If you are finding mold in your home but can't pinpoint where the moisture is coming from, the problem could be your roof. The following guide can help you determine if that unwelcome mold is due to a roof leak.

Attic Mold

The most common place to find mold from a roof leak is in the attic. Upon entering the attic, use your nose as the first line of detection. If you pick up the musty scent of mildew, there is likely water getting into your attic. With the help of a bright light, check the rafters, insulation, and the underside of the roof for water spots or discoloration from mold. Mold can appear black, dark green, yellow, or even reddish-orange. Usually, the site of the mold in the attic corresponds with the leak overhead. A roofer will need to fix the leak and assess the rafters and roof sheathing to make sure the mold isn't symptomatic of a more severe water damage issue that requires more in-depth repair.

Ceiling Mold

Sometimes you won't notice the leak until it begins to affect the ceiling in your living space. Ceiling mold typically starts as a light yellowish or brown discoloration. As the ceiling plaster or drywall absorbs more moisture, the stain can get bigger or the color may change to the signature blackish-green of a healthy mold colony. Ceiling mold doesn't always correspond with the location of the leak. This is because the moisture may follow the path of least resistance before seeping through the ceiling. Often, the mold first appears near ceiling fixtures because the water flowed down the conduit leading to the fixture. Since the leak symptoms may not be directly below the area of the roof that is damaged, your roofer will need to do a full inspection to determine the site that needs repair.

Chimney Mold

Areas inside your home that correspond with fixtures on your roof are often the site of interior mold, simply because the seals around the roof fixtures are more prone to failing compared to the shingled surfaces. The chimney is a good example of this. You may notice that the paint around the sides of your fireplace begins to pucker or bubble or mold may start to grow around the fireplace or on the ceiling next to the chimney. When this happens, the flashing around the chimney is likely leaking. Fortunately, a roofer can replace the flashing and solve the problem.

Contact a residential roofing service for a prompt inspection if you suspect that you have a mold problem.