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Mold Issues A common consequence of a roof leak can be mold formation and growth in the attic. The effects of mold growth inside buildings include substantial structural damage as well as posing numerous health risks. Mold thrives in attics due to the ideal conditions they provide. It is highly advisable to address mold issues as quickly as possible in order to maintain your homes structural integrity and discourage risking any illness it may cause. If treatment is put off until obvious signs arise, serious damage will already have occurred. Olde Raleigh Roofing can inspect your attic for signs of mold after a leak and extinguish the problem before it escalates.

All work is guaranteed and includes a written warranty.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that forms on the surface of organic matter. It can grow at high levels indoors where there is moisture. Molds spores can remain dormant for years in even hot and dry environments. Once the right conditions become available, the spores will begin to germinate. "Black Mold" is a particularly toxic species of mold. The attic is a common area where black mold is found because it thrives on materials abundantly found in the attic – insulation, fiberboard, drywall, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint – if they are exposed to moisture from roof leaks. Although not all types of mold are poisonous, they all pose structural risks, as well as health risks. When spores travel through the ductwork of your central heating and cooling system - typically installed in most attics – they enter into the air you breathe. Mold should therefore not be ignored.

What are the Signs of Mold?

Splotchy discoloration appearing black, grey-brown, grey-green, white, yellow or orange
Mildewy/Musty Odors
Cracked, Peeling Paint
Warped Wood
Loosening of Drywall Tape

Where Does Mold Commonly Grow (In The Home)?

Circumstances that encourage mold growth include condensation, high humidity, water/pipe leaks, flooding, roof leaks, damp basements or crawl spaces, blocked gutters, poor ventilation, and damp or wet materials.

Wood – People often find black mold in the attic on wooden beams and plywood used for the roof. Mold naturally feeds on wood in the environment, so it is an ideal place in your home.
Vents – Often mold grows around the vents in the attic which lead to the bathroom, kitchen or other humid parts of the house. These vents must be cleared of mold or the spores will end up in your heating and cooling system.
Walls – Mold loves to grow in walls. If your gutters are not properly maintained, water will run down along the walls of the house and cause mold to grow there.
Ceilings Below – Moldy attics will lead to moldy ceilings. By the time the mold gets into the ceiling in your home, it is very difficult to remove. This is one reason why you should be careful about mold in the attic.
Insulation – Black mold can grow inside your attic’s insulation. This is an area that can become wet easily through a roof leak or too much moisture build-up from improperly or poorly ventilated attics. In this case, your house’s heating and cooling system typically installed in the attic may be spreading mold spores throughout the home.
Ductwork and Central Heating and Cooling Systems - In addition to the insulation, mold can grow in a variety of other places in the ductwork/HVAC system. Too much moisture into the ductwork combined with dirt and grime allows mold to germinate.

What Are The Health Issues Related To Mold?

Nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose
Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes
Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, chest tightness
Cough
Throat irritation
Skin irritation, such as a rash
Headache
Sneezing
Very severe toxic mold infestations can lead to other serious allergic responses or neurological damage

What Further Type of Damage Can Water Cause?

Dampness favors rapid production of dust mites and bacteria
Moisture can release chemicals from building materials
Standing water supports rodent and cockroach infestations and mosquitoes
Fecal contamination of the environment raises concerns about parasites
Left unchecked, mold can eat away building materials - leaving a house unfit to live in and other personal property destroyed

How Can Infected Areas Be Removed And Treated? (Mold Remediation)

The most effective way to eliminate mold growth is to remove it from materials that can be cleaned and to discard materials that cannot be cleaned or are physically damaged beyond use.

Special care must be taken and protective clothing must be worn as mold releases potentially hazardous particulates into the air, which can then be inhaled into the sinuses and lungs as well as irritate the skin.

Professional help should be utilized if the infestation is present in areas such as on insulation or throughout your attic to ensure that all infested areas have been decontaminated and the necessary repair and replacement work is performed.

Our Mold Remediation Process includes:

Stopping the water from entering the structure further
Determining the extent of water damage and mold contamination
Decontaminating or removing damaged materials, cleaning dirt and debris, and disinfecting the areas
Drying any wet materials, if salvageable
Evaluating whether space has been successfully remediated
Reassembling the space to prevent or limit possibility of recurrence by controlling sources of moisture

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"Olde Raleigh Roofing Company gave me the lowest bid of the 4 companies I had come out, they had the old roof off and the new roof put on in 2 days, and they did a thorough cleanup afterward, nails, etc... happy customer!"

Beth Hamilton
Garner, NC