Hurricanes Blow in the Mold: Are Roofs Ready for Hurricane Season?

The approach of the next hurricane season has many homeowners scrambling to gather supplies and prepare their house for strong winds and pelting rains. But even if the house appears untouched, the rain and moisture could have left a prime environment for mold. “Good House” expert Matt Shipley provides tips and advice on how to increase awareness of the mold-vulnerable areas on a roof and how to prevent these areas from allowing excess moisture into a home.

Orlando, FL (PREWEB) May 16, 2006 -– Last year’s hurricane season left many houses and buildings in rubble and caused many more to be shut down from increased levels of mold growing inside. Unfortunately, even after extensive repairs, many of these buildings will face the same moisture and mold problems again this year.

Most of the water-vulnerable areas on a house or building are located on its roof. Taking a proactive approach to guard against wind-driven rain in the seven areas on a roof and exterior of a house will help reduce the amount of excess water and moisture allowed in during the upcoming hurricane and rainy season.

“Good House” expert Matt Shipley suggests leak guarding all areas on the exterior of your house. By reducing the number of areas that water has to gain access to a house, the chances of creating an environment friendly to mold significantly decreases.

“Although every house has mold spores, they need the right conditions in order to thrive,” said Shipley. “Mold requires a food source, the right temperature and moisture in order to grow into catastrophic proportions that put insurance and homebuilding companies out of business and drive homeowners from their homes.”

The seven most vulnerable areas on the exterior include:

· Roof Crickets

· Roof Valleys

· Ridge Vents

· Roof Rakes to Sidewalls

· Roofs to Walls

· Housewraps or drainage planes

· Window Flashings

“You can live worry-free about mold if you successfully manage moisture in and around your house,” Shipley said. “Check each of the water-vulnerable areas on the exterior of your house to make sure they are not collecting water and letting it into your home.”

About Matt Shipley:

Matt Shipley, author of Good House Bad House, is dedicated to helping others understand how to make their home more comfortable, healthy, safe, durable and energy efficient. He received a Bachelor of Economics from the United States Naval Academy and served for a total of eleven years on active duty with the Navy. Matt worked for a General Electric Capital company as a process improvement expert before joining a residential construction research firm. During his tenure at the research firm, he participated in cutting-edge home performance research and field studies.

For additional information on preparing homes for the hurricane season, or to arrange an interview with Matt, please contact:

Jennifer Quint

PR/PR

800-786-1765

http://www.prpr.net

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