Preventing Mold Growth in Your Attic

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold will almost always grow in areas where the conditions allow. This means in hot or humid areas like your attic, where it also has an abundance of wood sheathing as a food source. Attic mold can go for a long time being unnoticed. Removing that mold quickly becomes paramount. 

Many homeowners rarely go up to their attic, meaning that mold could be growing up, unseen for months or even years. What can also be frightening is that mold in the attic could suggest other areas in your home with high levels of moisture, and mold growth in more than one location. Mold can be a deal breaker if you are trying to sell your home.

Even if you cannot initially see the mold, you may notice some signs that it could be present. Just popping into your attic can give you an indication of mold if you find that it is hot and stuffy. That usually means that there is not enough air circulation or proper ventilation. You could also quickly notice the smell of mildew or see that there are dark stains on wood surfaces.

During the winter, if you spot frost building up on the underside of the roof, that shows that poor ventilation in the attic has allowed water vapor to freeze. That moisture will linger as the seasons change, again creating an ideal environment for mold growth.

Removing mold can be a hassle and costly experience, so the best thing you can do as a homeowner is take all the necessary steps to prevent mold from growing in the first place. The best thing you can do for your attic is to create a space that has proper airflow and ventilation to help remove moisture and discourage mold growth.

Your home may already have the right vents, but there could be a blockage. Inspect the soffit vents and the ridge vents that give air a clear path to flow through the attic. Exhaust fans also need to be in working condition, as they are there to help pump moisture out of your kitchen or bathroom. Insulation is another key component to fight mold growth, as the insulation prevents warmer air from entering cold attics, causing condensation and the buildup of moisture.

Mold can cause serious damage to your home. For mold prevention and removal, SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids is here to help you recover as quickly as possible. For more information on removing mold from your home’s attic, call SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids today at (616) 662-9700. Our specialties include fire, water, and storm damage restoration for residential and commercial clients. We also do mold and mildew remediation and much more.