Wondering how to prevent mold formation in your attic? Here is a list of everything you need to do to prevent this problem!
In most houses, attics are warm, dark, stuffy, dusty, and overly humid spaces. In simple words, they provide the ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold growth can effectively destroy wooden furniture in the attic and even damage attic insulation. Plus, miniscule airborne mold particles can even get carried to living spaces and contaminate other areas of the house.
If active mold establishes a foothold in your attic, you will have to contact a professional mold remediation service to remove it. Fortunately, there are some tips that you can follow to prevent the growth of mold in your attic.
Inspect Your Attic Every Three Months
This is the perfect way to ensure that you take timely notice of any roof leak in the attic. Here is a list of things you need to check for:
- Discoloration of wood (e.g. sheathing, rafters, joists, attic side of fascia boards, etc.)
- Discoloration of insulation. This indicates leaking air, as insulation works as a filter and gets discolored due to air infiltration. Any such leaking spots can be caulked from inside the attic to prevent moist, warm interior air from entering the attic where it can condense and create moisture conditions that are perfect for mold formation and growth.
- Wetness or dampness in the area where two roofs join at an angle. This part is highly vulnerable to roof leaks.
- Attic windows, chimneys, skylights, or any part of the roof/attic where different materials join one another. Moisture can seep inside these joints, resulting in mold growth.
- Condensation below a vapor barrier.
- Leakage from and around attic plumbing stacks
- Bird nests, debris, and the presence of insulation inside the soffit vents that could block them and prevent smooth airflow.
Ensure That Your Attic Is Properly Ventilated
Moisture inside the attic can increase due to insufficient ventilation. This is especially true during winters when warm air rises to the attic and condenses on the cold surface. Proper ventilation allows the moisture to escape and prevents moldy attics.
Insulate Your Attic
Attic insulation helps to maintain the moisture level and temperature inside the attic. During winters, the attic’s temperature should almost be the same as the outside air’s temperature. Insulating the attic minimizes air transfer between the primary living area and the attic, thus preventing mold formation.
Keep Your Attic Dry
Your bathroom, kitchen, and dryer vents should always channel the air outside the attic and not inside it. If these vents direct air inside your house, the ventilation system can get overwhelmed and will not be able to eliminate the moisture properly. Also, ensure that the vent pipes going through the attic are in proper shape and are not leaking.
If you notice mold growth inside your attic, you should immediately get in touch with a mold remediation service.
S.T.O.P can help you remove the mold from your attic and protect your home from further damage.
