It’s one of the last things any homeowner or business owner in the Greater Portland metro area wants to discover: mold in the attic. Finding mold in your property is a red flag. It means you’ll need to treat it and discover what caused it to prevent it from happening again.
If the mold in attics is left untreated, then there could be potentially dangerous and harmful consequences. For example, as mold grows, it can eventually cause structural issues as well as health issues. If mold is growing in the attic, then there’s a strong possibility that there’s moisture.
The moisture in the attic could also play a significant role in structural and health issues. If you found attic mold, or believe there could be mold in the attic, then it’s time to learn about mold removal. In the guide below, you’ll find information about attic mold and how to correct the problem.
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Signs There’s Mold in the Attic
There are several signs that mold’s growing in your attic. You need to know what these signs are so you can quickly correct any issues. The faster you correct the issue, the better chances you have of successful mold removal.
Dripping Water
Have you noticed water dripping from different ceiling locations in your property? Water dripping from exhaust fans, light fixtures, or smoke detectors is a sign that there’s water in the attic. The excessive water is then leaking down through the ceilings.
Because mold and mildew flourish in dark and moist environments, a leak of any kind is a potential mold problem. If you’re able to fix the leak before mold grows, then you may be in the clear. Either way, however, if you see water dripping, then you need to check for mold.
Dark Stains on Wood
After taking a trip to your attic, take the time to inspect the wooden beams. Any dark stains on the wood’s surface are a sign of mold. These will need to be treated or removed before the mold has a chance to spread even further.
Wet Attic Insulation
While in the attic, check the insulation as well. Is it damp or wet? If so, then mold will quickly begin to grow on it. Damp or wet insulation can also prevent your home from heating or cooling in a proper manner, which leads to higher energy bills.
Hot, Stuffy Attic
If your attic is hot or stuffy, then there’s most likely a ventilation issue. Without proper ventilation, your attic isn’t protected against mold. If mold hasn’t already begun growing, it soon will. Correct any ventilation problems as soon as possible.
Causes of Mold Growth in the Attic
Knowing what causes mold to grow in attics is essential if you want to remove the mold and prevent it from growing back. If you simply remove the mold and don’t fix the thing that caused it, then it’s only a matter of time before you’re dealing with the same issue again. Here’s what you need to know about the causes of mold growth in the attic.
Improper Use of Exhaust Fans
The exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchens are there to remove any excess moisture from your home. These fans need to lead the moisture to an exit outside of your home, not into the attic. The exhaust fans should also be used for at least 15 minutes after moisture is present (for example, after taking a shower).
They’ll also need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
Leaks in the Roof
A leak in the roof will cause excess moisture to enter your attic, which then encourages mold to grow. Any roof leaks, even the smallest ones, should be repaired quickly. You can inspect your roof and ceiling for signs of a leak or have a professional come out to complete an inspection on a regular basis.
Insufficient Ventilation
Your attic requires proper ventilation to keep the moisture out. Make sure the insulation in your attic isn’t blocking any vents. You also want to make sure your attic has the right number of vents inside it.
For every 100 square feet in your attic, there should be one square foot of venting.
Contact a Professional
Removing mold from the attic is a dangerous task. Attics can pose a danger for individuals because of unstable footing conditions. It’s also important to understand how to properly remove mold from a surface.
If not done in a correct manner, then the mold spores could be lifted into the air, which may cause them to spread. For your own health, you’d also want to wear all the right protective gear when handling mold. For these reasons, it’s best to contact a professional mold remediation service in the Greater Portland metro area that can correctly complete the task for you.
Professional mold removal and remediation services know how to properly handle mold, remove it, and prevent it from growing again.
Mold in Attics Should Be Treated Quickly and Properly
Do you believe there’s mold growing in your attic? Mold in attics should be treated with great care in a timely fashion.
PNW Restoration has an IICRC certified team that specializes in mold remediation and mold removal. The team at PNW Restoration focuses on discovering the exact cause of the mold growth so not only will the mold be removed, but the cause of it will be fixed.
This will prevent future mold issues down the road. Are you ready to give PNW Restoration a call? Click here to schedule an appointment today.
