Mold in the attic is a common issue that homeowners face, especially during the damp and rainy spring months. Beyond its unsightly appearance, attic mold can pose serious health risks and cause significant structural damage to your home.
What Is Mold In The Attic?
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist, warm, and poorly ventilated areas. Your attic, with its frequent exposure to humidity and lack of airflow, is an ideal breeding ground for mold.
The most common types of mold found in attics include:
- Aspergillus: A common mold that can cause allergic reactions.
- Cladosporium: Found on wood and insulation.
- Stachybotrys: Also known as black mold which is highly toxic.
Ignoring attic mold can lead to significant health concerns and costly home repairs.
Can Mold In The Attic Make You Sick?
Yes, mold in the attic can make you sick. Mold produces allergens, irritants, and even toxic substances (mycotoxins) that can affect your health. Even when you can’t see it, mold and mycotoxins give off a musty smell and can become a biological hazard spreading around your house causing serious health problems like asthma, chronic coughs, skin rashes, and breathing problems.
Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure:
- Sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Persistent headaches
- Worsening of asthma or respiratory conditions
- Fatigue or dizziness
Young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to mold-related illnesses. If left untreated, the mold can spread to other areas of the house, compounding the health risks.
Is Mold in the Attic Dangerous?
Mold in the attic can be a big problem. When mold is present in the attic of your home and it covers more than 10 square feet, it’s time for attic mold removal. Mold in the attic is dangerous not only because of its health impacts but also due to the damage it can cause to your home.
Dangers of Attic Mold:
- Weakened Structural Integrity: Mold can eat away at wood and insulation, compromising your attic’s structure. Left untreated, the long term effects of mold growth can cause damage to the sheathing and structural deterioration to your roof, requiring costly repairs.
- Reduced Indoor Air Quality: Spores can travel through your home’s HVAC system, affecting air quality.
- Decreased Property Value: Visible mold can make it harder to sell your home and may require professional remediation before listing.
How To Spot Mold In The Attic?
Spotting mold early is key to preventing further issues. Attics are one of the most favorable environments for mold growth. Unbeknownst to many homeowners, mold can grow exponentially before being detected. Mold needs moisture to thrive, and attics can provide the necessary conditions, especially if there’s a leak or condensation issue. Additionally, dust and wood in the attic provide ample food sources for mold. Here are the telltale signs:
Visual Signs:
- Discoloration on wood beams or insulation (black, green, or white patches)
- Peeling paint or wallpaper near the attic
- Water stains or visible moisture damage
Odor:
- The musty, earthy smell coming from the attic
Indicators of Moisture:
- Condensation on windows or roofing nails
- Wet or damp insulation
Other Clues:
- Rust on metal objects: Mold often thrives around rusted nails or fasteners.
- Damp insulation: If insulation feels wet or smells musty, mold may be present.
- Pest Infiltration: 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.
What Lies Beneath the Visible Signs of Mold in the Attic?
Sometimes, moisture infiltration in the attic goes undetected until the mold has spread significantly. Here are hidden signs that moisture may have already entered your attic:
- Frost or condensation on roof sheathing or other structures
- Pooled or dripping water
- Damp insulation
- Water stains on plywood sheathing
Conduct a thorough inspection of your attic during spring to catch mold growth early. A flashlight and a moisture meter can help identify hidden issues.
[Tip: Check for roof leaks, as they are often the source of attic mold.]
How Do I Get Rid Of Mold In My Attic?
Attic mold removal is more thoroughly completed by a professional team, like MSR Restoration. The do-it-yourself method of removing mold from your attic is a multi-step process. Here’s how to tackle it:
1. Ensure Safety First:
- Wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask.
- Empty the attic space and seal your attic with tape and plastic sheeting to prevent the mold from spreading to the rest of your house.
2. Address the Source of Moisture:
- Fix roof leaks and improve ventilation. Remove any accumulated water.
- Clean and dry the attic area with a wet vac and dry with fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers.
3. Clean and Remove Mold:
- Small Areas: Use a mixture of water and detergent to scrub mold off surfaces. Apply a mold-killing solution like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
- Severe Infestations: Hire a professional mold remediation company, like MSR Restoration, to handle extensive growth safely and effectively. Dry ice blasting has been shown to be effective for attic mold removal. The thermal shock will loosen the mold from surfaces and the tight spaces and framing gaps.
4. Replace Damaged Materials:
- Remove and replace insulation or wood that’s too damaged to clean.
- Treat all of the surfaces with strong, anti-microbial chemical solutions.
- Seal exposed surfaces with a mold-resistant paint or coating.
[Tip: Thoroughly document the entire mold removal process with photos and videos. This documentation can be invaluable for insurance claims, if necessary, and can also serve as a record of the work completed.]
What Is The Fastest Method For Attic Mold Removal?
The fastest and most effective way to tackle attic mold is by hiring professional mold removal specialists. The team at MSR Restoration has experience handling various types of attic mold problems. Their expertise enables them to choose the best techniques and equipment to remove mold and prevent its spread efficiently. Professional mold remediation specialists are prepared for any challenges and can adjust their methods to handle unexpected mold situations.
How Do I Prepare For The Attic Mold Removal Process?
Preparing for attic mold removal can feel overwhelming, but it’s a critical step in ensuring a successful remediation. Here are a few tips to help prepare:
- Remove Items from the Attic: Clear out all belongings, especially items that might be affected by mold, using sealed plastic bags to prevent spores from spreading.
- Remove Affected Insulation: Mold-infected insulation should be discarded and replaced.
- Seal Vents and Openings: It’s important to seal all vents, windows, and other openings with heavy duty tape and plastic sheeting. Be sure to use thick plastic sheeting or bags sealed tight to keep the mold spores from spreading into your house as you bring items down.
[Tip: Incorporating attic mold inspection into your annual spring cleaning will save you time, money, and potential health issues down the road.]
How to Prevent Mold from Returning?
A proactive approach is the key to preventing and controlling mold in the attic. Routine inspections and cleanings of your attic are 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 ductwork
- 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 for mold infestation.
When To Call In The Experts For Attic Mold Removal?
Professional mold remediation is the most thorough and efficient way to handle attic mold. Being proactive can help avoid extensive damage and costly repairs. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call in professionals:
- Water damage
- High attic humidity levels
- Musty or moldy smells
- Visible confirmation of mold growth
If mold growth exceeds 10 square feet or is located in hard-to-reach areas, it’s best to contact experts like MSR Restoration for safe and effective removal.
Remove Mold in the Attic with MSR Restoration
Anytime is the ideal time to inspect and address mold in your attic. Don’t wait until it spreads or affects your family’s health. With professional expertise and proven solutions, MSR Restoration can remove mold and restore your attic to a safe, healthy state.
Ready to make your attic mold-free? Contact MSR Restoration today for a free evaluation and expert mold inspection and remediation services.
