How does mold get into my attic in the first place?
Mold in the attic is more common than you may think here in Pittsburgh. Moisture can easily build up inside of an attic because of poor ventilation or a problem with the roof. Wherever you have moisture problems, you are likely to have mold problems that will follow. One way you can tell if there’s a moisture problem is by examining the nails in the attic space. If there is rust on the nails, then it means there is moisture in the environment.
Mold loves to inhabit moist environments, especially if there is organic matter to feed on. A ventilation problem in the attic may cause moisture build up. This can usually be attributed to problems with your kitchen or bathroom vents. Sometimes an older home will have faulty vents which send heat into the attic instead of the outside environment. When heat merges with the cool air of the attic, it creates humidity and moisture. It won’t take much longer for mold spores to find their way in there and start spreading rapidly. This problem will need to be addressed immediately if it exists.
As for the roof, there is a barrier just below it which is supposed to prevent moisture from seeping through the ceiling. But this barrier cannot handle roof leaks or ice dams. The latter refers to ice which blocks the downspout. This is bad because when it gets warmer, the snow on the roof will melt into water. If the ice is still blocking the downspout, then the water won’t drain from the roof. Instead, it will build up on the roof and likely cause a leak into the attic. Not only does this increase mold in the attic, but it can also damage your insulation, walls, and ceiling as well.
White mold and black mold are the two types of mold commonly found in attics. Black mold grows from poor ventilation and high levels of moisture buildup. This is what causes people to experience symptoms like wheezing, coughing, eye irritation, and respiratory issues. As for white mold, it is usually found on the wooden ceilings or the drywall.
How do I fix it?
First, you’ll want to check for any roof leaks. If there is a missing shingle or any type of damage to your roof, it is likely causing leaks to occur from the rain. The smallest discoloration or hole in your roof could be a sign of moisture getting through. You’ll want to patch up these holes and replace missing or damaged shingles. You’ll know if you have bad shingles because they will be dry and brittle. Sometimes the shingles will even be raised, causing their interior joists to be exposed. Fix all these problems with your roof immediately.
Next, make sure your attic has adequate ventilation. Any warm air from the other rooms of your home should be redirected to the outside and not your attic. If you find the warm air is entering your attic, have a professional upgrade your ventilation system. That way, the warm air won’t merge with the cold air and form moisture. Most importantly, check the insulation of your attic to ensure it is properly sealed. There can be no gaps in the walls or ceiling. If you see gaps, then you need to install better insulation.
To kill the existing mold on the walls and ceiling of your attic, use a special eco-friendly disinfectant called BactroKill. It doesn’t have any dangerous toxic chemicals and it does a great job of killing mold. This is a safer disinfectant than store-bought disinfectants which contain dozens of dangerous chemicals. BactroKill is available through us. We will apply the BactroKill to the necessary areas of your attic. It has a high kill rate with no toxicity whatsoever.
Now you’ll want to take preventive measures to ensure that mold does not grow in your attic again. We can apply a special retardant called BactroBlock to prevent mold from growing again in the future. It is important to keep the air dry and purified in the attic as well. You can use a dehumidifier initially to dry out the roof after you’ve installed good insulation. Then use an air purifier to kill all the mold spores which may be floating in the air of your attic.
How can I keep the mold out of my attic moving forward?
The roof is your home’s biggest defender against moisture and mold. Once a year, you should hire a roofer to inspect your roof. They can check to see if there are any problems that may cause leakage. Sometimes a layperson like yourself may not be able to spot these problems like a professional roofer can. It is important that you spot these roofing problems before they cause big problems in your attic. Therefore, if you maintain your roof and keep your attic dry, purified, and well ventilated, then you should never have to deal with mold ever again.
