The Hidden Health Hazards of Roof Leaks and Mould

1. The Hidden Health Hazards of Roof Leaks and Mould Melbourne is known to have four seasons in one day and has 139 days of rainfall per year. With such weather conditions, how often is your roof prone to leaks? Often! If a roof leak goes unnoticed and unaddressed, water can creep into your roof shingles and other areas. Moreover, when water penetrates the structural components of your roof, it allows moisture to build up. This is the perfect condition for mould growth. A leaking roof and mould can cause several risks, including health hazards. Prevention is always preferable to cure. So, contact Roofers Melbourne for regular roof inspection and maintenance.

2. Causes of roof leaks ● Age-old roof Most of the time, an aged roof is the primary cause of a leaky roof. No matter how sturdy roofing materials you have used to build your roof, it will deteriorate after a certain time. When roofing materials reach the end of their lives, they become susceptible to damage. Their protection will gradually wane and make them vulnerable to water ingress. So, keep your roof new with regular repairs and restoration from roofers Melbourne. ● Damaged shingles Shingles are the protective layer of your roof, directly exposed to the weather. Overtime exposure to weather elements like wind, sunlight, and rain causes damage to shingles. When shingles go missing, cracked, or broken, they lose effectiveness and can no longer protect the roof from water infiltration. ● Clogged gutters Gutters are the foundation of the building. They channel water away from the roof. Sometimes, debris like sticks, leaves, or dirt can clog the gutters. As a result, water can overflow and penetrate under the roof, causing leaks. Roofers Melbourne can thoroughly clean your gutters and make them new again. ● Substandard installation If a roof is not installed accurately, it can be more prone to leaks. Common installation errors include inadequate sealing around vents and chimneys and improper flashing installation. Hence, it is essential to select reputable and reliable roofers Melbourne. ● Condensation When moisture becomes trapped between the insulation and the roof, it condenses the roof. This issue typically results from poor insulation or roof installation, inadequate ventilation, or excessive moisture inside the structure. Over time, this condensation can lead to mould growth and water damage. ● Tree damage Having several shade trees close to the house is pleasant in the summer heat. On the other hand, branches that shade your roof will stop moisture from evaporating fast.

3. This enables rainwater to seep into your roof, which may eventually lead to damage and deterioration. It results in leaks and greater energy costs. Also, overhanging tree branches can rub against a roof, causing damage to shingles and other roofing materials. So, let roofers trim unwanted branches during tiled roof restoration. Similarly, when leaves accumulate on your roof, it traps moisture. This moisture can slowly penetrate the shingles and wood under the roof, causing leaks. ● Extreme weather Severe weather events, such as heavy rain, wind, hail, and snow, can cause significant damage to a roof, leading to leaks. ● Animal damage Animals, such as squirrels and raccoons, can cause damage to a roof by chewing through shingles and creating holes in the roof. However, considering Australia's reputation to harbour a great many varieties of animals, the damage might have already happened to your roof. If this is the case, you can benefit from tiled roof restoration. What is the connection between roof leaks and mould? Mould spores are present mostly everywhere. However, they start to grow only when they get favourable conditions. So, when water enters the roof, it causes moisture build-up and creates dampness. This damp environment is the perfect breeding ground for mould and allows it to thrive. Mould can grow within a day or two after the water enters the home. Also, it can spread very quickly if addressed and untreated. The link between roof leaks and mould is also a vicious cycle, and the growing mould has several disadvantages: ● ● It can cause respiratory problems and allergies It can degenerate floors, walls, and ceilings overtime, ultimately damaging the structural integrity of the roof It deteriorates roofing materials, making it more likely that the roof will continue to leak It allows more moisture build-up and even more mould growth ● ●

4. What are the health risks of mould? ● Allergic reaction Some people's immune systems can often consider mould spores harmful and cause allergic reactions by releasing antibodies to fight them off. This immune response can cause symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, skin rash, and itchy eyes. Some severe cases can also experience breathing difficulty or asthma attacks. So, call roofers Melbourne to repair your roof. However, the intensity of allergic reactions can largely depend on the person's sensitivity to mould and the amount of exposure. ● Respiratory problems People with pre-existing conditions like asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can become victims of respiratory problems from mould. When mould spores are inhaled, they can irritate the lungs and airways, exacerbating symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In some cases, mould exposure can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. ● Infections People with weak immunity can easily catch infections from mould exposure. They can be serious infections and might also require medical treatments. For example, Aspergillosis, a fungal infection that can affect the lungs, and Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection that can affect the brain. So, contact roofers Melbourne and remove stubborn mould. ● Toxic reactions Certain types of mould produce mycotoxins, which can cause toxic reactions in people exposed to them. These reactions can range from mild symptoms such as headaches and fatigue to more serious health problems such as neurological and organ damage. Some common mycotoxins produced by moulds include aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and trichothecenes. ● Mental health problems Some studies have suggested that mould exposure can be associated with an increased risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

5. While the exact mechanisms are not fully known, it is thought that the toxins produced by mould may impact brain function and mood. Not to mention the stress of dealing with mould problems in the home or workplace. It can also stimulate mental health problems. Nevertheless, you can partner with roofers Melbourne and gain peace of mind. Tips for preventing roof leaks and mould ● Regular roof maintenance Scheduling regular roof maintenance is the best way to protect your roof from leaks and mould. Also, it is essential to inspect your roof regularly for any indication of wear and tear or damage. This includes checking for cracked, missing or damaged shingles, flashing, and sealants. Professional roof inspection and maintenance from roofers Melbourne can help identify roofing issues before they worsen and repair them efficiently. ● Use mould-resistant materials As we discussed earlier, mould can harm people as well as the house's structure. Fortunately, there is a solution you can use to prevent mould formation. During tiled roof restoration, consider using mould-resistant materials such as drywall or paint that contain mould inhibitors. These materials can help prevent mould growth and reduce the risk of leaks. ● Clean gutters Gutters are significant for your home, and keeping them clean is even more significant. Leaves, branches, and debris can accumulate in your gutters, preventing water from flowing away from your roof. This can cause water to pool on your roof and seep into your home. Thus, clogged gutters can lead to water overflow and cause leaks. Final thoughts! A roof leak can welcome many unwanted issues, leading to health as well as financial damage. Sometimes unnoticed roof leaks can require you to replace your roof, which is a considerable investment. However, with care and diligence from roofers Melbourne, you can save your home and yourself from the roof leak and mould catastrophe.

6. Contact Us Company Name: Camberwell Potteries Roofing Address: Unit 26, 25-37 Huntingdale Rd, Burwood, VIC, Australia Phone: 03 9888 7088 Email id: info@camberwellroofing.com.au Website: https://camberwellroofing.com.au/