problems associated with a leaky roof.

Mold and Mildew Issues

A roof that leaks, particularly one that has been leaking for a while, can create an ideal environment that allows mold and mildew to thrive in, and to grow wildly. Given enough time and moisture, fungal infestations can become disastrous, damaging your home’s structural supports and posing a health risk. People who breathe in mold spores afloat in the air can develop allergic reactions or respiratory diseases. In a worst-case scenario, the infamous black mold ( Stachybotrys chartarum ) could send you to the emergency room.

Damage from Water Intrusion

Intruding water from a leaky roof usually starts to pool directly beneath the roof, around roof vents, or in an attic. This excessive moisture can soak into your home’s insulation, dramatically reducing its effectiveness. When fiberglass and cellulose insulation becomes oversaturated, it starts to clump together and reduce in size, rendering it less energy efficient. As insulation begins to fail, monthly energy bills rise. Intruding water can soak into wooden beams and studs, weakening your home’s support structures, as well as adversely affecting things like drywall, plaster, and paint.

Electrical Fires and Shock

Your home harbors a network of electrical wiring that runs behind your walls. If water comes into contact with live wires, it can cause electrical shorts, which can shock you if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. These electrical shorts can also start house fires. If you notice signs of water intrusion inside your home, especially if you’re near an electrical panel or exposed wiring, shut off the power supply to your home immediately and contact a professional.

Not only can a leaky roof be aggravating, but it also can be disastrous. A compromised roof can lead to a whole host of problems such as water damage inside your home or mold growth. Luckily, if leaks are addressed immediately after they’re discovered, they can be easily be stopped by any of the qualified roofing contractors in Redmond . If a failing roof is left neglected, it can result in a costly roof replacement and much more. Here are some surprising dangers of a roof that leaks.

Interior Water Damage

One of the first places water from a leaky roof goes is in the attic. If you use your attic space for storage or if it’s insulated, you may have a problem on your hands. Regarding insulation, fiberglass and cellulose materials can become oversaturated, which can deplete them overtime and cause your insulation to fail. Water intrusion can also affect your ceiling and the walls directly below—with prolonged exposure to moisture, drywall can warp and paint can bubble and peel. Water damage can also lead to mold growth.

Mold and Mildew Infestations

If left unrepaired, a leaky roof can encourage mold and mildew to grow out of control. Mildew can be unsightly, but it’s relatively easy to clean up. Mold, on the other hand, can be much more insidious. Certain mold spores can cause minor allergic reactions in people who are sensitive or who are susceptible to respiratory diseases. One mold in particular, the dreaded black mold ( Stachybotrys chartarum ), can be toxic. Though rarely occurring, black mold is definitely a concern where water intrusion is chronic. If you suspect black mold in your home, contact a mold expert immediately.

Electrical Fires

Electrical wiring runs throughout your home, and can be found behind walls, in your attic space, and above your ceiling. Water from a leaky roof can interact with wiring and cause electrical shorts, which can potentially lead to house fires. If you see signs of water intrusion in your attic or on your ceiling, schedule an inspection with a roof repair specialist and an electrician as soon as possible.

Compromised Structure

A failing roof that’s allowing water inside can weaken and damage the wooden structure of your home. Rafters, collar ties, studs, ceiling joists, and fascia boards can become oversaturated and rot.

Your home’s roof is a very important structure that protects you and your family from inclement weather and excessive sun exposure. So, when it comes to taking care of your roof, you want to know that you’re working with experienced and reputable roofing contractors. To ensure that your roof in Bellevue is in its best condition, and that it remains in its best condition for years to come, contact B & J Roofing.

Since its founding in 1976, B & J Roofing has strived to provide homeowners with the best customer service, as well as superior roofing services such as roof cleaning, roof replacement and repair, and home inspection. B & J Roofing uses only the highest-quality materials, and is fully insured, licensed, and bonded. Its knowledgeable roofers have years of experience under their belts—some of them are full-time employees. And they offer a 20-year workmanship warranty, so your satisfaction is guaranteed.