More than 50% of homes in the US have mold issues. This problem is serious, damaging not only the property but also posing a huge health risk. So how do you remove it from your home? Unfortunately, the attic is one of the most susceptible places for mold growth. Read on as we discuss how to protect yourself from attic mold.
What Is Attic Mold?
The attic is warm, dark, and often has little circulation. When vents or windows are blocked, excess moisture condenses on the wood, creating mold spores. Small leaks or holes in the roof can also contribute to this. As few people frequent the attic, these moisture spots go unnoticed. When they are, mold has usually already set in. Attic mold looks like other molds you may find in the home. It is discolored and appears in patches on wood and other surfaces.
Signs of Attic Mold
There are numerous signs that you may already have mold in your attic. We have listed the main ones below.
Dark Stains
Any plywood in your roof space that has dark patches or stains probably has mold. Call attic mold removal services immediately, as it will spread.
Hot Attic
Attic spaces should be kept cool with adequate ventilation. If not, it can cause a range of problems of which mold growth is just one.
Bad Smell
Mildew has a very distinctive, musty smell to it. When this is in the air, it is a sign that your attic has the right conditions for mold growth.
Wet Insulation
Wet insulation means water has gotten into the loft space. This creates more ideal conditions for mold growth.
How to Prevent Attic Mold
There are several measures you can take to prevent attic mold. If done before you spot the signs, you may not need to hire attic mold remediation services.
Proper Ventilation
Air should constantly be flowing through your attic. When this happens, it makes it extremely hard for mold to grow. Stagnant air provides its ideal conditions. Check the vents in your home. All appliances, plumbing, and house vents should be pushing air directly outside, not into or through the attic. If you don't have any vent at all, then consider getting one installed.
Sealing
The attic should be sealed. When you have vents and a sealed attic, any moist air that enters is pushed immediately outside. If you don't do this, winter air will get in and make its home in the wood of the attic, which will turn wet.
Quality Insulation
When your attic is insulated, it prevents warm air from entering the cold attic space. This is when condensation occurs. As a result, moisture builds up and you get mold. Check around the attic floor and the entrance to the attic to ensure insulation is in place. Get a professional to check this for you as you can over-insulate. You do need some warm air to get in to dry out any mold or moisture.
Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams are the long sheets and icicles that hang from rooftops in winter. When snow lands on the roof, a warm attic and roof space will cause it to melt. As it runs to the front of the roof, it freezes again, causing a huge dam. If water can't drain away properly, it comes back into the roof space. Make sure you get the temperature of the roof right to avoid this. You should also clear gutters before winter, fixing any misaligned pipes to help water drain away easier.
Spray the Attic
There are certain applications you can use that actively prevent mold from growing. Though they are not a substitute for implementing the other tips, they may help. These products are made from polymer substances that open to kill off the active mold ingredients. As moisture in the space decreases, the polymer will close.
How Do I Remove Attic Mold?
The best method is to call attic mold removal services. If you miss even a small amount, all your cleaning can be in vain when the mold returns. They will not only clear the problem but advise you on how to prevent it in the future. If you must do it yourself, then there are some rules you should follow. Below is our guide about how and where you need to remove it from.
Removing a Small Amount of Attic Mold
Attic insulation is the perfect place for mold spores to live. If you have mold on wood, it is probably in your insulation, so removing small amounts will do very little. Make sure you wear a respirator mask. Set up a fan or turn on the vents, so that the room has air traveling through as you work. Seal the area around the mold so you don't let its spores travel. Scrape the mold away and spray it with a mold prevention solution. Any debris should be collected in sealed plastic bags and disposed of away from the property.
Larger Removals
Larger removals will require a professional attic mold remediation service. You will need a lot of expensive equipment to do this properly, as well as the right safety equipment. If you have pets and children in the home, never attempt this yourself.
Unfortunately, the recommendations from the removal expert may result in another bill from a roof repair specialist. Your insulation will have to be removed and renovation may need to take place to prevent future mold appearances.
Getting Help With Attic Mold
Attic mold is a serious problem, and prevention is better than a cure. You may attempt to remove small problems yourself, but it is unlikely you will get rid of the problem for long. Contact a company to do this for you. Zero Mold Chicago should be your first stop. With a selection of non-toxic mold solutions, we can help with everything from small problems to large-scale water damage. Contact us here and safeguard your home immediately.
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