There Is Nothing Like a Dam: How Ice Dams Lead to Mold Damage

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

The formation of icicles means you have an ice dam, which can lead directly to black mold growth.

Looking at the buildings and shopfronts around downtown Edmond, OK, this winter, you may notice that many have icicles hanging from the roof. While icicles are prized by Christmas card artists for their aesthetic beauty, icicles can mean trouble for a business owner. The formation of icicles means you have an ice dam, which can lead directly to black mold growth.

How Do Ice Dams Form?

1. When heat escapes from the attic or top floor of a building, it raises the temperature of the roof, melting the snow.
2. The melted snow runs down the roof and refreezes at the edge. The shelf of ice that forms is called an ice dam.
3. These ice dams block the gutters, preventing water from draining properly off the roof.

How Do Ice Dams Lead to Mold Damage?

When ice dams block the gutters, water cannot drain and off the roof the way it's supposed to. However, the water still has to go somewhere, and often that means seeping under the roofing and into the walls.

Once you have water in the walls, there's potential for mold growth. Mold needs moisture and food in order to grow, and it feeds on common building materials. Once water seeps into the building, black mold can start growing in as little as a day.

How Can You Prevent Ice Dams and Water Leaks?

Preventing the problem now can save costly mold cleanup later. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent ice dams and water leaks.

• Insulate the building's upper level. Ice dams form when the upper level of a building is not properly insulated, allowing heat to escape.
• Keep the gutters clean. Gutters that are free of debris are less likely to form an ice dam.
• Be aware of the signs of water leaks in the building, such as discolored spots on the ceiling or a musty smell, and be prepared to take action.

If you suspect you have water seepage or black mold, don't wait. Contact a reputable water/mold cleanup company in Edmond, OK, immediately. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROedmond.com//