Uncovering the Clues of Mold in the Attic
Unbeknown to many homeowners, attics can be one of the most favorable environments for mold growth. Attics can be extremely problematic as mold infestations can grow exponentially before being detected. Mold requires two elements to grow: nutrients and moisture. Attics are naturally full of food sources for mold, with the wood, dust, and dirt that accumulates in this area of the home. The introduction of moisture through a leak or condensation can provide the optimal conditions for a mold infestation. Knowing what clues to look for can be your best weapon towards mitigating mold in the attic.
Key Indicators of Mold in the Attic
There are several key indicators to alert you that there is mold in the attic. These clues are essential for a homeowner to recognize in order to prevent mold from infesting the entire home, especially since detecting mold in its early stages is critical in abating mold. Visual inspections can reveal the tell-tale signs of mold growth. Attics, however, can be difficult places to identify mold. Instead, look for signs of excessive moisture, which are key to recognizing one of the two main sources needed for mold to grow. Moisture from leaky roofs and plumbing or from condensation is the most common means of introducing favorable conditions for mold to flourish. Locating and repairing these issues can prevent further infestation. Attics can also harbor musty smells emitted by mold. If you recognize a musty odor, it is highly likely you have mold in your attic. Also any pests that may have taken up residence in your attic can give way to the induction of moisture as they chew and burrow holes with the attic structure.
You can also feel mold in the attic, or at least the favorable conditions for mold. A humid, stuffy, hot attic can often be the diagnosis of a poor ventilation system in your attic. Often homeowners can quickly feel a mold conducive environment when venturing into this space of their home. The other and far more concerning feeling people can use to detect an attic mold infestation is their own health. Mold can be the main culprit if the home’s occupants begin to experience allergy symptoms and respiratory issues.
What Lies Beneath the Visible Signs of Mold in the Attic
Because the infiltration of moisture in your attic can often go undetected, identifying visible signs of mold in the attic can be critical to containing and mitigating its spread. The visible clues that moisture has found its way into your attic often include:
- Frost or condensation on roof sheathing or other structures
- Pooled or dripping water
- Rust on metal objects such as nails and other fasteners
- Damp insulation
Since attics are often not as frequently accessed as other parts of the home, many of these signs go undetected after mold has begun to grow. Recognizing visible signs of mold in the attic, including water stains and discoloration of plywood sheathing, is the key. In fact, mold reveals itself by its distinct colors. If you notice black, gray, drown, green, yellow, and white patches on your home’s structural elements, you have unfortunately located a mold colony.
Preventative Measures for Keeping Mold in the Attic at Bay
A proactive approach is the key for preventing and controlling mold in the attic. Routine inspections and cleanings of your attic is an excellent way to stay on top of mold. For the best inspection plan, you should be monitoring the following areas:
- Check for roof leaks, especially around vents, chimneys, and skylights
- Check for plumbing leaks
- Check for proper insulation in your attic space, including duct work
- Check that appliance vents are moving high moisture air directly outside
- Check that the attic ventilation system is working properly and there is adequate air movement through your attic space
Regularly inspecting your attic space can ensure the safety of your loved ones and greatly reduce the potential of mold infestation.
When to Call in the Experts for Mold in the Attic
Professional mold remediation is the most thorough and efficient means of mitigating mold in the attic. Staying ahead of a mold infestation is time sensitive. The sooner you enlist the help of experts, the greater the possibility of avoiding a major mold remediation project. Contact a mold remediation expert like MSR Restoration, if you have experienced the following:
- Water damage
- High attic humidity levels
- Musty, moldy smells
- Visual confirmation of mold growth
Being proactive will likely alleviate potential structural damage to your home and your health. While some homeowners may attempt to tackle the mold themselves, as a general rule, if mold growth extends beyond 10 square feet or is in an area with difficult access, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Call MSR Restoration for Remediation Solutions for Mold in the Attic
If you believe that you may have mold in the attic, contact the experts at MSR Restoration to evaluate your home. Our experienced staff has the knowledge and the technology to identify and remediate mold in the attic. Contact the team at MSR Restoration today to make your attic safe for you and your loved ones.
