How To Handle Ice Dams That Cause Mold on Your Property

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Winter weather makes for beautiful scenery, but it can spell disaster for property owners. If you’re a building owner in Salt Lake City, UT, and you experience the headache of an ice dam after a winter storm, you’re also dealing with the possibility of black mold. Read on to learn how ice dams form on your rooftop and how to address them, whether through quick fixes or with professional mold cleanup once a leak has already spread.

A typical ice dam forms in one of two ways:

1. Heat from inside the building rises to the roof, causing the roof’s surface to heat up and a thin layer of snow above it to melt. However, the layers on top never melt, causing water buildup that has nowhere to run off. This buildup turns into a block of ice and causes the dam effect.

2. Once the storm clears and the sun returns, the heat from the sun’s rays melts the snow. Unfortunately, once the sun sets and the temperature drops, this water then becomes ice and creates a similar problem. Any backed up water leaks back into the roof shingles or walls of the building, leading to excess moisture and the potential for mold growth.

How You Can Handle a Dam That’s Already Formed

If a dam has already formed, it’s best to act quickly to prevent any further damage from water leaks along the roof or inside the building’s walls. A few tips to try:

? Aim a house fan directly at the leak site so the cold air forces the water to freeze again.
? Use a roof rake to remove built-up snow and let the remaining water run off as intended.
? Call a team of mold remediation specialists if you notice water leakage. They can scan for any mold growth and help you repair the water damage.

When an ice dam forms, the threat of water leaks and black mold becomes real. If the damage is already done, it’s important to call mold removal specialists in Salt Lake City, UT, who can handle mold cleanup properly.

For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com.