How to Slay a Roofer’s Mortal Enemy: Mold

What is Mold & Why is it Bad?

"Stachybotrys Chartarum", or mold, is the single greatest threat to the integrity of a building. Mold is a greenish-black substance that grows in areas privy to high cellulose and low nitrogen content. Growth is promoted by water damage, humidity, leaks, or flooding. If mold it is given free rein to flourish and infiltrate the HVAC system, then it will reap havoc on the sinuses and upper respiratory system of a buildings occupants. In the world of commercial roofing, this can mean a threat to the health of thousands.

How Does Mold Grow?

Mold follows the basic pattern of life—water tends to spawn living organisms. When water is allowed to seep into the cracks and crannies of a building and is exacerbated by the presence of heat, mold spores will spawn, and things can quickly grow out of control. There are several types of mold that are prone to spawn, all of them deleterious to health when born in an indoor environment.

How to Defend Against Mold?

-- Regular roof maintenance: The easiest way to defend against mold is to invest in regular roof maintenance with a qualified expert such as Gryphon Roofing. They will be able to locate high risk areas, asses the area’s propensity to develop mold, and place preventative measures in place if needed.

-- Regulate humidity: Another defense tactic requires the regulation of humidity. Those roofs in humid environments are especially prone to mold growth. Simple measures such as keeping doors and windows closed during humid days can help mitigate the potential for mold growth.

-- Roof ventilation: Lastly, roof ventilation is essential for mold prevention. Often, mold will develop in a stagnant environment that offers mold free reign to form as it pleases. Ventilation tends to promote air flow, and thus, the elimination of certain areas in which a self-contained humid environment could form.