If you’ve had a roof leak recently, there is one thing to be cautious about even though you’ve reacted fast and called a professional to deal with the leak – ceiling mold. It can develop some time after the leak, so watch out for signs for the next couple of weeks, as mold needs time to develop. If you notice the signs, here’s what you can do about it:
1. Assess the damage
Even if you can clearly see the mold on your ceiling, it doesn’t mean that the damage doesn’t go any further. Water damage causes mold, meaning that insulation, drywall, ceiling beams or floorboard can be damaged without you actually seeing it. You need to carefully inspect the area around the visible mold to determine how much it has spread and check the attic – it’s a perfect place for mold.
2. Add more light
Mold prefers dark places, so try to add natural light because the sunshine prevents the mold from growing any further. If there is no way for you to provide more natural light, add additional lighting – it will heat up the place more, which also prevents the mold from spreading.
3. Use a dehumidifier
Mold not only loves dark places, but it also loves when it’s warm and damp. It means that you mustn’t allow for the places to be very humid if you are planning to get rid of the mold. Place a dehumidifier inside the room – it will remove the unnecessary humidity from the air, preventing the mold to thrive further. It also means to avoid creating humidity in the room, so don’t hang up wet clothes in that room.
4. Make a mold removal solution
There are several options for a homemade mold removal solution, and the most common one is a combination of borax, vinegar and hot water. It effectively kills the mold and freshens up the air. To make this solution, use 2 cups of hot water, 2 tablespoons of borax and a ¼ of a vinegar cup.
Bleach is also an effective way to get rid of the mold, but it shouldn’t be used on porous materials as it will damage them. That’s why you need to make a mixture of bleach and water – put 1 part bleach and mix it with 10 parts of water.
5. Spray and scrub
When you have made the solution, pour it into a spray bottle and spray it directly on the mold. Don’t go too far with the spraying – it could start dripping on you. Use the rough side of a sponge to scrub the mold by rubbing it back and forth – it will shift the mold, removing it more effectively. Don’t forget to rinse the sponge often; otherwise, the sponge will help the mold spread if it isn’t cleaned properly. When you’re done scrubbing, use the solution once again – it will coat in the ceiling in a protective layer. That way, the mold won’t appear again after just a couple of days.
6. Preventive measures
Of course, when you have successfully dealt with the actual mold on the ceiling, it doesn’t mean that your work is done. Regular cleaning of the roof and gutters prevents water from collecting in problematic areas. You also need to perform regular checks of the ceiling but also of the roof to prevent future mold from developing. Many people want to be sure they haven’t missed anything, so they opt for waterproofing leak specialists to spot the issues on time. It’s better to identify smaller roof damages before they manage to cause you serious problems.
7. Protective gear
Protective gear is a must while you’re removing the mold from the ceiling. You have to wear gloves and a mask, but also clothes that fully cover your body. Wear the gear even if you’re only checking for the mold – in case there is mold somewhere, you will breathe in the spores it releases, which is very unhealthy.
Final words
A roof leak is rarely an isolated problem – mold is almost an unavoidable problem that comes with roof leaks. Still, following a few simple steps will help you deal with the mold successfully and in a short time.