After a storm have you ever noticed water leaking from your home’s ceiling?
There are many reasons to take care of this issue right away so you can return to living a comfortable life with your family. Here are explanations why a leaky roof can create electrical problems, which demand your immediate attention.
Why Electricity and Rainwater Don’t Mix
Every homeowner should understand electrical systems should be free of moisture for safety reasons. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination since it can lead to electric shock and damaged equipment.
If you recall back in high school chemistry class, water in its pure form cannot conduct electricity, but water containing dissolved minerals such as iron, magnesium, and sodium can. Rainwater is a form of “plain water,” meaning it can carry an electric current, whereas pure water acts as an insulator.
When water seeps through your roof it can come in contact with electrical wires. If the insulation is worn on the wires, rainwater can create an open circuit. This becomes is a potential fire hazard should a spark touch flammable material. Such electrical fires are difficult to put out.
Water can also seep into a metal junction box containing exposed wires. If someone touches an electrically-charged wet fuse, they might get shocked. To be clear, water itself does not conduct electricity, but impurities in the water can.
Examine Light Fixtures
Your ceiling light fixture can be a conduit for minerals in water to deliver an electrical current to your floor and other surfaces. When this happens, you can experience a shock simply by touching the light fixture or flipping the light switch. You and your family members should avoid being near any light fixture when it’s near leaking water.
The reason you should have an experienced, insured roofer inspect your home after a heavy storm is they can find vulnerabilities you may have overlooked. These issues may involve loose or exposed wires, as well as mold or corrosion, which can cause short circuits leading to fires.
Keeping your roof free from leaks should be a top priority in the rainy season. A periodic roof inspection is a helpful way to prevent leaks from spreading. Contact us at AIC Roofing and Construction to learn more about how we can provide you with exceptional quality service. Let our reliable, certified representative make your home safe and warm in the winter.
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