Most Canadian homeowners sometimes face significant problems with attics and mold damage as they are full of treasures. Attics are a prime location for mold growth since they are frequently ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Unbelievably, attic is considered one of the most frequent locations in a house where mold can grow rapidly. This is due to the ideal conditions for mold growth in attics as they love warmth, humidity, and moisture.
Which are the main causes of Attic Mold?
As mentioned above, attic mold can be caused because of high humidity levels and moisture. To prevent an upcoming mold infestation or mold damage to your attic you have to consider some factors that enforce their growth.
There are three important factors that contribute to severe and toxic attic mold:
Poor Ventilation
Poor attic ventilation is the main contributor to attic mold growth from moisture. The air from the outside enters through the bottom soffit vents of the home, warms up in the attic, and then leaves through the roof’s ridge or vents. This is the typical passive system used in these structures. Normal conditions involve a ventilated attic having a breeze blowing through it.
But if insulation covers the soffit vents, the cycle is interrupted, holding warm, humid air in the attic, which then condenses on the wood building components to produce moist wood and encourage the growth of mold. If there aren’t many vents fitted, mold development will also happen.
Bathroom Fans and Dryer Vents Malfunctioning
Bathroom fans and dryer vents are intended to remove moisture from your home in addition to allowing you to air out your bathroom and dry your clothing. Making sure the moisture doesn’t get trapped in the attic is the greatest way to guarantee that it gets pushed outside of the house. Additionally, look for moisture buildups in the plumbing stacks, as these are another potential source of mold. Just be cautious, since trapped toxic gases from the piping stacks might be harmful.
Roof Leaks
Although small areas of mold and mildew are frequently caused by roof leaks, the moldy region below the roof is frequently in a different position from the leak. This is so that the components farther down in the attic are not damaged when water enters the attic through the roof and runs off the shingles. But how can you inspect for possible roof leaks?
- Inspect vents, attic windows, chimneys, plumbing stacks, etc as all of them usually have the tendency to accumulate moisture and cause mold damage around your attic.
- Check roof valleys, especially the space where the two roofs will be joined at a certain angle. Also, because of roof valleys, significant water damage may occur.
- Always check for dark stains of wood, especially on joists, sheathing, rafters within your attic, etc.
Which are some signs that indicate Attic Mold Damage?
- Your ceiling has stains from water → Any water stains should be looked into, whether it is the result of a recent or past leak.
- Water dripping due to light fixtures, ceiling fans, smoke detectors and bathroom exhaust fans → This is a solid indication that the attic has a moisture problem that has to be fixed.
- Wet attic insulation → Molds are very attracted to damp attic insulations. Certain varieties of insulation can actually begin to grow mold in as little as 12 hours. For this reason, mold resistant insulation is crucial for attics.
- Dark staining on wood attic surfaces → While wood can occasionally change color with age, attic-aged wood doesn’t regularly acquire black areas. The likelihood of mold in the attic increases if you notice dark brown or black patches on the wood.
- Musty attic smell → Mold can for sure cause an awful and musty smell in the attic. In case you detect such an unpleasant odor then your attic needs immediately to be cleaned. IBX Services offer time and cost-efficient mold removal services in attics as well as use eco-friendly and certified products for safe mold removal along with top-notch technology equipment.
- Hot & stuffy attics → Attics should feel like a soft (but warmish) breeze when they are adequately ventilated. Attics that are stuffy are signs of ventilation issues, which frequently lead to mold damage.
Can Attic mold be considered dangerous?
Attic mold can by far be considered an extremely serious hazard to human health and can lead to complex health problems as well as put everyone’s life in danger. Some people think that attic mold is completely common and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. After all, how much of a threat does it truly cause if it is limited to the attic? Attic mold is an unfortunate danger that can cause critical sickness or even death.
Some of the health problems that attic mold can cause are:
- Allergic reactions
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Serious infections
- Weakened immune systems
Is DIY Attic Mold Removal safe for your home?
Sometimes using bleaching products seems the best and most efficient solution to getting rid of mold problems. To ensure you do a complete and correct job and not just cover it up, you need the appropriate cleaning supplies and safety gear. Even worse, improper mold removal might actually spread the problem by making it worse. IBX Services do not advise DIY mold removal from attics for this reason, among others.
Which are some tips for a Mold Free Attic?
Any mold in your home’s attic space that isn’t handled might grow and deteriorate other structural components, including the plywood sheeting covering the roof.
Here are some useful tips for keeping a Mold Free Attic:
- Decrease Humidity
Humidity levels should be extremely low, between 30% to 50% and to reach it you should take into consideration using dehumidifiers and air conditioners. The humidity levels should be checked frequently because they can change as a result of temperature fluctuations.
- Fix Leaks
Leaks are classified as nightmares as they can cause irreplaceable property damage and cost you thousands. In case you identify leaks in your property’s walls, roof or plumbing then this unfortunately is by far a serious sign of mold growth.
- Direct venting of appliances outside
The vents in your laundry, kitchen, and bathroom should always direct air outside rather than into the attic. Otherwise, your ventilation system can become overloaded and struggle to effectively get rid of the moisture that results.
How to choose the right people for Professional Attic Mold Remediation Services?
Mold growth, during winter months when the humidity levels and moisture in attics are increased, is very common. That is why mold prevention is beyond important to take into consideration. In case you are in need of expertized mold removal services then consider hiring a licenced and certified mold remediation company. IBX Sevices mold removal professionals are 24/7 available to offer expertized and trustworthy emergency services to all homeowners that are struggling with severe mold growth in their Canadian property. Contact IBX Services mold removal and take immediate help and assistance for any mold damage you may have experienced lately.
