Prevent Roof Mold & Algae
Keep out moisture, and mold cannot grow. Roof waterproofing may be the best solution for your needs if you are constantly dealing with mold growth.
For algae and moss, we can add metal strips of copper to the peaks of your roof. Copper is like Kryptonite for algae and moss. When it rains, metal molecules get spread around the roof for ongoing protection.
You should also keep the roof clear of debris and always make sure your gutters are in great working order so water can drain.
About time for a roof replacement? Choose shingles with embedded copper granules.
What To Know About Mold On The Ceiling
Given the right conditions, mold can thrive. Cleaning mold from your ceiling is a great idea, but it doesnt address the underlying problem, which is often a roof leak. Because roof leaks only become worse with time, its in your best interest to have the problem fixed as soon as possible.
Mold can cause serious allergic reactions in people especially children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Even if your reactions arent serious, though, you could experience symptoms like:
- A dry cough or sore throat
- A runny or blocked nose
- Chest tightness
- Itchy, watery or red eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash or dry skin
- Wheezing
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Handle Roof Leaks Mold And More
If you suspect your home is suffering from a roof leak, and you dont know what to do, reach out to an expert team of contractors to handle the problem for you.
Here at All Dry, we have years of experience helping homeowners deal with issues of water damage and mold. Our team knows exactly what it takes to restore your property to a perfect livable condition.
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Distorted Lost Or Damaged Shingles
A sure sign that you have a roof leak is distorted-looking roof shingles. If you notice shingles that are visibly warped or twisted, youve found a spot where water is possibly entering your home. When water enters at a point like this on your roof, it can travel throughout your home before it shows any visible leak signs anywhere else.
When you routinely have your roof inspected, our inspectors may find lost or damaged shingles. Lost or damaged shingles are often the source for leaks. Its important to have your roof inspected after severe weather, like heavy winds or rain, to see if any of your shingles are missing or have been damaged. Hail has been known to actually puncture shingles, creating small holes where water can leak through. Damaged shingles are an easy fix. If you get the damage repaired quickly, youll be protecting your home from water damage.
Can A Leaking Roof Really Cause Mold In My Home
Mold spores are in every cubic foot of air, including the ones we are breathing. No worries most mold is harmless. Yet inside a home, a leaking roof can cause harmful mold to spread rapidly throughout your attic and down into your living space. To stop unhealthy mold, you need to have a roofer fix your roof.
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The Correlation Between Leaky Roofs & Mold
Roof leaks can often lead to mold growth within a few days of water damage. It tends to occur in targeted sites where moisture levels are high due to the standing water. The damp and dark areas inside vents, ceilings, and walls become the ideal breeding grounds for mole colonies.
It can take as little as forty-eight hours for mold spores to germinate and spread in the affected area.
Two types of mold growth develop in the aftermath:
Limited Growth
Attics with good ventilation and functional HVAC systems manage to reduce condensation caused by a roof leak. Due to this, moisture buildup gets significantly more manageable. It only develops near the roof leak. The remaining attic and surrounding rooms remain unaffected by mold growth.
As a result, you will only have to deal with a small patch of mold instead of a major infestation. Not only will this be easier to clear but it causes less damage. In turn, theres a higher chance of complete mold remediation in these situations.
Widespread Mold Infestation
Systematic mold growth can occur after severe water damage and moisture buildup. It grows at an alarming rate, covering the entire attic area. It can even spread to other rooms in your house when the spores enter the HVAC system. Mold remediation becomes challenging in these cases as your living spaces gradually become inhabitable.
Hence, it becomes necessary for you to seek assistance from a professional home restoration company.
How Are Attic Mold Problems Due To Roof Leaks Properly Addressed
- First, the roof leak itself must be remedied. Typically this aspect is performed by a roofing contractor rather than a mold remediation contractor. Most mold professionals are not licensed to perform roof repair.
- Second, the current mold growth is killed with a fungicide.
- Third, the attic is dried out, either using natural air flow or mechanical heating and dehumidification.
- Fourth, the residual mold staining is treated with an encapsulant.
Roof leak damage in closet
Roof leak caused by roof anchor
Roof leaks can affect the integrity of the ceiling itself.
If left unaddressed, damage from a roof leak can be quite severe.
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Roof Maintenance Mistakes That Cause Leaks
If you suspect theres a leak in your roof, itcould be the result of several roof maintenance mistakes. To begin with, youllwant to check the condition of your roofing material.
If you have a roof with shingles, do theshingles look old and deteriorated? When shingles age they lose their abilityto properly insulate your home and keep out water.
Simply replacing the old shingles with new onescould solve everything. If its not the entire roof that has bad shingles, andits only a few small spots, you can look into shingle repair.
When new shingles are giving you issues, it could be because the new shingles are laying on top of old shingles. Covering up old shingles with new ones can cause major problems such as roof leak mold, or other roofing issues.
To fix the problem, youll have to hire someone to completely strip all of the shingles off of your roof and lay down new ones. If your roofing material isnt causing your leaks, your moisture protection might be to blame.
Its possible that whoever worked on your roof last used low-quality moisture protection. By upgrading to high-quality moisture protection you help prevent leaks for the long term.
Moving on, another issue that causes roof mold is failing to have proper ventilation. When your homes roof doesnt have the proper ventilation, heat, and moisture build up and cause mold.
Roof Replacement Services In Virginia
Since 1993, Sunshine Contracting has been the leading supplier of exterior remodeling services in northeast Virginia. Our range of services covers everything from roof replacement to gutter work on homes throughout the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun and Stafford.
To resolve issues like mold damage and algae/moss growth on your rooftop, contact Sunshine Contracting for a free estimate. To learn more about our work, visit our services page.
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Is Mold Really That Serious
Some folks may wonder why mold is such a big deal. There are several reasons to take mold formation seriously. Mold causes structural damage to a building. This weakens your home and leads to rot and disintegration of your house.
Another reason to avoid mold is the damage it does to the human body. Mold spores lead to breathing and respiratory problems. Eventually, mold can cause irreversible damage to the body. Protect your health and keep your family healthy by avoiding contact with mold.
Ways A Leaky Roof Can Impact Your Health
We typically think about leaky roofs as a big impact on our wallet. However, they can also make a big impact on our health. This is especially a concern for commercial building owners, who might impact the health of dozens or hundreds of people by letting a leaky roof go unhandled. Here are some of the health hazards to be on the lookout for when you have a leaky roof.
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Prolonged Illnesses Can Be A Sign Of Mold On Roof
There are lots of different kinds of mold although only a relative few are considered toxic. Despite that, even non-toxic mold can still cause significant health problems.
Mold infestations have been found responsible for respiratory issues including infections, excessive runny nose and eyes, worsening of asthma, and even skin rashes.
Health Dangers Of Roof Leak Mold
Not only is mold ugly, but it also jeopardizes the health of your entire household. The word mold is a nonscientific way to describe different types of fungi. Additionally, mold is different colors such as black, brown, or pink.
Certain molds smell bad, and other molds have a fuzzy texture. For mold to be active there has to be moisture to feed it. Even a small leak in your roof is enough to give mold the moisture it needs to thrive.
Once the mold is actively growing in your roof, your house is more likely to have the type of dust mites and bacteria found in a moldy environment. As a result, everyone in your household may start to experience mold-based sicknesses.
For instance, moldy environments can make iteasier to develop respiratory problems. Otherwise, healthy household memberscould suddenly start to experience a shortness of breath, wheezing, orcoughing.
Other health concerns include the heightened likelihood of infection that mold brings. Finally, if anyone in your house suffers from allergies or asthma, the presence of mold makes those conditions worse.
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Avoid Further Roof Damage With Early Detection
A solid roof protects your home from major and expensive damage. Your home is a long-term investment so it pays to be aware of the signs that its time for repairs. Sometimes, your roof will be damaged in unexpected circumstances, like a hurricane. Most of the time, however, common sources of a roof leak can be less obvious.
Routine checks of your roof are vital and can reveal underlying roof issues. Having advance notice of potential problems can save you money. A qualified technician from Water Damage and Roofing, Austin will thoroughly inspect your roof to determine what issues could be causing your current leak or problems that may lead to a leaky roof in the future.
Ignoring these 10 indicators of a roof leak can lead to extensive damage to your home and more expensive repairs.
Common Signs Of A Roofing Leak
Now that you know the causes of a leaking roof, it is important to educate yourself on the signs that your roof is indeed leaking to both identify leaks as soon as they appear and to prevent further damage from occurring.
The most common signs of a leaking roof are:
- Water appearing in the home during heavy rainfall or in spring when the snow melts.
- A darkening of the ceiling.
- Cracked or bubbled plaster.
- Peeling paint around skylights and dormer windows.
- Drywall crumbling.
- Wood decay throughout the home.
- A musty smell in the attic.
- Curling shingles.
- Water spots on the walls and ceilings.
- Lowering of the air quality within your home.
- The presence of mold within your home.
Though being able to recognize the signs of a leaking roof is an important skill for any homeowner to have, being able to locate the leak is an even more useful, and difficult to acquire, skill. Indeed, since water can essentially enter the home from anywhere, the source of a leak can be a challenge to find, and in many cases requires a professional inspection to locate. While often overlooked an inspection is a service that can save you a lot of money in the long run by locating a leak fast before too much damage has occurred.
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Common Signs Of Roof Leaks Include:
- Watermarks on ceilings and/or walls
- Discoloured areas on ceilings and/or walls
- Darkening of ceiling paint
- Musty or mildew smells in the attic
- Mould on attic insulation
- Water seepage during heaving rainstorms or during a snowmelt
Even if you notice some of the above tell-tale signs of a roof leak, it may be difficult to locate the problem. Water can travel along roof panels or lumber in the attic before dripping onto the insulation and leaving any visible evidence of its presence.
If you cannot find the leak, it may be a good idea to have your roof professionally inspected, as timely roof leak detection will help you prevent severe structural damage and hazardous mould issues.
Proper Maintenance Twice Per Year To Prevent Roof Leaks That Cause Mold
Roof leaks, water damage, and mold growth are natural occurrences that youre bound to come across multiple times throughout your life. But that doesnt mean you cant protect yourself from them.
To prevent roof leaks from developing, do a visual inspection of your roofing at least once every two weeks. A good place to scan for cracks and holes is in your attic. If its raining, try tracing every water leak you see. Meanwhile, look for gaps where sunlight seeps in if its sunny outside.
If you dont have time to check for roof leaks, hire a roofing contractor instead. Have them examine the entire area of the roof at least twice a year to uncover any possible cracks, gaps, or crevices where rainwater might seep in. These routine checkups ensure your roofing can stand strong against harsh weather conditions.
Also, call a professional mold remover to check your home for possible roof leak mold buildup. Preventing mold growth is much cheaper and easier than mold remediation. Remember, the goal is to reduce your exposure to harmful fungi which may cause health issues.
For expert roof leak repair and inspection services, turn to Hometown Roofing ATX by calling and booking an appointment with the team. We also provide sample estimates.
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Condensation In The Attic
So, youve repaired the leaking roof and all is well. Then you notice a musty smell from the attic. And perhaps the ceiling shows new signs of a leak.
It may not be a new leak at all. Moisture can become trapped in your attic. When the temperatures change and the inside is cooler than outside, this water will condense like the water on the outside of an iced tea.
This water may be enough to cause a drip into your living space. Or it may cause mold and mildew in your attic.
Blocked vents may be preventing moisture from escaping. They may have collapsed, become damaged, or clogged with leaf debris. Clearing them should resolve the moisture retention. If mold and mildew are severe, those may need separate treatment.
Signs Of Leaking Roof
In order to identify potential problems as soon as they appear and prevent greater troubles, you need to know what to look for when inspecting your property for damage.
Here are the most common signs of roof leaks:
- Water seeping into the home during heavy rainfall or when the snow is melting
- Water spots or discolored areas on ceilings and walls
- Darkening of ceiling paint
- Peeling paint around skylights or dormer windows
- Cracked or bubbled plaster
- Wood decay in the attic, or around skylights and dormer windows
- Granules collecting in the gutters
- Curling or cupping shingles
- Musty smell in the attic
- Mold on attic insulation, ceilings, etc.
Even if you notice some of the above telltale signs of a roof leak, it may be difficult to locate the problem water can travel along roof panels or lumber in the attic before dripping onto the insulation and leaving any visible evidence of its presence. If you cannot find the leak, it may be a good idea to have your roof professionally inspected, as timely roof leak detection will help you prevent severe structural damage and hazardous mold issues.
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A Leaky Roof Can Cause Mold And Other Problems
by connor mcpherson | Feb 28, 2021 | Roofing Services
According to a knowledgeable roofing contractor Loganville expert, leaky roofs can be a troublesome issue for many homeowners. Not only do they cause mold and mildew, but also other often significant problems for your entire property.
Most environments have to deal with mold issues. In case your home as had a tendency to develop mold, a leaky roof can only make this problem grow bigger. Mold can even spread through your HVAC systems, which obviously is an undesirable thing inside your house. Apart from looking and smelling unpleasantly, mold can seriously affect ones health, so its presence should not be tolerated.
Another thing mold does is to affect your attics ceiling. This can cause your walls to absorb too much water and get deteriorated easily. At the same time, mold can cause your homes wooden structure to rot, which again can lead to even more severe damage.
Electrical fire hazard is yet another danger brought about by a leaky roof. In case you have electrical parts anywhere around the location of your roof leak, this can lead to short circuits. In this case you should turn off and unplug all the electrical devices in that area and call for an electrician. Leaky roofs can cause your utility bills to be higher, which again is a very unpleasant thing to deal with.
