Another big problem that comes from roof leaks or any kind of dampness in your home is black mold.
Early stage mold on ceiling from roof leak.
Mold colonies growing above ceilings are usually fed by water from a leaking roof.
The following article explains what black mold is and the damage that can come from it.
After that you ll need to remove the current mold growth with a fungicide and by physically scraping it off of the surface of the ceiling.
The roof leak might only be affecting a small area of your ceiling but the condensation can cause it to spread and create mold.
Systemic or limited growth.
Small patches of mold growth visible from under the ceiling can be a sign that there is a large colony of mold on the other side.
Following the leak to the point of entry is often difficult but small leaks can eventually lead to larger problems including drywall damage and mold.
In addition a great deal of mold can grow in your attic or in the space between your ceiling and your roof and exposure to this sort of household mold has been linked to numerous health problems including respiratory disorders and infections asthma attacks pneumonia chronic sinusitis headaches and migraines chronic sore throats rashes hives allergic reactions depression fatigue digestive problems and more.
Systemic growth occurs when the roof leak causes enough moisture buildup in the attic to cause mold growth throughout the entire area.
Leaks may be caused by a wide range of factors and it may be challenging to pinpoint the exact location of water entry.
Finding a roof leak when you have no attic to check for moisture or mold could be difficult but not impossible.
The area must then be allowed to thoroughly dry out and then monitored in the coming weeks to ensure the mold doesn t return.
This is something you really want to avoid especially if your family members have allergies or other health problems.
In this case the moisture buildup is indirect the roof leak only affects a small area but the dampness in the air causes condensation throughout.
The first step is to fix the cause of the water leak of course.
Roof leak and mold.
Black mold can cause big problems.
Yellow or brown stains on drywall or ceiling also signal a potential roof leak.
How long before mold sets in.
If you notice excess amounts of condensation in your home like moisture in your attic or on the windows of your home then there is a chance you have a roof leak.
For clues that mold could be growing above the ceiling in your home look for signs of water damage in the ceiling.
A leaky roof can result in mold growth within just a couple of days when water enters the home and has the chance to stagnate mold spores begin to germinate within the moist surface.
Once mold begins to grow as a result of a water leak you may end up.
Roof leaks cause two types of mold growth.
In fact mold can begin to form in as little as 48 hours when the right conditions water and food any organic matter such as wood flooring or carpeting are present.