While there is mold practically everywhere, when intensified by roofing leaks and excessive moisture in your home, it can damage more than your house. Health problems can arise as a result of the presence of excessive dampness and mold in your home. What are these problems and how can you prevent them? Here we’ll outline some of the most common health concerns as a result of roof mold growth:
Allergic Reactions
The severity of allergic reactions related to mold vary depending on the sensitivity of the individual. Some common reactions to the presence of mold include: stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation and sometimes even skin irritations.
Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms
The CDC reports that there have been studies showing that otherwise healthy people experience upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and increased asthma symptoms when exposed to damp indoor environments. Damp environments are easily created by a leaky roof, and mold also thrives under these conditions.
Chronic Illness
Mold can endanger the health of people have been diagnosed with a chronic lung illness or asthma. Those who already have asthma may see their symptoms aggravated by the presence of mold. For some conditions, danger of a lung infection may exist when combined with the presence of mold.
How to Prevent or Treat Roof Mold
Thankfully, there are ways you can help ensure that your loved ones are never exposed to roof mold. Here are some of the best strategies to ensure your home stays mold-free:
- Promptly get your leaky roof fixed. The best way to prevent mold growth is to stop moisture from coming into your home. Even slight leaks that don’t cause a drip, can result in increased dampness that promotes mold growth. By properly sealing your roof and fixing problem areas, you’ll ensure the inside is clear and free from mold growth.
- In addition to repairs, get assistance in removing mold and drying out your home. Mold removal can often be done with a simple solution of water and bleach. Then, things must be left to air out so any additional repairs can be completed.
- There are mold inhibitors that can be added to paints. Consider using this as an option if you seem to have a persistent mold growth problem or are very sensitive to mold.
- Make sure your house gets plenty of ventilation. You can check on your HVAC system to ensure that fresh air is always being pumped in. Once mold has become present in your home, the HVAC system can also become contaminated with it. Ensure that it is properly cleaned out after a mold episode and take measures to prevent future problems with this system.
How Can I Detect Roof Mold?
By the time most people notice mold in their homes, a leak or moisture problem has been going on for a while. Getting a regular roof inspection can help catch problems early, before they grow so big that they allow mold growth to occur and require costly repairs. A quality roofer, such as the friendly staff at Tom Byer Roofing, can give you a professional opinion on your roof and detect areas where leaking may begin or has already begun. Ridgelines, shingles around chimneys, pipes and other areas are the most vulnerable parts of the roof. A professional roofer can provide repairs to these areas, keeping your roof leak-free. The best way to prevent mold growth is to ensure your roof is in great condition.
In need of a quality roofer? Contact Tom Byer Roofing at (714) 892-1140 to discuss your roofing needs today.
