Mold Infestation, Mold Remediation In Roofing

Mold Infestation And Remediation In
The Greater Seattle Area

Everything You Need To Know About Identifying, Removing,
And Preventing Mold Growth In & On Your Roof

Have you noticed your roof has black streaks or fuzzy green and brown spots? Unfortunately, this is a sign of mold growth, and while it may seem like a minor issue, it can become catastrophic! Our wet weather in the Greater Seattle Area can be a recipe for disaster in mold growth, so it’s best to act fast when you see the first signs.

Mold remediation can save you a lot of money if you do it early enough and can prevent the need for a complete roof replacement down the road, but more importantly, it can save you a lot of potential health problems. Here is everything you need to know about attic mold, including identifying it, getting rid of it, and preventing it.

Signs You Have A Mold Problem

Several signs and symptoms pop up when your roof has a mold problem. If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to call a professional before you have a major issue to deal with.

A Distinctive Odor

Mold has a very distinctive rancid smell — much like rotting food in your refrigerator. If you notice this smell in the vicinity of your attic, you most likely have a mold infestation problem and need to act quickly to have it taken care of. But often you don’t notice bad smells in your own home, because they “creep up on you” slowly over time. It’s usually most potent in the attic itself, but use caution if you plan on investigating yourself.

Indications Of Water Damage

If you see signs of water damage like dark spots on the walls or ceiling, there’s a good chance you have a mold problem or that you are about to have one. Mold enjoys growing in a very moist and dark environment, so a leaky roof is the perfect breeding ground. If you do not get a leaky roof fixed as soon as possible, you will have (at least) two problems to deal with instead of just one.

Roof Rot

When you experience roof rot, it’s another good indication that you have a mold problem because the two often go hand in hand. Check the paint around your dormer windows for peeling and your walls and ceiling for blisters and cracks. Remember, mold doesn’t always come in green and white — you should be looking for a variety of colors. Like black.

Mold Remediation

When you have mold wreaking havoc in your roofing system, you want it gone as soon as possible. However, be careful when you choose a company for the job. There is a clear difference between mold removal and mold remediation services.

Mold removal is simply the act of removing the visible mold; it doesn’t seek to find the source and remove the problem causing it. Technically, you can’t even remove all traces of mold because it is a naturally occurring organism. And once embedded, spores grow inside the wood. 

Mold remediation, on the other hand, encompasses so much more. Depending on the type and location of the mold, remediation involves the testing, removal, destruction, sanitizing, containment, and cleaning of harmful mold growths.

A reputable Seattle roofing company will offer you mold remediation to get your mold levels back in check instead of providing false promises, and covering up the problem with some paint. That’s no joke, 90% of mold remediation companies plan to just use bleach + paint. Talk about a surface level approach!

The Mold Remediation Process

There are several steps to mold remediation in roofing:

1. Mold inspection and assessment: A qualified contractor will identify the mold growth type and source to determine the best remediation approach.
2. Containment: Because mold spores travel through the air, the affected area will be isolated before cleaning and removal.
3. Cleanup: The cleanup process is dependent on the location of the mold. If it is on a nonporous or semi-porous surface, it will be cleaned through a process that prevents the release of spores into the air.
4. Disposal: The material type will determine if removal is necessary. All porous materials are typically discarded. But this will vary based on the treatment, some are airborne.
5. Sanitization: Once infested materials are removed, all salvageable items are immaculately cleaned.
6. Preventative recommendations: Finally, your competent roofing contractor will offer you a plan for preventing future mold growth by improving ventilation.

Attic Mold Prevention

Once you have gone through the remediation process, you can take a few steps to prevent mold regrowth. 

• First, schedule professional roof top cleanings to avoid accidentally damaging your roof. Professional roofing contractors have the skills and tools needed to do the job right, whereas you may have a harder time with some of the needed aspects. Why? If you have moss accumulation on the top side of the roof it will act as a wet blanket, or sponge, on the top. This absorbed water will soak through the shingles, re-saturating the wood underneath. Not good if you’re trying to keep the attic dry and free from mold growth!
• Second, there are zinc and copper strips that can be installed on your roof to prevent the growth of mold. The strips are installed under your shingles and are left partially exposed. Their natural elements react with the mold to prevent it from increasing. These are not recommended. 
  • In combination with regularly removing organic debris like needles and leaves, a mild algaecide in the form of 1 part bleach, 1 part TSP, 3 parts water is an approved solution for roof treatments. Or simply use baking soda. 
• Third, you can ensure that you keep tree limbs trimmed back to prevent dark patches over your roof. There won’t be any shady, damp places for mold/moss/algae to grow.
• Finally, attic ventilation that’s properly designed will maximize air exchange in the attic, helping to prevent moist and stagnant air from propagating a new crop of mold.

Do You Need Help With Mold Remediation?
Call The Roof Nerds Today!

Are you worried about mold problems in your Greater Seattle Area home’s roof? You need the best option for mold remediation in roofing!

Here at RoofSmart, we offer true solutions as part of our core values. We will never try to get you to pay for a service you don’t need – it’s just the right way to do things.

Call us today at (206) 487-4877 to schedule your free estimate.