What Causes Attic Mold and How To Remove It

Attics are a prime feeding ground for mold. They provide ideal conditions for mold to grow and thrive as they are humid, hot, and the wood sheathing acts as an abundant food source.

In addition, can you remember the last time you went up the attic to inspect it? Not many people do, and this means that the mold problem can go undetected for years! And, if you’re like most people, you’ll probably come to learn about the problem right before selling your home through a home inspection report.

In today’s article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about attic mold, such as the causes and how you can remove it.

Signs of Attic Mold

The following are the telltale signs that you have mold in your attic:

• Discoloration of wood surfaces. Can you spot some dark black staining on wood surfaces? If you can, the problem may not be moisture but mold
• A stuffy attic. If your attic feels stuffy, it may indicate a ventilation problem. And guess what poor ventilation often leads to? Mold! Under ideal conditions, attics should feel breezy – not hot and stuffy
• Damp attic insulation. This is bad in two ways. For one, it’s a telltale sign of an impending mold problem due to it providing ideal conditions for mold to thrive
• Mildew odor in the attic. Do you smell any mustiness in the attic? Your nose could be telling you something. Have a professional like Markham Services inspect your home for mold

Causes of Attic Mold

1. A Leaking Roof

Roof leaks can occur due to a myriad of reasons. But the most common issue usually has to do with flashing. Deteriorated, missing, or improperly installed flashing will cause roof leaks.

Other causes of roof leaks include inadequate roof repairs or when the roof becomes old and naturally wears down. Annual roof inspections by a roofing expert can prevent leaks, effectively reducing the likelihood of mold growth in your attic.

2. Poor Roof Ventilation

When ventilation in the roof becomes compromised, moisture-heavy air can become trapped in the attic area. This will cause the roof sheathing and roof framing to have elevated levels of moisture.

Another common cause of poor ventilation in the roof is when debris blocks soffit vents. The debris could come from anything, from birds’ nests to roofing materials. Soffit vents are critical when it comes to allowing air to circulate in the attic.

3. Missing or Inadequate Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is key not only in conserving energy but also in reducing mold growth in attic areas. But when the attic insulation is compromised, air movement in the attic area will increase significantly.

The influx of warm air can then lead to condensation. The condensed moisture will then provide a conducive environment for the growth of mold.

4. Improper Venting of Bath or Kitchen Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans should be vented directly to the outside of your home. Sadly, this is not always the case.

The fan can vent directly into the attic space if the exhaust fan is missing or if the duct has become separated.

How To Get Rid of Mold In Your Attic

Besides fixing moisture problems in the attic, you can also get rid of mold through either of the following two ways:

Option #1. Do It Yourself

The attic space is arguably one of the trickiest spaces in a home when it comes to repairs. Even experienced mold technicians have to be diligent when performing a mold job. There are many small areas that can be easily overlooked in corners or behind beams.

What’s more, attics can make breathing difficult due to the trapped heat and airflow, and even more so if the attic space is filled with mold spores. With conditions such as asthma, this can pose a risk.

But, even if you are able to avoid these issues, attic jobs require more than just a ladder and a pair of gloves. To get rid of mold, you’ll need to have a negative air setup, containment of the area, and other variables that can only be done effectively through experience.

Option #2: Hire A Professional

As already mentioned, fixing attic mold can be risky if you lack the necessary skills and experience. With a professional, not only will you have peace of mind that the job was done right, but you’ll also have a sigh of relief knowing you and your family won’t have to worry about mold impacting your health.

So, if you have reasons to believe you have a mold problem, get in touch with a mold inspection company as soon as possible. Markham Services can inspect your property and advise you on exactly how to proceed to fix your mold problem. Remember, with mold, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will only become.

Bottom Line

Markham Services can inspect your property and test for mold. We have been proudly serving Central Florida Counties for over 20 years now. We take the mystery out of mold!

We don’t offer mold remediation services like some mold inspection companies who may take advantage of the inspection, so you can be assured that you will get nothing but honesty from us.

We won’t push for the most expensive solution when it doesn’t need to be done. You can trust the condition of your home when you hire us as your mold inspectors!

To get a clear picture of your home’s potential mold presence and indoor air quality, get in touch with us today by dialing 407-913-6363.