Last week Midwest Renovation's blog covered some common reasons that your roof might leak. This week we are going to share a few of the dangers that a leaky roof can cause for both you and the building you are in, home or office. Our team of storm damage experts in mid-Missouri know what to look for to keep you safe, and how to fix any problems that they may find before anyone gets hurt. 

Attic and Ceiling Damage
It will come as no surprise that a leak coming from the roof of a building is bad news for the top of it, namely the attic and upper ceiling. Attics are a prime space to store items that you don't use on a daily basis, and when water finds its way into one, not only is the room in danger of being ruined, but so are the entire contents of that room. 

When the various pieces of this upper floor become damaged, such as the ceiling joists, rafters, and even the wall framing, the building does not retain the strength needed to keep it standing as it should. Once things begin rotting and deteriorating, the structure can be in danger of collapsing. 

Mold and Mildew
When warmth, humidity, and organic materials are present, mold and mildew are very likely to begin growing. Once these are inside your home, they can spread throughout the rest of the house via the HVAC system, settling in carpets, furniture, and even clothing, where they will keep growing and spreading. Mold is very hard to get rid of completely once it is present, and it can be extremely expensive to remove.  

Black mold is the most dangerous type that can form in a building. Non-toxic black mold ruins the various parts that make up your home, and toxic black mold, which is rare but does occur, attacks the people inside. A few of the health problems that it can cause are: 

• fatigue
• cold & flu symptoms
• sore throats
• headaches
• rashes, muscle aches and fatigue
• respiratory problems

Additional Building Dangers
In addition to the structural damage we spoke of earlier, roof leaks are also notorious for finding their way to the wiring in your home, which can pose the danger of shorting out the electric and even the possibility of an electrical fire. Insulation will also become deteriorated when it gets wet. This will cause it to be ineffective, reducing its energy efficiency and raising the cost of utility bills.  

Additional Personal Dangers
Anyone inside of a building with the problems listed above is in harm's way. The structural damage makes it dangerous to be inside the home at all, and there is always the possibility of getting shocked or burnt when the interior wiring gets wet. Puddles of water also raise the risk of residents slipping, falling, and hurting themselves. 



The team at our renovation company covering Missouri is professionally trained and certified to search for leaks before they are a problem, and also to fix any problems that are already there. Inspections are always completed at no cost or obligation to you, and we'll go over all of the details with you before any work begins. Midwest Renovation is here to keep your home or office in it's best shape and to keep everyone inside safe and sound.  



Jefferson City, MO 65109