Can Ice Dams Lead to Mold Growth?

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you notice mold growth in your home or business.

Winter can be hard on your commercial building in Jackson Township, OH. The cold weather can cause your external pipes to freeze or create a buildup of ice on your roof. Did you know that both of these issues can lead to the growth of black mold? Even ice buildup on your roof can give the fungus a chance to create roots somewhere in your building. In order to better understand how this ice structure can cause mold growth, you need to look at the following:

• What is an ice dam?
• How does it lead to mold?
• How quickly can the problem arise?

Finding the answers to these questions on your own may be challenging. Thankfully, you can get help from mold remediation experts near you.

What Is an Ice Dam?

When a ridge of ice forms at the edge of your roof line, it is called an ice dam. This formation can happen due to improper ventilation in your attic. Because heat rises, the heat trapped in your attic space goes to the peak of your roof. The snow at the peak starts to melt and flow down your sloped roof. However, as the melted snow reaches the edges of the structure, it refreezes because of the temperature change.

How Does It Lead to Mold Growth?

The dam stops future melted water from being able to travel off of your roof, which can lead to pooling. When water has nowhere else to go, it may start to trickle down into your attic or behind your walls.

How Quickly Can The Problem Arise?

Like with other sources of mold growth, this trickle of water can be come a problem in as little as 24 hours. Some snowmelt may be contaminated with spores already, so the growth may start without any other instigating factors. Because the problem can compound so quickly, you may want to initiate the mold cleanup process as soon as you realize you have a water problem in your attic or wall space. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com for more information on mold.