Attics are often overlooked spaces inside our homes, but they may conceal an invisible danger like mold growth. Mold grows well in damp areas and can easily thrive in the attic due to poor ventilation and temperature changes. Should you think your attic is moldy, know that your health and property are at great risk. It is best to address the mold problem as soon as possible.
Is Mold in Attic Dangerous?
The possibility of coming into contact with mold has profound health implications on humans, especially children, elders, and people with allergies and respiratory problems. The common symptoms of mold exposure include coughs, wheezing, irritated eyes and skin, and difficulty in breathing.
Inhaling mold spores sometimes elicits allergic reactions and may exacerbate respiratory conditions that one already has. Mold in the attic requires a unique and proper way of cleaning to ensure maximum safety.
Attic Mold Removal Cost-Effective Solutions
There are many products and cost-effective solutions to remove mold, but not all of them are equally effective and suitable for the attic. Here is a list of common options explained:
Vinegar
Vinegar is a low-cost solution that is sometimes referred to as natural and great for killing mold. However, though it might work for small spots in non-porous areas, it will not flood deep into the porous material, such as wood common for attic floors, and will not kill the source of the problem.
Bleach
Bleach is well-known for its disinfecting properties, but it might not be the best option for the attic. The use of bleach is dangerous due to the possibility of creating a toxic gas. Another aspect is that bleach causes the mold to grow as it breaks down the organic matter feeding the mold. Moreover, the bleach can also penetrate the wood’s surface, causing damage to it.
Commercial Mold Removers
Commercial Mold Removers like RMR-86 Pro Instant Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover or DWD2 Protect™ are made specifically for mold removal and are often produced for large areas.
However, it is still important to carefully read the instructions as commercial mold removers might create additional health hazards and sometimes require special airing and outfits.
Professional Mold Remediation Services are an option for those with a serious infestation or who are not considering a DIY project. The service will be beneficial since experts will determine the source of the moisture and mold and deal with it effectively and without unnecessary threats.
DIY Attic Mold Removal
If you have a small mold infestation and feel comfortable doing a DIY project, you may attempt to remove the mold yourself. Follow safety precautions and clean and dry the space well to prevent any further issues. A DIY mold removal project is only recommended for small mold infestations.
If you are not completely sure about the amount of mold, the safety risks, or your ability to perform the task, make sure to hire a professional mold remediation service.
Now, Let’s move forward toward step by step Mold Removal process:
1st Step: Identifying Mold in Your Attic
Since early detection is the greatest protection against mold, you will fare better if you can see any of the following indicators of mold growth in your attic:
Visual Signs
Turn the lights on in your attic and look around. It is possible to see visible mold colonies on the walls, rafters, insulation, or any other surface in the attic. They can look either black, green, brown, or even white. Any discoloration, especially black stains on wood, gives it away.
Musty Odor
If your attic smells strongly and unpleasantly, there is definitely mold in your attic. Mold has a very earthy or mildewy scent.
Poor Air Quality
If you start sneezing and coughing and feel your throat, eyes, and nose irritated whenever you are within the house, it is the air circulation quality. It is a good indicator that as air is channeled via the ventilation system in the house, they are carrying the spores from the attics.
In any case of suspected mold growth, stay away from the mildew area and contact a certified mold inspector or professional mold remediation services provider for further evaluation.
2nd Step: Understanding Causes of Mold Growth
After identifying the mold, it is important to address the root cause of the moisture. Mold grows in a damp atmosphere. Below are the main reasons why you have mold in the attic :
Inadequate Ventilation
The poor airflow in the attic means that the moisture in the attic is trapped. Hence, it creates an environment that promotes the growth of mold. Notable causes of this scenario are lack of soffit ventilation, the vents are blocked, or there is no airflow.
Leaks on the Roof
The leaks allow access to water into the attic, and a pool of moisture supports mold growth. The leaks can be due to damaged or missing shingles, damaged roof flashing, or clogged gutters.
Condensation
When warm air in the attic can carry a lot of water vapor and comes into contact with the cool surfaces in the attic, condensation occurs. Moreover, this moisture causes mold growth, which is abundant in the insulation and the wooden components of the attic.
3rd Step: Things to Do Before Mold Removal
Before you start the process of mold removal, first deal with the moisture that caused the mold in the attic. You should do the following:
Inspect And Repair Roof Leaks
Schedule an overall roof inspection service to find any holes in the roof. Make sure to patch them up and replace any damaged shingles. Also, to avoid future leaks, make sure to install the flashing properly.
Enhance Attic Ventilation
Check whether soffit vents and ridge vents are unobstructed. You may also opt to install additional vents in your attic to get the best effect of airing and ventilation.
Improve Insulation
Sometimes, the deficiency in your attic insulation can cause moisture due to temperature fluctuations. To avoid it, ensure you have adequate insulation. In case you don’t have any, you should install it. If you do, consider upgrading it to the needed R-value for your climate.
Install A Dehumidifier
Use a dehumidifier to remove excessive humidity in the air that may otherwise cause moisture in your attic. This is especially important in hot weather or if you live in a particularly humid climate.
By addressing the source of moisture, you create an environment less hospitable to mold growth and prevent its return after removal.
4th Step: Thoroughly Cleaning and Drying the Attic
Now that you’ve tackled the moisture issue, it’s time to address the mold problem. Here’s how you should do it:
Safety First
Don PPE: Put on your protective equipment, including a respirator fitted with a mold-specific filter, gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing to avoid exposure to mold spores.
Cleaning Process:
Contain the Area: Cover up the attic entrance with plastic sheeting to minimize spread of mold spores into the rest of the house. Then, tape the sheeting in place.
Remove Heavily Contaminated Material
Removing porous material heavily contaminated with mold, such as insulation or plywood, is usually the best course of action. Exercise caution during the removal process to minimize spore dispersal. Toss the removed material into a sealed hazardous waste bag.
Clean Non-porous Surfaces
A mixture of commercial mold remover and water or plain white vinegar mixed with water in a ratio of 1 by 3 can be used to deal with mold-affected non-porous surfaces in the attic. Scrub well and allow the surface to air dry.
5th Step: Drying Process
In order to allow the attic to dry, you have to:
- Open windows, doors, and any other porous materials to enhance drying and improve the drying rate
- Also, use fans and other blowers to allow for airflow in and out of the attic space.
- You can also use a moisture meter to detect the amount of moisture remaining in the attic. The acceptable level that will prevent future mold growth is below 60%.
Mold spores can remain inactive for over ten years. It is essential to thoroughly dry your attic to reactivate and recolonize the space, which will cause subsequent health problems and damage.
6th Step: Sealing Off Access Points Prevent Future Mold Growth
After everything has been cleaned and dried, it’s time to stop mold from growing again:
Seal the Leaks and Gaps
Seal the cracks, holes, or gaps around the pipes, vents, roof penetrations, and other openings leading to the attic to prevent water penetration. You can use caulk or appropriate sealants designed for this purpose.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Regularly check the devices and vents located in the attic and make sure they are working well. If you do not have an attic ventilation system, consider installing soffit vents, ridge vents, or power ventilators that are all designed to improve attic air circulation.
By properly sealing off the sources of water intrusion and ensuring good ventilation for the attic, you will create unfavorable conditions for growth in the attic mold spores, thus minimizing the risk of their future infestation.
Alternative Methods for the Prevention of Molds
In addition to the previous methods of preventing mold growth in your attic, you can also avoid storing any damp or organic materials, such as cardboard boxes or old pieces of furniture, as they can provide a perfect ground for mold development.
Moreover, you can occasionally inspect your attic for mold or signs of moisture intrusion to identify the problem, especially after heavy rains or snow.
Role of Ventilation in Preventing and Cleaning Attic Mold
Attic ventilation is critical for both preventing and removing mold from the area. Proper ventilation does the following:
Reduces Moisture Levels
Adequate ventilation will remove the excess moisture from your attic; in turn, it will prevent the chances of condensation while creating an environmental condition unfavorable to most molds. Furthermore, it will allow you to replace warm, humid air with cooler, dry air, heightening the air quality in your attic.
Encourages Drying
If you have just cleaned your roof and removed every trace of mold, proper ventilation would help keep your attic dry and prevent mold spores from growing and spreading again. Many ways are promoting adequate ventilation of your attic, including:
- Increase natural ventilation: if available, keep your windows and soffit vents open to maintain proper airflow.
- Additional vents: if your attic does not have proper ventilation, install more roof vents, such as ridge vents, or install power vents in your attic. Contact a qualified roofing contractor for proper installation.
- Keep fan openers: make sure your soffit vents and other sources of attic ventilation are free from obstacles such as leaves, twigs, bird nests, or other stuff that clog the opening.
These strategies ensure that your attic area is safe and free from any trace of mold.
Mold in Attic Remediation (Professional Mold Removing Services)
In case of significant mold growth, if you do not know the source of moisture or are unsure about the removal process’s effectiveness and safety, it is better to hire a professional in Vancouver WA to remediate mold and restore water damage.
Mold remediation professional companies have the necessary skills, equipment, and safety protocols for cleaning. When deciding between DIY and professional cleaning, the following should be considered:
- Extent of mold growth: unless the area affected is small, professional removal is recommended due to the increased expertise of these specialists;
- Type of mold: whether the kind of mold is important, and professionals can order appropriate testing;
- Safety concerns: if you are worried about exposure to mold spores, use professional services, as removal specialists can provide effective containment of potentially harmful materials.
- Your level of comfort: In case you are unsure about the process and safety of the cleaning, take into account professional services.
FAQs
How fast can attic mold grow?
Mold can grow between 24 to 48 hours. It only requires optimal development conditions. These circumstances frequently include darkness, humidity, and some form of food, such as wood or insulation.
Furthermore, the attic may be poorly ventilated, resulting in condensate formation due to temperature variations in the room. The longer these circumstances are maintained, the quicker the mold grows.
What are the ways to test for hidden mold?
- Visual inspection: Look for discolorations and noticeable musty odors or visible mold growth.
- Mold testing kits are purchased from Home Depots, yet they often provide an inaccurate judgment due to the limited sample assessment.
Will hydrogen peroxide work to remove mold from my attic?
With a limited concentration of 3%, hydrogen peroxide may eliminate mold on nonporous surfaces in the attic. Wood and insulation are two of the most common materials in an attic and are not good for this remedy since they are porous. A professional should only undertake Mold removal at attics since it is still risky.
Conclusion
To sum up, mold growth in the attic is a rather dangerous problem regarding people’s health. The actions that should be taken in this respect are removing it completely and resolving it as soon as possible. Depending on the size of the contamination, one might clean it either independently or through a professional company’s services.
The vital point that has to be remembered, however, is that the efforts should, by all means, be directed at preventing mold regrowth in the future. In this order, the rules of organic mold removal, ventilation, and due care of potential moisture sources have to be strictly observed to ensure that the future living environment is healthy and comfortable.