When we think about mold, we most typically assume that it will only grow in our basements. And it’s true – many basements provide the perfect conditions to foster a mold outbreak. But one area that a lot of people forget to keep an eye on is their attic. Attic mold is an incredibly serious problem, but it isn’t as easy to see and identify because many people simply don’t spend a lot of time in their attics. But a full blown mold outbreak can be incredibly costly and it has the power to ruin the value of your property. But what causes attic mold in the first place? Well, there are a lot of factors that come into play.
A Leaky Roof
Believe it or not, even a small leak in an attic can allow enough moisture for mold spores to flourish. Though large leaks are easy to spot and identify, small leaks are a much more challenging problem because they can go unnoticed for longer periods of time. You’ll want to make sure that you regularly inspect your attic for signs of a leak. After the next snowfall or rain, go through your attic and make sure that there isn’t any stagnate moisture.
Dryer Vents
Some homes have dryer vents that blow directly into the attic. If your home has these types of vents, make sure you keep an eye on your attic. A dryer vent will not only discharge stray particles, but also the moisture that mold needs to grow. To solve this problem, you can look for alternative places for your dryer vent to discharge. If this isn’t a viable option for your home, you are going to need to regularly check your attic.
Poor Insulation
If your home lacks adequate insulation or there are holes and gaps in seals around your ceiling, you are going to have some big problems. Not only are you going to hemorrhage money on your heating and cooling bills, but you are running the risk of dangerous moisture issues. After the warm air has risen and it comes into contact with the cold walls of your attic, it can cause condensation – providing yet another breeding ground for mold. On that note, completely lacking insulation in your attic can also help mold grow for the same reasons.
Ceiling Fixtures
Your ceiling fixtures also need to be properly sealed. If they lack proper seals and insulation, you are allowing the air to escape through another channel into your attic. Yet again, this can lead to condensation and moisture problems as the warm air rapidly cools in your attic.
Bathroom Exhaust Fans
A lot of bathrooms contain fans that blow air into the attic, but the problem is that they also help create an environment for mold to grow in. Bathrooms easily produce a lot of moist air, especially after a shower. Try to limit using these types of fans when the air is extremely humid, because they can easily create the damp environment that mold loves to grow in.
Mold Testing and Remediation Assistance
If you need help stopping mold dead in its tracks, contact Andrew Roto Services, Inc. We can help you detect mold before it takes over your home and even help clean your home once it has.
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