If you’re like me, you probably store your Christmas decorations in the attic. If that’s the case, this is probably one of the few times you ever actually visit your attic during the year. For some of us, there could be a nasty surprise waiting for us: mold!
Most of us assume mold only happens in bathrooms and basements. It doesn’t even occur to us that mold can grow in our attics too. However, with the recent storms many homes have endured, homeowners are finding out the hard way that mold can indeed grow in attics.
The six most common causes of mold growth in the attic are:
- Yes, mold does grow in attics too!
Sometimes a roof leak is bad enough that water leaks into the floors below and becomes immediately apparent. While this kind of water damage is never fun, the good news is that at least you know what the problem is and can get it dried before mold starts to grow. However, for an unfortunate few, the roof leaks from the recent storm damage have gone unnoticed until the attic is visited to retrieve our holiday decorations. For these folks, mold has already begun to grow. Remedy: Get the roof repaired!
- Roof leak in this Vineland NJ home leads to mold growth
For many of us DYI’er (Do-It-Yourself’er) homeowners, the first thing we think about to save money on heating and cooling bills is to install more insulation in our attics. Unfortunately, improper installation or choosing the wrong kind of insulation causes moisture from the lower levels of the home to rise and get trapped in the attic. This moisture feeds mold growth. If you’re layering insulation atop other insulation, don’t use the kind that has “kraft face” finish (i.e., paper or foil backing). It acts as a vapor barrier and can trap moisture in the insulation. Remedy: Ask a better question – do you really need more insulation?
- Condensation from improper venting causes mold growth in this Cherry Hill, NJ attic
- Mold remediation requires proper safety equipment
Cause #4: Dryer vents, plumbing vents, kitchen or bathroom fans vented into the attic
Related to #3 above, this practice can pump warm moist air into the attic where it can be trapped and begin the cycle of mold growth. Mold needs 3 things to grow: moisture, food, and warmth. If you eliminate just one of these elements, mold will starve and die.
Remedy: Hire a handyman to re-route those vents outside.
Cause #5: Water heaters or furnaces installed in the attic
Recent building practices for larger homes have changed. It used to be that only basements were used for water heaters and furnaces. However, larger homes with several heating and cooling zones, as well as spa style bathrooms with huge soaking tubs, it is now common practice to have designated systems to support these luxuries. Unfortunately, this can contribute to adding moisture to attics if leaks are not detected in time or the appliances are improperly installed. Remedy: Get a maintenance contract with a service company to inspect your system twice a year.
Cause #6: Ice damming
Ice Dams occur when water can’t drain properly from the roof, freezes, and backs up into the home through the attic. The best way to prevent this: clean your gutters when you’re installing your outdoor Christmas lights so that winter’s rain and melting snow can drain. As you’re cleaning the gutters, look for leaks and misaligned pipes and make sure the downspouts carry water at least 10 feet away from the house’s foundation.
- PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services technician ready for duty!
At PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services, we’re standing by to answer any questions you might have about mold growth in attics or anywhere in your home.
For help with attic mold in the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region
call
877-750-7876
today!
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You nailed it regarding attic mold! Often misunderstood…thumbs up!
[…] in the attic. This can be caused by winter ice damming, or storm damage from wind an hail. 2. Improper ventilation in the attic trapping moisture in the eves and insulation 3. Poor ventilation in the bathroom trapping moisture […]