If you haven’t heard the term “black mold” yet, you probably will be soon, because it’s been making the news. This green-black substance is toxic, and poses a dangerous health hazard that can cause sometimes-fatal respiratory problems even in healthy people. In attempts to destroy it, some homeowners have even burned their infected houses down and started over. use sometimes-
What causes this terrible mold to develop? Water. In many cases it comes as a result of flooding, but more and more cases are being reported that are a result of a previously-undetected roof leak. A small, hidden leak allows water to slowly seep inside your home, soaking into the insulation and structural lumber. Mold spores can float in the air, and they flourish in warm, humid environments. These spores aren’t visible with the naked eye, but they pose a major threat nonetheless. Black mold infests anything made of cellulose – wood, drywall, even paper. Think about your home’s structure and how much of it is made of cellulose materials. As it works its way into the structural lumber, the wood will eventually rot.
How can you tell whether you might have a problem? Take a look at your home from the outside. Do any areas on the roof appear to be sunken in or sagging? If so, that means the supporting wood has been compromised, and you probably have rot. Any material that has this black mold has to be removed and destroyed, and that may mean replacing door and window frames, wood floors, ceilings, drywall, etc.
Be sure to take a good look at your insurance policy, because some homeowner insurance companies are denying claims based on black mold that can’t be tied to a specific event like a flood. With a hidden slow leak, it may take years for the problem to surface, and homeowners in this situation have had to fight in court to get compensated from their insurer.
Roof leaks can mean more than an inconvenience, especially if they lead to the development of black mold. Have your roof inspected soon to make sure that this destructive substance. Iron River Construction performs free roof inspections in the Minneapolis area and greater Minnesota. Call today.
