Many people think a leaking roof is only a small structural problem they can overlook or push its repair forward. However, it poses several safety and health risks. For example, constant water intrusion into your home slowly but steadily works its way down your attic to the foundation.
Along the way, it causes rapid mold growth in the wet areas, compromises the integrity of your home, and poses a fire threat due to shorted wiring. Mold thrives in warm, moist, and dark environments. Thus, a leaking roof and dark attic make for the perfect mold breeding ground for homes in central Kentucky.
How Fast Does Mold Grow After a Water Leak?
Mold starts growing as early as 24 to 48 hours after damp exposure. Unfortunately, you will not notice the mold latching and spreading onto your home until:
- It spreads to visible areas of your home
- It causes symptoms of mold sensitivity and sickness
Mold isn’t visible to the naked eye until 18 days after it has started growing. And by then, it’s spreading fast. This makes it important to catch roof leaks quickly, get them repaired, and get your attic and home space dried out.
In addition to causing structural and aesthetic damage to your home (such as discolored surfaces and peeling paint), mold also causes health problems. These include itching eyes, sneezing, coughing, flu-like symptoms, nose bleeds, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and permanent lung damage.
How to Prevent Mold in Attic
A leaking roof creates an avenue for moss and mold to grow in your attic. So to avoid a mold infestation, take care of roof leaks and other damages early. Schedule an annual roof inspection to check in on the health of your roof. Make repairs immediately.
If mold has already grown in your attic, you need to hire a mold remediation specialist to remove the mold.
It’s prudent to keep an eye out for affected areas. Some signs of mold growth include:
- Water stains
- Bubbling
- Cracking
- Discolored surfaces
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Black or white buildup
As you can see, roof leaks can cause many problems, from mold to associated health risks. Therefore, schedule a professional roofing inspection to identify and fix the problem if you notice signs of a roof leak.
AIC Roofing & Construction, Inc. provides outstanding roofing repair and replacement, installation, and customer service in Central Kentucky. We also have rapid response times to provide emergency roofing repairs and inspections. Contact us today.