In a humid climate like North Carolina, mold can be a problem and there is no better solution than to prevent the problem in the first place. One place in the home that is particularly difficult to assess and remedy is the attic. Problems from mold in your attic can cause a lot of damage before you even realize it is happening, but there are some typical things to watch out for.
- Roof Leaks. A leaky roof is likely to cause mold inside the attic near the leak, and a few tell-tale signs are areas of dark discoloration on wood rafters, joists, sheathing and any other wood areas of the attic. Moisture and mold are more likely to be found in the area around vents, chimneys, plumbing stacks, windows, and where dissimilar materials meet. Have your roof inspected every couple of years to check the condition of the shingles and to make sure that all areas where moisture can enter are caulked.
- Insufficient or Blocked Attic Ventilation. Mold in the attic is most often caused by poor ventilation in the attic space. When soffit or eave vents are blocked by insulation or debris, warm and humid air in the attic will stagnate instead of escaping through can and ridge vents. This results in moisture on the wood surfaces and subsequent mold growth throughout much of the attic. Another problem that can lead to mold in the attic is when there are not enough vents installed for the size of the home.
- Exhaust Fans Vented into the Attic. If the exhaust fans from the kitchen or bathrooms are vented into the attic instead of outside, warm, damp air is trapped inside, creating the ideal atmosphere for mold growth. The solution is to re-route the vents to the outside of the home.
- Inadequate Insulation. Adequate amounts of insulation slow the rate of conditioned air loss in the attic. Without insulation, air movement increases significantly, and this influx of warm air can cause condensation on cold roof sheathing which leads to mold growth.
If you have noticed any of these problems or are concerned about mold attic problems and would like to schedule a visit to your home for an evaluation, please give us a call today!