28 Mar Learn About What Causes Attic Mold and How To Remove It
The most common area for mold growth is in the attic. The ideal conditions for mold growth are found in attics, which can be hot and humid with abundant wood sheathing.
Many homeowners do not go up in their attic and allow the mold problem to grow unaffected for years.What is the risk of not treating attic mold? Mold in an attic can kill real estate transactions and scare off potential buyers if not addressed.
Do not assume that the next buyer will ignore the mold issue in your attic. It will be obvious during the home inspection. Mold can lead to buyers walking out of your house.
It’s better if you take the initiative to fix it before you list your home. If mold is found during a home inspection, buyers may decide to walk away.
If the buyer doesn’t want to walk, it is likely that they will want it fixed before closing. This could mean that they receive a huge credit at closing/price reduction.
Signs of attic mold
A lot of people discover their problem first before selling their home. Both the buyer and the seller panic when the buyer’s inspector sees mold in their attic just before closing.
The main signs of attic mould are:
- Dark stains for plywood
- Mildew smells in your attic
- Attic air is hot and stuffy
- Frost buildup or roof sheathing
- Water dripping off smoke detectors and ceiling fans
Dark stains on attic plywood
If you see any discoloration on the plywood in your attic, it’s likely that the problem is more serious than moisture. You should have your attic plywood removed if it has become stained. Contact a professional immediately.
Mildew smells in your attic
Trust your instincts. You should trust your nose if you smell a musty or moldy attic. Mold problems can be detected quickly if mildew is found in your attic or elsewhere in your home.Wet insulation This could be a sign that your home is at risk of mold growth.
Hot and stuffy attic
If properly ventilated, attics should feel cool and breezy. If an attic becomes stuffy, this is usually a sign of a ventilation problem.
Frost buildup in roof sheathing
Water vapor from an attic that has not been properly ventilated can freeze to the roof’s bottom if it gets cold enough. This makes it easy for you to see.
Water dripping out of smoke detectors, bath fans or light fixtures
This is a clear sign that the floor or attic above you is saturated with moisture.
The main causes of attic mould
- Ventilation problems in your home
- Mold caused by inadequate exhaust for the kitchen or bathroom fan
- Roof leaks and issues
Ventilation issues
Blockage or inadequate ventilation are the most common causes of attic mold.
Most attics have passive ventilation. This means that outside air is drawn into the attic via the soffit/eave openings at the bottom. The air warms up and escapes through cans or ridge vents on the top. This creates a cool, breezey airflow and a well-ventilated attic.Common attic ventilation problems
Blocked soffit or eave vents
The passive ventilation system can be destroyed if the insulation in the soffit/eave is not removed. The system that is damaged can cause warm, humid air to stagnate in the attic. It will also condense along the cold wood sheathing during winter. This causes wet wood and subsequent mold growth in large parts of the attic.
There are not enough vents
Mold growth can also be seen in attics that do not have enough vents. For every 100 square feet, you will need 1 square foot venting.
It is possible to depressurize the air and bring it down from your attic into your living space.
It is possible for moldy air from the attic to get into livable spaces and cause health problems. At some point you will need to go into your attic to find something. You might use it as storage.
It might not happen often, but it can be dangerous to your health and the health of others if you go into an attic with a mold problem.
Incorrect exhaust of a bathroom or kitchen fan
Dryer exhaust vents, kitchen exhaust fan and bathroom exhaust fans are designed in order to remove moisture from your home. They should always be located outside of your home, and not in the attic.
Attic condensation can be created by plumbing stacks. You should also ensure that plumbing stacks do not end up in your attic. They can emit hazardous gases.
Mold growth in your attic due to roof problems
Leakages from the roof can lead to small areas of attic mold close to the area where it is happening.
These are some of the ways you can check for potential roof leaks:
- Check for areas of dark discoloration/staining of wood (e.g. Sheathing, rafters and joists. ).
- Roof valleys (i.e. Roof leaks can occur at angles where two roofs connect.
- Watch out for chimneys and plumbing stacks. Also, inspect attic windows. Flashings are recommended. These are areas where moisture intrusion is possible.
Wait before replacing your roof
Attic mold can be a problem, but you rarely need to replace a roof. There are other reasons you might need to replace your roof, such as a roof that is very old and worn out (which can lead to mold growth).
Remove mold from your attic
DIY mold removal
Attics are the most dangerous part of your home. Even experienced mold technicians have been to many attic removal jobs. They can be extremely dangerous. If you make a mistake, you can fall through the floorjoists and inflict serious injury. You might also find mold in your home if you take a wrong step.
Many DIYers have had minor mold problems fixed by us over the years. Basement & Crawl space Mold, Bathroom Mold
Attic mold is more difficult because of the risk and difficulty involved. Attic mold remediation should only be done by qualified professionals, or DIYers who are in good physical health.Hire a professional to remove the mold
Hire the right professional to ensure peace of mind for your family and yourself.
You can also take a deep breath of relief and know that mold is not a threat to your health or that of those around you.
It is safe to say that the attic mold problem will not prevent you from selling your house.
Here are some techniques that a mold professional might use:
Use of mold killing chemicals
Companies that specialize in mold remediation follow industry guidelines for removing attic mould. Chemical-based remediation involves the use of powerful cleaning agents to kill the mold and then sealing it with strong anti-fungal sealers. This will stop the mold from growing back.
Chemical-based mold remediation is the most effective and cost-effective option.
Abrasive blasting to get rid of mold
Abrasive blasting, which is often more expensive but still highly effective, is another option. This method involves the use of a medium like dry ice or soda ash to blast away the top layer. Although it’s very impressive, this method can be noisy, costly, and takes a lot of time. This method is not as popular.