Kids are wonderful. They’ll ask, “Why is the sky blue?” and “What causes rain?” Has a kid ever asked, “How fast does mold grow after a water leak?” Not likely, but it is a crucial question, right alongside “Why is mold in the home dangerous?”
So Fast!
Mold (fungi) spores are in every cubic inch of air. All a spore needs for the perfect homestead is a relatively warm, moist spot away from strong winds.
Though initially invisible, mold quickly propagates across damp surfaces and becomes visible within about 18 days. Those mold-friendly spots could be in your attic as a result of a roof leak.
Damp sheathing, insulation, and rafters are all out-of-the-way spots for mold to flourish. Unless you visit your attic every other week, you may never notice black and green mold growing from a tiny roof leak.
Truly Dangerous
You may feel concerns over mold have been hyped up, and, sure, mold remediation companies do want a certain level of anxiety so they stay in business. But four groups of our friends, family, and neighbors can be seriously affected by molds, according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA):
- individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies, or asthma
- infants and children
- the elderly and infirm
- pregnant women
Mold can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and shortness of breath in otherwise healthy people.
Act Fast!
Prevent mold from getting into your attic, walls, and drywall by repairing roof leaks quickly. Contact your local, reliable roofer about patching even the tiniest holes:
- Where a roofing nail is missing
- In spots where flashing fails around chimneys and penetrations
- Because caulking has become brittle and broken away
Your goal is to catch leaks within about 12 days of formation, before molds can start spreading aggressively. Remove the dampness and the mold will stop growing.
You can then use personal protective equipment (PPE) and a diluted bleach solution to gently wipe down all moldy surfaces without risking inhalation of mold.
Follow Up
Once you stop and remove the mold and the roof leak, follow up with both your roofer and any mold remediation service you need. Check areas which may show mold growth and have your roofer revisit your home at least annually for repairs and maintenance.
Contact us at Yellowhammer Roofing today to learn how we can help put a stop to your home’s roof leaks and mold problems today!
