The Roofing Mold Connection

Most owners and managers have begun to fully comprehend the potential ramifications of mold for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). These ramifications can manifest themselves as damaged building materials, degraded IAQ, sick building symptoms, and potential lawsuits.

Mold commonly occurs in most organic building materials. It is common to see lichens, or mold, growing on the top exterior surface of roofs, within wet organic roof insulation boards, and on wet wood nailers. The one thing that all these surfaces have in common is that they are above the roof deck and, therefore, have minimal impact on IAQ.

When mold growth develops on interior surfaces, IAQ can be affected and building occupants start asking questions. Most organic building materials can support mold growth if temperature and moisture conditions are within supportive limits. Typical materials include ceiling tiles, gypsum board, wallpaper, insulation, adhesives, wood trim and wood framing materials. These materials have been used for years in construction, many never experiencing mold growth.

Identifying the Culprit 
What is the catalyst for mold growth: temperature or moisture? Temperature seems to be unlikely, as many similar building types have similar interior environments, and some have mold, while others do not. It appears that moisture might be the single most probable catalyst to affect mold growth. This seems likely as most observed mold growth is associated with leaks and condensation problems in roofs, windows or walls. Studies have proven that leaks in a building can contribute to mold growth within as little as 48 hours.

Leak Response 
If we know that roof leaks may be a major contributor to mold development, then keeping water out of organic building materials is paramount to preventing mold growth. We must establish an aggressive leak response program. Technicians must investigate leaks, determine origin points and address deficiencies in a timely manner. Leaks must be stopped within 48 hours and the wet materials dried out, or mold growth is possible. Simple enough when you call RAMCON.

A Proactive Step 
Leak response, though important, is reactive, and materials often get wet before a problem can be identified. A better approach would be to develop and preserve an aggressive roof-maintenance program.

It appears that mold growth and roof leaks are directly related. As a result, annual roof maintenance might be the first line of defense against mold development. If leaks do occur, they must be investigated and repaired immediately. To stop mold development, you must take the position that roof leaks are not acceptable and that they must not be tolerated. A RAMCON preventive maintenance progr
am can help provide tangible results in mold prevention.

The Roofing-Mold Connection

Most owner and managers have begun to fully comprehend the potential ramifications of mold for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). These ramifications can manifest themselves as damaged building materials, degraded IAQ, sick building symptoms, and potential lawsuits. Mold commonly occurs in most organic building materials. It is common to see lichens, or mold, growing on the top exterior surface of roofs, within wet organic roof insulation boards, and on wet wood nailers. The one thing that all these surfaces have in common is that they are above the roof deck and, therefore, have minimal impact on IAQ.

When mold growth develops on interior surfaces, IAQ can be affected and building occupants start asking questions. Most organic building materials can support mold growth if temperature and moisture conditions are within supportive limits. Typical materials include ceiling tiles, gypsum board, wallpaper, insulation, adhesives, wood trim and wood framing materials. These materials have been used for years in construction and many never experience mold growth.

 Identifying the Culprit
What is the catalyst for mold growth: temperature or moisture? Temperature seems to be unlikely, as many building types have similar interior environments, and some have mold, while others do not. It appears that moisture might be the single most probable catalyst to affect mold growth. This seems likely as most observed mold growth is associates with leaks and condensation problems in roofs, windows or walls. Studies have proven that leaks in a building can contribute to mold growth within as little as 48 hours.

Leak Response
If we know that roof leaks may be a major contributor to mold development, then keeping water out of organic building materials is paramount to preventing mold growth. We must establish an aggressive leak response program.  Technicians must investigate leaks, determine origin points and address deficiencies in a timely manner. Leaks must be stopped within 48 hours and the wet materials dried out, or mold growth is possible. Simple enough to fix when you call RAMCON.

A Proactive Step
Leak response, though important, is reactive, and materials often get wet before a problem can be identified. A better approach would be to develop and peserve an aggressive roof-maintenance program.

It appears that mold growth and roof leaks are directly related. As a result, annual roof maintenance might be the first line of defense against mold development.If leaks do occur, they must be investigated and repaired immediately. To stop mold development, you must take the position that roof leaks are not acceptable. A RAMCON preventative maintenance program can help provide tangible results in mold prevention.

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.

Mold: Prevention. Identification. Action.

Welcome to the Florida, where heavy rains and high humidity make mold a constant battle. When your roof leaks, you are at a high risk of developing mold throughout your building...which can have dramatic effects (health issues, consequential damages, litigative affairs). By knowing how to prevent, identify and handle a roof leak/mold incent, you can significantly reduce your risks and liability. RAMCON has created a comphrehensive Mold Awareness Report to inform you about the nature of mold, how it forms, prevention techniques and provide knowledge and resources which can be used to take ACTION should mold be suspected.

Quick Tip: When you're roof leaks, call RAMCON right away. It's imperative that if we dry all water damaged areas within 24-48 hours after becoming wet to prevent mold growth.

Get the free 2009 RAMCON Mold Guide: http://www.ramconroofing.com/moldguide.htm