Roof Leak After a Storm: How Long Before Mold Develops?

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Did you notice a roof leak in your facility during the last rainstorm? If so, act fast to remedy the situation if you want to avoid the development of black mold or other varieties. Mold can begin to develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure. Therefore, when you notice a leak in your commercial building, contact SERVPRO of Jacksonville Westside/Orange Park, so we can perform four essential tasks to protect your property. 

Mitigation
Inspection
Removal
Restoration

Mitigation
Once our remediation crew arrives, they will assess the area of the ceiling leak. They will then recommend either boarding up or tarping over the affected area to prevent further damage to the interior of your building and possible merchandise.
Inspection
Next, we will perform an air quality test to check the level of contamination in the space. We may also collect surface samples to make sure that black mold has not developed. Pending the results of these tests, our crews will either begin mold removal or repairs.
Removal
If the results of the tests were positive for mold, we may seal off the contaminated area and begin removing the affected materials. Depending on the extent of the contamination, the process may take up to a week. However, if you called immediately after the leak appeared, then the likelihood of a significant infestation is likely minimal.
Restoration
Once the mold is removed or if the tests came back negative, we can repair the property damage. Depending on the severity of the leak, repairs may include interior and exterior repairs.
While not every roof leak will result in black mold, it is essential to stop and fix the leak as soon as possible. It only takes one to two days for mold to begin growing and spreading; therefore, if you notice a leak in your building, address it immediately and call for help.