What's the Deal with Mold in Attics?

A surprising 50% of attics in American homes are reported as having mold without the knowledge of the homeowners. Most damaged attic roofs are usually discovered during home inspections. If ignored, attic mold can cause significant structural damages to your home and ultimately severe health issues. Here's all you need to know when dealing with mold in your attic:

Mold is a type of fungus that's usually present virtually everywhere. They, however, grow and thrive in dumpy surfaces such as flooded areas, leaks in windows, roofs, or, even pipes.

However, besides the presence of moisture, the other cause of mold in the attic is poor ventilation. Mold in the attic can lead to major structural problems

Mold identification in your attic can be relatively straightforward if you know what to look for. One of the primary signs is discoloration on the attic's surfaces, although it's important to note that not all discoloration indicates mold; some may result from mud or dirt left over from construction. Mold can appear in various colors and forms, including brown, yellow, white, green, and other shades. While black and dark gray molds are typically the most damaging to your attic’s structure, it’s essential to address any type of mold to prevent further issues. Additionally, water stains in your attic or on the ceiling directly beneath it are telltale signs of mold presence or an indicator that mold could soon develop.

The most effective way to prevent the growth and accumulation of mold in your attic is to eliminate entry of moisture in the attic. Other ways to prevent the growth of mold include:

• Ensuring proper ventilation of your attic

• Proper insulation of your attic

• Maintaining your roof in good condition

• Keep roof gutters clean and in proper condition

While it may be tempting to ignore a small patch of mold or delay addressing attic issues, doing so can lead to severe consequences. Here’s why tackling attic mold promptly is essential:

1. Structural Damage

Mold feeds on organic materials, such as wood and insulation, which are common in attics. Over time, this can weaken the beams and framework of your home, leading to costly repairs. Left unchecked, mold damage can compromise the integrity of the entire roof structure, posing safety risks and necessitating significant construction work.

2. Health Concerns

Mold releases spores into the air, which can spread throughout your home’s ventilation system and trigger health problems. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can cause or worsen respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with asthma or allergies. Even household members who do not have pre-existing conditions may experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, and skin rashes when exposed to mold.

3. Increased Energy Costs

An attic with mold issues often coincides with poor insulation and ventilation. This inefficiency can make your heating and cooling system work harder, increasing energy bills. Properly maintaining your attic’s ventilation and insulation can help reduce the risk of mold and improve energy efficiency.

With BioClean CT, you can rest assured that mold problem in your attic is taken care of with utmost professionalism. We have the necessary training and know-how, when it comes to dealing with mold in attics. We are fully insured and licensed so you can rest assured while we're working in your home. Contact us today for the best mold removal and inspection services.