A leaking school roof is not something that should be ignored. Even small leaks can lead to big issues down the line, which can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of your staff and students. On top of this, it can lead to massive structural damage which will be costly to repair.
Promptly addressing leaks is vital to minimise future damage and maintain a healthy learning environment. In the following post, we’ll outline 7 common problems that can arise from a leaking school roof.
1. Water damage to interiors
Water damage is one of the most obvious problems that is associated with a leaking roof. When water leaks through gaps in the roof, there can be many issues that arise within the school building. These include:
- Stained ceilings and walls: Constant leaking often leads to water stains on ceilings and walls. These stains don’t just look bad – they can also be an indication of much more serious, underlying problems.
- Damage to paint and wallpaper: When water infiltrates the internal structure of your school, it can cause paint and wallpaper to peel away or bubble. This can cause further damage to your school, requiring costly repairs or replacements to make right.
- Damp carpets and floors: Floors in areas affected by these leaks can become damp, leading to warping or deterioration, especially with materials like wood and laminate. In addition, carpets can become soaked, requiring professional cleaning or complete replacements.
2. Damp and mould
A common consequence of a leaking roof is the development of damp and mould – which thrives in damp, warm environments.
Mould can lead to a range of respiratory issues, allergies and health problems for students and staff. Symptoms can range from coughing, wheezing and skin irritation to much more serious consequences. All of these can cause a major disruption to the learning environment and pose a serious health risk to people working or studying in the school.
Damp can also damage building materials, weakening the integrity of your building and requiring expensive mould remediation. More than this, damp and mould tend to produce musty odours that create an unpleasant environment.
3. Structural damage
When a roof leaks, it can massively compromise the structural integrity of a school building. This can include a sudden weakening of support beams. Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken the support beams, leading to sagging or even collapse – which is a huge safety risk!
Roof decking can also become compromised, as materials become weakened or rotten due to the infiltration of moisture. This can undermine the roof’s ability to support its weight. In the most extreme cases, significant structural damage can lead to partial or complete roof collapse. Because of this, you should be on the lookout for potential structural damage and look to remedy it as soon as possible.
4. Increased energy costs
A leaking roof can lead to issues that cause your school to become less energy efficient. Moisture can reduce the effectiveness of insulation materials, making it harder to maintain a consistent temperature. That’s because heat you do generate will find it easier to escape the building through the roof.
This can lead to jarring temperature fluctuations, which don’t lend themselves to a comfortable learning environment. You may also be hit by higher utility bills, which can strain your school’s budget and divert funds from other important areas – especially with energy prices so eye-wateringly high!
5. Damage to internal materials
Leaking roofs can cause damage to educational materials and resources, impacting your school’s ability to deliver a high standard of education. Water leaks can easily damage books, paper and important documents. When leaking water interacts with electronic equipment, it can lead to severe malfunctions or even health hazards.
Because of this, all leaking water needs to be caught and directed away from areas where it could interact with educational materials or electronic devices. This is also true for furniture. Even a small amount of water or moisture can cause mould growth or structural damage to school furniture – especially anything made of fabric or wood.
For minor leaks, schools tend to use buckets or containers to catch falling water while they search for a way to repair the leak. For major leaks, you may need to cordon off areas of the school and seek immediate assistance.
6. Safety hazards
We’ve already outlined a little about safety hazards, but there are lots to consider, depending on the severity of your leak:
- Slips and falls: Wet floors caused by leaks can create slip and fall hazards, potentially leading to injuries among staff and students. You should always ensure wet areas are clearly marked and quickly addressed to maintain a safe environment.
- Electrical hazards: Water leaks near electrical systems or plug sockets can cause serious electrical hazards – including the risk of electrical shocks or fires. You should address any leaks near electrical components, ensuring that the wiring and outlets are inspected and repaired as needed.
- Structural safety: As mentioned above, significant structural damage as a result of leaks can cause huge health risks. Regular inspections and fast repairs are essential to ensure the building remains safe and fit for purpose.
Get immediate roof repair with DPR Roofing in Pontefract
It’s clear that many problems can occur from leaks in a school roof. While leaks often begin as small, minor issues, they can quickly escalate to more serious problems. If your school is struggling with leaks or other roof issues, you may need to contact local professionals.
DPR Roofing is on hand in Pontefract to assist schools with any roof issues that they are experiencing. With over thirty years of experience, we know how to quickly investigate issues and find a solution. For more information about roof repairs, inspections, maintenance or replacements, call our friendly team on 01977 220016 or email [email protected].