How Slow Water Damage from Roof Leaks Can Cause Mold Build-up in Atlanta, Georgia

Every homeowner dreads the appearance of leaks, which could stem from a variety of sources and cause minor damages that could escalate to a full-blown problem when not repaired immediately.

The most common sources of water leaks in the home are broken appliances, burst pipes, and faulty fixtures. Some leaks, however, are indirectly caused by another problem that has remained unaddressed for quite some time. One of these is a roof leak. This problem could get worse once the winter months start, so it is proactive to learn about roof leaks, what they can do to your home, and how you can deal with them beforehand.

In this article, ServiceMaster by Lovejoy discusses the role of slow water damage from roof leaks in causing mold build-up.

Your roof's structural integrity can weaken over time due to repeated exposure to the sun, rain, and other elements. Most homeowners do not notice that their roof needs a repair until a leak appears. When this occurs,
not only do you have to have the roof issue repaired, but now you need to address any damage the leak has caused to the interior of the home.

The most common causes of roof leaks in the home mostly point to roofing problems. Read them below and learn how to prevent them.


Broken or missing shingles

During severe weather phenomena such as hurricanes or strong storms, your roof shingles can be damaged. Make it a routine to check for broken or missing shingles after a storm to get it fixed or replaced immediately.


Improperly installed or damaged flashing

If your flashing has not been installed by a licensed roofer or if it has been damaged, chances are it might direct water and moisture into your home instead of away from it.


Incorrect roofing materials

Different roofs require different roofing materials to be able to operate properly. For example, a roof with a pitch (steepness) that's less than 3:12 requires materials designed specifically for a flat roof. If your roof was not constructed with the correct and proper fitting materials, leaks can happen.


Plumbing problems

Always check the pipes in your roof for indications of wear and tear and perform the necessary repair as early as possible. Leaks can result from damaged or old pipes.


Ice dams

Ice and snow can collect on the roof especially during cold winter months. Ice dams occur when there is a mass of ice that accumulates on the roof and obstructs the flow of melting snow. Because the water cannot drain, it backs up into the home and causes damage to ceilings and adjacent areas.


Incorrect repairs

Improper and ineffective work done on the roof could eventually lead to more roof problems. Always call a licensed roofer to ensure that the repair is correctly done.


Obstructed or clogged gutters

Clogs in the gutter result from leaves and other foreign debris. This blockage causes seepage when it pools in one area of the roof, and proceeds to damage walls, ceilings, and insulation. Always clear your gutters before heavy rains or snow to prevent clogging. Trim tall trees around the roof to help lessen leaf accumulation.

Cracked chimney

Check the chimney for cracks along the top of the mud cap. Seal any hole in the mortared joints where the chimney and the roof connects. Repair loose, missing, or damaged shingles in the surrounding area.

ServiceMaster Restore lists the common signs of roof leaks as follows:

If you notice the signs of a roof leak, it is recommended to contact a professional water damage restoration service in Atlanta, Georgia, such as ServiceMaster by Lovejoy, as soon as possible.

Speed is a requisite for mold growth prevention. When it comes to professional water damage restoration and mold remediation in Atlanta, Georgia, trust ServiceMaster by Lovejoy. Our professional water damage restoration process includes:

When faced with water damage and mold caused by a roof leak, rely on the professionally trained teams at ServiceMaster by Lovejoy to handle the remediation process safely, effectively and thoroughly. Call us at 678-293-0297 for Conyers, GA clients or 770-992-1575 for Roswell, GA clients.