How serious is a roof leak?
Short answer. A roof leak is more serious than the size of the stain suggests, because water travels and soaks into decking, framing, insulation and drywall long before it shows. Left alone, even a small leak can lead to rot, mold growth within a day or two of wetting, ruined insulation, electrical hazards and, in bad cases, a sagging or collapsing ceiling.
What a leak damages
- Decking and underlayment. Wet wood swells, delaminates and rots, which loosens shingle nails and widens the leak.
- Insulation. Wet insulation compresses, loses its value and holds water against the drywall.
- Framing. Rafters and wall plates rot over months to years.
- Drywall and paint. Stains, bubbling, sagging and eventually a ceiling that can fall.
- Mold. Mold can start growing on damp materials within 24 to 48 hours, especially in warm, humid Georgia attics.
- Electrical. Water near light fixtures, fans or wiring is a shock and fire hazard; shut off power to that area if water is near fixtures.
How to judge urgency
- Emergency: active dripping, a bulging ceiling, water near electrical, or a storm opening in the roof. Tarp it and call today.
- Urgent: a stain that grows with each rain. Schedule within days.
- Prompt: an old, dry stain. Still have it checked, since leaks can be intermittent.
Insurance timing
Homeowners policies generally cover sudden storm damage and expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as tarping. Gradual leaks that were ignored may be excluded. Acting promptly protects both your house and your claim. See common causes of roof leaks and your duty to tarp and mitigate damage.