How to Remove Mold From Your Attic
Unless your attic is refurbished, chances are you don’t visit it too often. This means that you might not know you have a mold infestation until it’s already affected a large section of the attic. Attic mold has several causes. If you’ve found mold in your attic, we recommend calling a mold removal services company as soon as possible. A professional mold removal company has the right tools and experience to safely and effectively remove mold from your premises.
These are just a few of the causes of mold and how you can remove it from your attic:
Common Causes of Attic Mold
Attic mold is caused by several things, including:
- Roof leaks: Roofs can be damaged from severe storms and genuine wear and tear. A damaged roof can result in a leak, which will force water straight into your home. If left untreated, mold can develop in as little as 24 hours.
- Blocked/poor ventilation: A working ventilation system lets outside air. However, if it gets blocked, it causes warm air to stagnate. When this warm air meets with cold wood in the attic, it causes moisture, which leads to mold.
- Air/water leaks: If you have a water leak, a running fan can cause that water vapor to spread throughout the attic. This leads to condensation, which can cause mold to grow.
Signs of Attic Mold
One of the most common signs of mold is a foul, musty odor. In most cases, this is the first thing you notice, even before conducting an inspection upstairs. Next time you’re in your attic, you should be on the lookout for the additional signs of mold:
- Stains/black discoloration: This discoloration can be found on walls, floors, and wooden beams. Mold can be a variety of colors, including black, gray, brown, and green.
- A buildup of frost during the winter season: If your attic isn’t properly ventilated, it can cause water vapor to freeze. Over time, this frozen water will turn into mold.
- Wet insulation – If your attic’s insulation is constantly damp, it could be a sign that your attic has too much moisture. Moisture plays a significant role in the development of mold.
- Abnormally hot or stuffy temperature: Heat rises, so it’s not uncommon for attics to be hotter than other parts of the house. However, if it’s abnormally hot, that can be a sign of poor ventilation. Mold could be right around the corner.
How to Get Rid of Attic Mold
The situations mentioned above are common. If you discover mold in your attic, there are some important steps you can take to remove it from your home:
- First, put on the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, eye goggles, and a face mask. You should also change into clothes that you don’t mind getting damaged.
- Next, turn on a fan or air conditioner for adequate ventilation while you work.
- After setting up your fan, mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water.
- Wipe down the surface thoroughly and dry.
- Once you’ve dried it, use a HEPA vacuum to gather up any additional mold particles.
- Put the mold contaminants in a plastic bag for easy disposal.
The steps above work well for small areas. For large infestations, you should hire a mold removal services professional.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Mold Removal Company
The biggest benefit of hiring a professional mold removal company is that they will provide you with an honest and proper assessment. Mold removal professionals know what to look for. Second, they have the necessary tools and equipment needed to safely and effectively rid your home of mold at the source. This includes dehumidifiers, air movers, and air scrubbers. This equipment is costly, especially if you only use it once.
A professional mold removal company can also discuss ways to prevent mold with you, such as keeping an eye on your home’s humidity level. Dealing with attic mold doesn’t have to be the end of the world. With the right trained professionals, you can rid your home of mold in no time.
Did You Recently Find Mold in Your Attic? Contact PNW Restoration for Your Mold Removal Services Today!
You don’t have to deal with attic mold alone. The trained technicians at PNW Restoration have years of experience in professional mold removal. We have the knowledge and resources you need to safely remove mold from your home.
Our team is IICRC certified. We know how mold starts and how to prevent it from coming back. Call PNW Restoration at 971-247-3470 to schedule an appointment for mold removal services.
