Mold After a Roof Leak: What to Do

Signs of mold after a leak

• A musty or earthy smell in the room or attic
• Dark, green or white fuzzy spots on the ceiling or decking
• Brown stains that keep spreading after the leak is fixed
• Peeling or bubbling paint
• Allergy symptoms that get worse in one room

Why Pine Bluff attics are prone to mold

Pine Bluff averages about 69% humidity and long, hot summers. Wet insulation and decking dry slowly in that air, especially in attics with poor ventilation. A small leak that runs for weeks gives mold everything it needs: water, warmth and wood to feed on.

Step one: stop the water

Mold comes back as long as water keeps getting in. Fix the leak first, or tarp it until the repair can be made. See roof leak detection.

Step two: dry it out

• Run fans and a dehumidifier in the room.
• Pull out soaked insulation from the attic. It holds water against the ceiling.
• Cut out drywall that is soft, sagging or stained through.
• Keep the area dry for several days before closing it up.

Step three: clean or replace

Hard surfaces like wood framing can often be cleaned with detergent and water and dried. Porous materials like drywall, ceiling tiles and insulation with mold growth are usually replaced. Wear gloves, goggles and an N95 mask. Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.

When to call a professional

• Mold covers more than about 10 square feet
• Mold is in the air ducts or HVAC system
• Someone in the home has asthma, allergies or a weak immune system
• The water was contaminated, like sewage

Does the roof decking need to be replaced?

Decking with surface mold that is still solid can often stay after it is dried and cleaned. Decking that is soft, delaminating or rotted must be replaced before new shingles go on. We check it from the attic and the roof and photograph what we find. See roof decking repair and roof water damage repair.

Does insurance cover mold from a roof leak?

Many policies limit or exclude mold coverage, especially when it comes from a slow leak. If mold follows sudden storm damage, it may be part of the claim, often with a dollar cap. Read your policy and take photos. See does insurance cover roof leaks.

How to check the attic for mold

Go up on a dry day with a bright light and a mask. Look at the underside of the decking around chimneys, vents and valleys, and along the eaves. Mold on wood often looks like black or gray speckles, sometimes white and fuzzy. Staining alone is not always mold. If it wipes off and the wood below is solid and dry, it may just be old water marks. Press the wood with a screwdriver. If it sinks in, the wood is rotting.