Mold and moisture generally go hand-in-hand. This is why it’s so important to act quickly when you have a roof leak. If you don’t stop the moisture infiltration and clean it up quickly, mold will start growing. And this happens sooner than you might think.
The Dangers of Mold
Mold spores are everywhere. Even in a clean home, there are a few mold spores in the air. Under dry conditions, those mold spores remain dormant. Once they’re exposed to moisture, they can germinate within 24 – 48 hours. It may be up to 18 days before the mold becomes visible to the naked eye, but it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Mold can cause a myriad of health problems, from respiratory symptoms to nausea. Once it has established itself in an area, such as in your attic, it spreads rapidly. A mold colony will become “stable” within about 12 days, and then some of the mold will move off and form multiple new colonies.
Cleaning up excessive mold is also hard on your wallet. You may need to replace porous building materials, like insulation and drywall.
Preventing Mold Growth in Your Attic
The best way to prevent mold growth in your attic is to take care of roof leaks as soon as you notice them. Always check for leaks after a storm and in the spring. If you see even a small water spot or roof damage, call a roof repair company ASAP.
If water starts leaking into your attic, do your best to capture it in a bucket until your roofers arrive. Soak up excess water with towels. If any porous materials, like insulation, get wet, remove them from the attic immediately. Set up a fan or a dehumidifier to extract moisture from the air.
For three weeks after the leak, check your attic daily for signs of mold growth, including:
- Black, white, or green spots
- Musty odors
- Itching and sneezing while you’re in the space
If you see evidence of mold, contact a local mold remediation company to remove the mold safely.
The sooner you act on a roof leak, the less trouble you’ll have with mold. Contact Midwest Roofing Siding & Windows in the Twin Cities if you need roof repair or replacement. Our expert roofers can detect and repair storm damage, replace insulation, and more.