Have You Recently Had A Roof Look? The Signs Of Mold You Should Be On Alert For
Mold does not need a lot to thrive. But one of the elements that must be present in order for it to grow is water. If you have had a roof leak, you may develop mold issues where the moisture came into contact with items that may hold mold spores and support its growth. Unfortunately, after a roofer repairs a roof leak, it can be hard for them to determine if mold is present if the leak has not been present for long. As such, you need to be alert and watch for the signs yourself. Here are a few of the signs that you may have mold thanks to a leak in your roof.
A Musty or Mildew-Like Smell
One of the most common signs of mold in a home is a musty or mildew-like smell. If you have ever had wet clothes sit in your car or the washing machine for a week, you know what mildew smells like. Generally, this scent is stronger as you get closer to the area where the mold is. If you notice a musty or mildew-like smell, follow your nose to see where it is coming from. If it is where water leaked from your roof, there is a high probability you have a mold issue.
Mold On the Underside of Your Roof
Another sign of mold that has developed thanks to a roof leak is mold on the underside of the roof. After your roof has leaked, you will likely be instructed to go into your attic and look up. When you do, you are looking at the underside of the roof, otherwise known as the decking. Mold on this wooden surface may look like black or brown powder, rather than the furry green substance you see on rotten food. If you notice a brown or black powder on the underside of the roof, or the insulation below the underside of the roof, you likely have mold.
Unexplained Illnesses
The last sign of mold in your home is the hardest to pinpoint and the most severe. Some people have strong reactions to mold and mold can make people sick. If you or a family member begin to have unexplained sore throats, headaches, fatigue, depression or asthma-related issues, and you know the roof has leaked, mold may be the cause of the illness
If you notice any signs of mold in your home after your roof has leaked, you will want to call in either a roofer or a mold remediation specialist, depending on the amount of mold present and where the mold is. If the mold is present on the underside of the roof, a roofer should be called in. If you notice or suspect mold behind walls, a mold remediation specialist should be called in. Don't delay in calling in a professional as the situation can only get worse.
