The idea of mold forming in your home can be a scary thought. Mold is extremely toxic to your health and not something you want around you or your family. It can cause a myriad of health issues, including allergies and asthma. Many times, homeowners aren’t even aware they have a mold problem.
Mold likes to live in damp places, and attics can be very damp. Attic mold can destroy insulation and items stored in the attic and affect your health. Understanding what causes mold to grow can help you prevent it from forming in the first place. Here are so of the most common reasons mold may grow in your home.
Roof Leaks
Large roof leaks can be devastating to homes, but small roof leaks can be just as devastating. They can go undetected in your attic, so you may not find it until it’s too late. Small leaks in your attic can promote attic mold growth and ruin your stored items.
If you find mold in your attic and are unsure how it got there, check for cracks in the roof. If the mold is extensive, you may require an attic cleaning by a trained specialist.
Damaged or Missing Insulation
Insulation in the attic helps keep our homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If insulation is damaged, missing, or not installed properly, moisture can seep in and cause mold growth.
You may not see mold growth in the attic if it’s deep down in the insulation, but one telltale sign that there might be mold is a musty smell. An Attic Projects technician can inspect your insulation and determine how best to remedy the mold situation in your attic.
Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation can also cause mold. Inspect your vents to ensure that they are free of insulation, pests, and other debris. You should never seal vents or install insulation on the underside of the roof because this can promote mold in the attic.
Other sources of mold with regard to attic ventilation are dryer vents, plumbing vents, and kitchen and bathroom fans being vented into the attic. Mold loves warm, moist air. Nothing should be vented into your attic. If you find that air is being vented into your attic, call an Attic Projects’ professional right away to help re-route those vents so you can prevent the growth of mold. These specialists will also make sure that mold hasn’t already grown due to air being vented into the attic.
Ice and Snow
Ice and snow that build up inside your gutters can back up into your attic and create a mold problem. Regularly cleaning your gutters can help ensure that they are draining properly. If you live in an area that gets a significant amount of snow, it’s best to check your attic several times in the winter to ensure it is water—and mold-free.
Attic Cleaning to Remove Mold Growth
Mold clean-up should be left to the professionals. If you find mold, call an Attic Projects technician to help with attic cleaning. State-of-the-art equipment is used to safely remove the mold so you and your family can live worry-free. Technicians wear special gear to ensure they do not inhale any of the toxic molds. Plus, they can then remedy the areas where water or moisture entered your attic, preventing it from happening again.
If you think you may have mold in your attic, contact Attic Projects today!