Does your attic feel abnormally hot? Is there a foul odor that only emerges when you go upstairs? Though these are common signs of mold, mold only appears after water damage. As a result, if you notice these issues, call a water damage repair company as soon as possible.
Mold and water damage are linked. When water damage occurs, mold grows in as little as 24 hours.
In today’s blog, we’ll take a look at the most common causes of attic water damage. We’ll also discuss the most common signs and what to do if you have it.
Common Causes of Attic Water Damage
Water damage has several causes. In the attic, water damage is commonly caused by storms and ceiling leaks.
When bad weather occurs, the amount of damage it will cause in your attic depends on your roofing shingles. The average shingles have a pretty long shelf life. In fact, many of them last up to 30 years. However, that’s only if they’re kept in good shape. If they aren’t, it’s easier for water to leak into your ceiling during a heavy rainstorm.
This is one of the most common causes of attic water damage. That being said, it’s also one of the most preventable. As long as you keep up with your roof care, you should be able to avoid severe attic water damage.
Another common cause of attic water damage has to do with burst pipes. There are pipes all throughout your house, including the attic. If these are old, frozen, or damaged, they might burst.
Unfortunately, when pipes burst in the attic, they aren’t always easy to catch. Most homeowners don’t visit their attic every day, let alone weekly. As a result, water may slowly accumulate behind walls, leading to mold damage behind your drywall.
Since water damage isn’t always so easy to catch in your attic, you can recognize the signs of mold growth. As mentioned earlier, mold occurs in as little as 24 hours after water damage.
So unless the water damage occurs in front of you, chances are your first sign of water damage will be mold growth.
Common Signs of Mold Growth in the Attic
Here’s an overview of the most common signs of mold growth in your attic:
Foul Odors
Mold has a musky odor to it that is instantly recognizable. However, in your attic, it may be a little more difficult to notice.
Because of the storage there, your attic may already be a little musky. If the odors intensify or are concentrated in one area, it may be the result of mold.
Black Spots
Mold is typically black and grows in small batches. If you see a grouping of black spots on your wooden beams or walls, it’s likely mold.
Hotter Temperatures
Heat rises. As such, your attic is one of the hottest rooms in your house. If your attic is not getting proper circulation, it can lead to mold growth. Why? Because in addition to moisture, mold needs humidity to grow.
Knowing these signs can help you discover mold growth and where the water damage occurred.
Signs of Water Damage You Should Know About
But let’s not forget about the signs of water damage itself! To locate water damage in your attic, look out for these common signs:
- Chipped paint
- Cracked walls, especially near any joints
- Wet wood
- Yellow stains on your ceiling types and/or drywall
- Peeling wallpaper
If you notice any of these, but don’t see the signs of mold, call a water damage repair company quickly. Calling a professional ensures that your water damage is being treated properly.
What to Expect After Hiring a Water Damage Repair Company
Your water damage repair tech will get your home back to normal. This involves removing the water and then disinfecting and drying the area.
In most cases, the drying process tends to be the longest part of water damage repair. The time it takes depends on the severity of the damage. At a minimum, it could be only a few days. At maximum, it could be several weeks.
Your tech will give you an estimate once they review the damage so you know what to expect. Treating water damage doesn’t have to be scary. Just give the crew at PNW Restoration a call for help.
Call PNW Restoration for Quality Water Damage Repair Services!
At PNW Restoration, we’ve handled all types of water damage. From big to small, fresh and old, we’ve handled it all.
Don’t attempt to clean up the water damage yourself. Instead, call a professional from PNW Restoration. We have the tools needed to treat water damage at our disposal. We will follow all safety guidelines, so you can trust the clean you’re getting.
Contact PNW Restoration for all of your water damage repair services.
