Issues with your roof can allow moisture to seep into your property, resulting in the growth of mold. The first step for dealing with roof leaks and mold is to determine the cause of the leak and repair it.
Common Reasons for Roof Leaks
The most common causes of roof leaks that result in water damage include:
- Broken or missing shingles
- Poorly installed or damaged flashing
- Incorrect roofing materials
- Improper roof slope
- Poor sealing of seams and roof joints
- Poor structural support for the amount of snow for the area
- Ice damming
Heavy winds, trees rubbing on roof materials, and worn out shingles can be the main reasons why water damage will occur in a property from the roof.
Improperly installed or damaged flashing, the metal installed around the chimney, dormer windows, skylights and any vent pipe, can allow water and moisture into the home, causing mold to develop.
Certain roofing materials are designed for certain types of roofs and weather conditions. For example, a roof with a pitch (steepness) that’s less than 3:12 requires materials designed specifically for a flat roof. If your roof was not constructed with the correct and proper pitch and roofing material water leaks can occur due to water sitting and seeping into the property.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a property and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. The gutter and downspout slope can impact the ability for water to flow away from this area and not freeze causing an ice dam. Also, if you have a clogged gutter or downspout, you might see ice damming occurring too.
Signs of Roof Leaks
Common signs of roof leaks include:
- Watermarks on ceilings and/or walls
- Discolored areas on ceilings and/or walls
- Darkening of ceiling paint
- Peeling paint around skylights or dormer windows
- Peeling, cracked, bubbled plaster
- Mold growing around the chimney
- Wood rot in the attic, around skylights or dormer windows
- Discolored wood in the rafters
- Crumbling, deteriorating drywall
- Musty or mildew smell in the attic
- Mold and color change on attic insulation
- Water seepage during heavy rainstorms or during a snowmelt
Roof Leak and Mold: Calling in the Experts
Did you know that mold can grow in as little as 48 hours? Any type of mold requires immediate attention and removal. Mold growth indoors poses health risks to anyone living or working in the affected property. It’s especially dangerous to individuals suffering from allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions. Mold spores from growth caused by a leaky roof can spread through the property via the HVAC system, attach, and grow where ever there is moisture.
Rely on the professionally trained staff at Expert Restoration to evaluate and handle the mold remediation process safely, effectively and thoroughly.
