Health and Wellness: A good roof can lead to good health

Submitted by ROBCO RESIDENTIAL INC.

Making sure your roof is in good condition can help you and your family stay healthy in your home and your employees and customers stay healthy in your business.

A leaky roof can lead to mold and mildew growth. When mold spores are inhaled, they can inflame a person’s airways causing coughing, chest tightness, throat irritation, stuffiness, wheezing, eye irritation and sometimes skin irritations.

Once mold appears in a building, it can be very hard and costly to remove. Floating particles of mold are invisible to the naked eye. Loose mold particles that accumulate on items within a building are easily inhaled and can cause problems for people or pets inside.

Mold thrives in damp, humid conditions, including those caused by a leaky roof. Health concerns from toxic mold can include respiratory infections, swelling of the eyes, nose and throat problems, asthma, elevated risk for bronchitis, lung and skin infections and neurological problems.

Some types of mold produce mycotoxins. These toxic molds, while rare, can cause neurological problems to anyone exposed to them. If your roof leak has caused mold growth, it is wise to have the mold removed when the roof is fixed in order to keep it from causing health issues.

The severity of allergic reactions related to mold vary depending on the sensitivity of the individual. The Centers for Disease Control has reported otherwise healthy people can experience symptoms related to mold.

Once mold has become present in a building, the HVAC system can also become contaminated with it. Mold can also become lodged in walls, carpets, furniture and even clothing.

Children tend to be more susceptible to illness caused by mold and mildew.

Black mold is the most common type of mold that results from water intrusion.

Water dripping from a leak can also be dangerous. Having to place buckets on the floor to catch the water can be a tripping hazard, and standing water on the floor can be a slipping hazard.

Also, water damage that goes unrepaired can create uneven floor surfaces, which can also be a long-term hazard. It can be necessary to replace the flooring in some cases.

Water entering a building can also cause electrical hazards. If water from a leaking roof falls onto electrical wires, it can possibly electrocute someone. In addition, water leaking onto live wires is a fire hazard. Any water near any electrical equipment should be immediately addressed.

Stress can cause health problems, and a leaky roof can contribute to that. Stress can cause headaches, stomach issues, sleep problems and more, and having a leaky roof at your home or business can certainly add to your stress level.

By the time most people notice mold in a building, the leak causing it has likely been going on for quite a while. Getting a regular roof inspection can help catch problems early before they escalate to the point they allow mold to grow and cause expensive repairs.

Robco Residential Inc. is located at 5750 N.C. Highway 50 North in Benson. Contact them by phone at 919-894-9904 or email them at robco@robcoresidential. com.