Finding mold in your home means there could be an underlying water problem. Without immediate attention, the mold can spread throughout the house causing permanent damage and putting your family’s health at risk.
Knowing how to handle these common causes of mold may prevent expensive repairs and prolonged insurance claims.
1. Damaged Roofs
The roof of your home is the primary barrier that protects the interior from weather damage. Over time, the roof becomes susceptible to erosion when shingles tear or fall off. Without this outer layer of protection, water can seep into the supportive structures of the roof, causing the wood to rot and allowing mold to grow. Inspecting your roof every year and repairing minor problems may prevent having to replace large sections of your roof and mold from spreading around the entire home.
2. Leaking Pipes
Pipes hidden within walls make it challenging to notice small leaks. If you see warped paneling or baseboards, water stains, or sagging ceilings, dripping pipes might be the cause. Opening the wall to repair the pipe and allowing the water to dry may prevent mold from growing.
3. Floods
While hurricanes cause widespread flooding due to torrential downpours and storm surges, localized flooding can happen for several reasons. Whether your home experiences damage due to a broken washing machine, an overflowing bathtub, or a natural disaster, the first step is drying everything as quickly as possible. Extensive restoration may be necessary if flood water sits for longer than 48 hours.
Preventing mold in your home is the easiest way to avoid significant demolition projects or exposing your family to health hazards.