4 Things To Know About Mold Caused by Roof Leaks

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage on the ceiling due to a roof leak.

Mold Caused by Roof Leaks

Developing black mold can be worrisome, especially if you're unsure where it came from. One possible cause is a leaking roof, which could create mold all over your Sun City Summerlin, NV, building. If you want to learn more, here are four things to know about mold caused by roof leaks.

1. Causes of Roof Leaks

There are several different ways a roof leak can occur. It's most likely to happen if your building is in a temperate climate. There are a few potential causes:

• Hailstorms
  
• Erosion
  
• Lack of maintenance
  
• High winds
  
  

If you suspect any roof damage has occurred, be sure to get it fixed as soon as possible.

2. Timeline of Growth

After a leak develops, you could find mold soon after. These spores are practically everywhere, so locating water is fairly easy. In fact, it may only take 24 to 48 hours for black mold to develop after moisture is accumulated.

3. Types of Mold Growth

When it comes to fungus that originates from roof holes, there are generally two kinds of accumulation. One is limited. This form will occur if your ventilation system is fully outfitted and working properly. The mold can be contained to the area surrounding the leak. The other kind is systematic, which causes accumulation in numerous areas. If your leak is left unattended for a while, the buildup of moisture could spread mold all over the ceiling or attic.

4. Next Steps

The first step you'll want to take is turning off your HVAC system. You don't want to spread the moisture even further than before. Next, look for a ceiling leak and other ways the fungus may have spread. You should also call a mold remediation company to get everything cleaned up. Try to dry any wet property, but stay away from the developed mold. Lastly, look into your insurance policy. Commercial insurance usually provides little for mold remediation, but your policy may cover your specific cause.
Black mold is a disturbing thing to find in your ceiling. In order to avoid this, keep an eye out for roof leaks or other causes of water damage.