Keep it Clean: Preventing Attic Mold

Before we dive in, the word “mold” has to be one of the hottest topics. We won’t even be able to scratch the surface with what we share in this article, but if you own a home or live in a home, this is a must-read!

Bathroom, kitchen, and basement mold tend to get all the hype, but homeowners need to be aware of another area: attic mold. Attic mold can sometimes be very challenging to pinpoint the exact cause and source of the mold growth. However, some common conditions we routinely find during our mold inspections lead to mold growth in attics.

Several issues can occur around the flashing or where the roof plane meets a vertical surface, like a vent or a chimney. Also, water seepage can occur when the roof is beyond its lifespan.

Often, this will cause elevated moisture conditions around the roof framing or roof sheathing.

Exhaust fans must always be vented directly to the exterior of the home. When the exhaust is vented directly into the attic space, this warm, damp air is trapped, creating the ideal atmosphere for microbial growth and attic mold.

Yes, that’s right, attic insulation is key not only for energy conservation, but proper levels can also reduce the chance of mold growth in your attic areas. Why? When air travels up through a structure, insulation provides a barrier, slowing the rate of conditioned air loss in an attic area. When an attic is missing insulation, the air movement increases significantly, and the influx of warm air, once again, causes condensation on cold roof sheathing. This type of moisture condition resulting from condensation catalyzes mold growth.

Unsealed openings and ceilings around exhaust fans, can lights, speakers, and other fixtures can allow warm-conditioned air to escape into the attic areas. These areas need to be properly sealed to help reduce the chances of microbial growth in your attic areas.

Yes, indeed, attic areas are not generally considered living spaces. That being said, attic mold should still be a concern. Why? Because air containing mold spores can be drawn from the infected attic space and enter the living space if a potential negative pressure condition exists or occurs in a home. In addition, attic mold usually indicates other defects or conditions that could lead to costly repairs down the road, such as water damage, mold, and contamination in the finished living areas.

If you have not had your attic inspected in over a year to ensure you live in safe conditions, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Our mold remediation team is here to serve you and help you prevent attic mold!

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