How to Remove Mold from Attic Plywood?

mold removal in attic

Some people think that some harmless black mold in the attic is no big deal and that it’s just a part of a home’s aging process. However, if your house has mold in the attic, it can pose health hazards to you and your family, destroy your belongings and wooden structural components, and negatively impact the value of your home. Many homeowners want to know how to remove mold in an attic to prevent these issues from worsening.

Hiring a professional contractor who knows how to get rid of mold in an attic is the best way to ensure a thorough and complete job. Although, if you spot the issue early, you can take steps to rid your attic of mold before the problem gets out of hand. Read on to learn about mold removal in attic spaces and why it’s so important.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that grows and spreads on damp or decaying organic material. The dusty look associated with mold is due to the formation of the spores it generates as it grows. The spores can manifest themselves in several colors, such as

  • Black
  • White
  • Orange
  • Brown
  • Purple
  • Green

What Are the Causes of Mold in the Attic?

The simple fact is mold will grow if there is moisture in your attic. Mold needs three things to thrive: moisture, oxygen, and organic material, such as plywood. Attics are perfect breeding grounds for mold because they get hot and humid.

Three situations typically cause black or white mold in an attic:

  • Blocked Ventilation: If the vents that allow air to circulate in the attic become blocked by insulation or other materials, the moisture in the air cannot escape and will condense on the wood sheathing.
  • Roof Leaks: Rain or snow that leaks into the attic will make the wooden structural components wet and breed mold.
  • Improper Venting for Bathrooms and Dryers: If these vents lead into the attic, as opposed to the home’s exterior, they force hot, moist air into the attic whenever they’re in use.

Signs of Attic Mold Problem

If your attic has proper ventilation, it will feel breezy and airy. Attics with poor ventilation will be stuffy and hot. If you think your attic has inadequate ventilation, look for these signs of mold in your attic.

  • A lingering mildew smell
  • Black spots on wood or other discoloration
  • Wet insulation
  • Frost on the roof sheathing during cold seasons

Methods to Remove Mold From Attic Plywood?

The first step for mold removal in an attic is eliminating the moisture. Wiping up moldy areas with a rag and detergent can help, but the mold will continue to flourish unless you stop the moisture at the source. Also, be careful not to spread mold spores around your attic by using the same rag to wipe multiple areas.

Wear clothing you can immediately dispose of and a face mask when cleaning away mold so you don’t inhale the spores, which can make you feel sick. If your mold problem is minimal and you’ve rid the attic of moisture, you can use the following method to kill the mold spores:

  1. Mix one teaspoon of dish detergent with warm water in a spray bottle
  2. Spray the solution on the mold and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the mold away
  3. Use a sponge or towel to soak up any moisture.
  4. Use a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water to kill any remaining spores.
  5. Set up a fan or dehumidifier to remove all moisture from the attic space.

Do not use bleach when attempting to remove mold from wood. Bleach cannot get into the pores of the wood the way that vinegar can.

Cost to Remove Mold From Attic Plywood

If you have an extensive mold problem in your attic, you won’t be able to remove it on your own. You’ll have to call a professional who knows how to find all the moisture sources and hiding places for the mold.

The average mold-in-attic removal cost ranges between $1,000 and $4,900, depending on the severity of the problem and the type of repairs required to eliminate the moisture. However, your exact costs will vary.

Keep in mind that hiring a professional to remove the mold in your attic makes it significantly less likely to return than doing it on your own. Also, a persistent mold problem can destroy the personal items you store in your attic and cause thousands of dollars in structural damage to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) – Attic Mold Removal

Is Mold in the Attic Harmful?

Aside from destroying your property and the wood sheathing, the mold spores in your attic can affect your home’s air quality. That “harmless” black mold in the attic can cause you and your family to experience the following symptoms:

  •  Sneezing
  •  Coughing
  •  Difficulty breathing
  •  Fatigue
  •  Headaches
  •  Itching
  •  Runny nose
  •  Watery eyes
  •  Wheezing

Prolonged exposure can make these symptoms more intense. Asthma sufferers often experience amplified symptoms as well.

Is It Common to Have Mold in the Attic?

The attic is one of the most common areas for mold to grow in a house. Studies suggest that over 50% of households in America have mold in the attic. However, most homeowners are unaware of it.

Can Mold in an Attic Be Fixed?

Without sealing off all the areas where moisture enters the attic and improving the ventilation issues, your mold problem will continue. The only way to ensure that your mold is gone for good is to hire a professional to repair your attic and its ventilation system.

Conclusion

At Attic Projects, we take every job seriously because we care about our customers and their peace of mind. If your house has mold in the attic, we’ll do a full inspection to determine what is causing the problem and get it straightened out quickly. Call our professionals to get started today!

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