Preventing Mold from a Roof Leak

Pardon the pun, but we’re often flooded with calls to repair roof leaks stemming from pouring rains and heavy winds . As these roof leaks continue, building owners and managers have expressed concern about mold growth. There are a few simple steps you can take to prevent your recent roof leak from turning into a mold nightmare.

Immediate Actions When You Have a Leak:
1. Diagnose the source of leak. We can’t tell you how difficult this can be at times, as diagnosing water intrusion is a tricky art and science. My best advice to you is this: don’t bias yourself to one conclusion as to the source of leak. Rather, investigate all potential sources and even replicate the leak (if possible) to ensure you are attacking the correct problem.

2. Have the leak fixed first. There is no sense attempting to dry out the affected area if water is allowed to continue to enter the home.

3. Determine the extent of water damage. How much water damage is there before I need to call a professional water extraction company? A quick tip: If you can’t dry it yourself within 48 hours—it is time to call a pro. After that time period, your chances of developing a mold problem skyrocket.

4. Dry out the area completely. Fans, additional ventilation and dehumidifiers are particularly helpful. If drywall has been soaked to the point where it is sagging or mushy—cut it out and get it out of the house.

Next Steps to Prevent Mold:
1. Reduce indoor air humidity. Get a hydrometer and monitor the area—strive to achieve 35% humidity or less if possible. Turn off the winter humidifier if you have one. The inconvenience of being shocked from static electricity as you move about your home will be far less than the mess caused by a mold remediation project.

2. Improve ventilation. Air exchange in your home is critical to help remove moisture.

3. Prevent the leak’s recurrence. If any mold growth began, future leaks with subsequent water intrusion will only reactivate mold growth.

Maintaining Roof Data Electronically

Prior to performing field investigation work, facility executives should implement a data recording and filing system. It does little good to invest in extensive data collection in the field unless that information can be readily recalled and expanded in subsequent years. When recording data, be sure to include the following: Roof Warranties, Inspection Reports, Repair Logs and Invoices. This provides easy access in the event of a roof emergency.

While information compiled from records and surveys can be kept manually or electronically, electronic management makes it easier to recall, review and report data. Keeping your data electronically allows facility executives to maintain detailed records for each roof section, including the warranty and repair information over a long period of years to provide for scheduled maintenance and repairs.

Our Solution to this Problem
We’ve instituted an innovative online roof management system, MyRAMCON.com which allows our preventative maintenance customers 24/7 online access to their roofing system information. With MyRAMCON, we upload all inspection reports and photographs and maintain a document archive includin your warranties, repair logs, lifetime maintenance costs and more for your convenience and comfort. We also provide innovative tools such as savings calculators, taxes/rebate information and much more. Leaving your roofing system in the hands of the professionals at RAMCON will assist in protecting your warranties, extending the life of your roof and save money while you are at it.

Try the Demo For Yourself
Visit www.MyRAMCON.com, click ‘Log Into Portfolio’ on the menu bar and use the login name ‘demo’ and password ‘demo’ to discover all the tools and information MyRAMCON brings to the table for yourself.