How to Keep your Home Free from Attic Mold

Over 50% of homes in Canada deal with repair problems caused by attic mold every year. The attic is that small space or room that’s built just right below the roof of a home that’s why it’s prone to leaks and moisture that traps humidity, which often results in mold growth. It’s also one of the places that’s rarely visited, so any mold problem can go undetected and left untreated for long until it becomes a major infestation.

We all know that mold only grows when there are moisture problems. Mold can never be a problem without any moisture issues.  That being the case, the causes of most attic mold problems arise from moisture build-up in a poorly ventilated area.

Let’s take a look at some common causes that can lead to attic mold growth:

Leaking roof

In some cases, roof leaks can be big enough that you can actually see water dripping down into walls and floors. These kinds of leaks are obvious and you can get it fixed right away to avoid major water damage and mold problems. However, some roof leaks usually go unnoticed that can lead to moisture build up especially if left unchecked for a long period of time.

To make sure that your roof is not leaking, inspect your attic for any of these 

signs :

Discoloration in wood, insulation, rafters, sheathing, joists, fascia boards, etc.
Check roofing valleys, which are the V-shaped folds where two roof slopes meet, as they are susceptible to leakage

Also check chimneys, skylights, attic windows and any part of the attic or roof where you see materials join each other as they can hold volumes of water which can seep into the attic room.

Also check your vapor barriers or vapor diffusion retarders if you have any installed to make sure that all the seams and penetrations are sealed carefully and do not have any missed gaps that can result in condensation and increase the risk of moisture damage in the house
Attic plumbing stacks may also lead to problems with condensation so make sure there are no leaks from the vent pipes

Incorrect insulation

Using the wrong kind of insulation or installing it the wrong way can cause moisture from the lower levels of the home, which can stem from activities such as cooking, bathing and showering, to travel up into the attic where it can get trapped. This moisture cannot go anywhere and will eventually build up, creating the perfect conditions for mold growth. 

Poor attic ventilation

Adequate ventilation in the attic helps pull fresh air in and pushes heat and moisture out. This  prevents trapped moisture and heat from building up and making the room a perfect humid environment for mold or mildew to develop. Make sure you install soffit vents for added ventilation in your attic and that you keep them free from clogging by cleaning away any debris so that airflow will not be restricted.

Remember that attic mold may be one of the hardest to detect and identify because it grows in the dark and is often hidden from view. It is best to call in for professional mold inspection services to check for any possible infestation. An expert can do a more thorough job of finding mold in hard to reach places as they often use analytical tools and equipment for finding and testing surfaces and bulk materials that may be contaminated with mold.