Your home’s attic is the one place in the house that is rarely if ever, visited. Because of that, more than half of all homes in the U.S. have mold in their attics. We tend to find out about attic mold when we go to sell our home, and the inspector checks the possible presence of mold box. Which is always the worst time possible.
Why the Attic?
Think about your attic. When was the last time you were up there? For some of our customers, they know there is a space in the master bedroom to get up there, but they’ve never actually opened it. And why would you? Unless you hear sounds up there (mice, bats, or a raccoon?) or someone in your home is allergic to mold, it’s rare for most of us to climb a ladder and venture up there.
But you also don’t want to be stuck during a home inspection that finds attic mold removal is a necessity before you can move on to the closing.
So how do you know if attic mold removal is necessary?
The first step is to be sure there is mold up there. There could be a lot of discoloration that is just that—due to dirt and mud from the construction process. Before you opt for attic mold removal, make sure it’s not just discoloration.
The second step is to see if there are water stains.
If you’ve seen the movie La La Land, you will recognize the scene where Sebastian stares at the water-stained ceiling in his rented apartment, as a symbol of his rise from the ashes. That’s the first clue you may have mold in your attic.
If you go up there and see water stains, wet sheeting or even visible mold growth, it’s time to call an attic mold removal professional.
Is There Mold in Your Attic?
The simplest way to determine if you have attic mold is when you can see the growth.
If you don’t see any visible signs of mold growth or moisture in your attic, you are fine.
Common Causes of Attic Mold
Poor ventilation is the top cause of mold in your attic, especially in places with seasonally diverse climates.
The freeze to thaw cycles attics and roofs go through all fall and spring tend to create condensation in attics.
Without proper ventilation to naturally dry out that condensation, mold can begin to grow.
The second cause of attic mold could be water intrusion through the roof or siding of the home.
The Best Attic Mold Removal Solutions
If you have confirmed you do have mold growing in your home, it’s time for attic mold removal.
In many cases, the growth is minor, and the infested areas don’t need to be replaced.
If it’s small enough, such as what you might see in the grout around your bathtub, you can clean it up yourself with a mix of bleach, vinegar, and/or alcohol.
If you’re not confident you can do that, give us a call.
We’re happy to help answer any questions and guide you in the right direction when it comes to attic mold removal.
