If you experienced a roof leak or water damage, it’s important to know if you have a mold problem inside your home. While some types of mold may not raise high concerns, others can cause serious mold problems. The key is knowing when and how to get rid of mold that may be present in your home.
Warning Signs You May Have a Mold Problem
Most Michigan homeowners do not inspect their home for mold on a regular basis. As a mold inspection multiple times a year isn’t necessary, there are a few key indicators you should keep top of mind. If you notice following signs, you may be suffering from a mold problem:
- Dark spots on attic plywood
- Mildew smell in attic
- Hot and stuffy attic
- Frost buildup on roof sheathing in winter (if there’s no insulation)
- Water dripping from smoke detectors
If your roof has leaked and you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s best to call a knowledgeable roofer or mold remediation specialist for help. You may need to hire a professional to help identify potential problems in your attic or walls.
Health Hazards Because of Mold
One of the most common complications caused by mold growth are health-related, including allergy-like symptoms such as runny nose, sinusitis, coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes. Mold can also cause allergic reactions like wheezing, asthma attacks, or even anaphylaxis.
Mold can cause irritation and inflammation in the body, too. These symptoms include skin rashes or a burning sensation on your skin if you come into contact with mold spores in high concentrations. It is important not to ignore these symptoms because they could lead to chronic health implications if left untreated for an extended period of time. These type of health issues warrant a call to your local mold remediation company.
Structural Integrity Problems Because of Mold
If a mold problem is not properly removed within a timely manner, it can also cause structural integrity issues with your home. As mold grows, it consumes the parts of your home that it needs to survive. For example, mold can cause wood to rot, which can be expensive to repair. Your home’s structural integrity depends on these components being intact, so when they are removed by mold, the damage can be extensive.
Removing Mold from Your Home
If you’re dealing with removal of a small area of mold, you can easily remove it by cleaning the affected area with a solution of water, bleach and ammonia. This combination will kill the mold spores. If you have large areas of mold to clean up, it is best to hire a professional restoration company to do so. They will have the tools necessary for removing large amounts of contaminated material and ensure no toxic materials are released into your home during removal.
If you suspect that there is extensive water damage in your home after a leaky roof incident or other cause, it’s important to inspect all potential sources of moisture: walls, ceilings, and floors. Mold can begin to grow on any porous surface as long as it’s damp enough—so even if you don’t see any visible signs yet, it could still be growing behind closed doors or under carpets.
How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Future
To help prevent mold growth in the future, make sure to keep your roof in good shape and inspect it regularly for cracks and leaks. When you find a leak, clean up the water immediately so the area does not stay wet for long periods of time. Also, make sure to properly ventilate your home after a leak so excess moisture doesn’t build up on your walls or furniture.
If you have experienced a leak in your roof, you may be worried about mold. We hope this article has addressed some of your concerns and helped you understand the situation better. If you still have questions, contact us today!