Types of Mold Found in the Attic

Published on May 13, 2020

With all of the benefits of home ownership, there are also challenges that arise from time to time. To be sure, mold remediation is not one of the maintenance challenges that homeowners could imagine. But in a typical residential attic, mold infiltrations are not an uncommon occurrence.

Naturally, the best approach in the attic is to keep the space well maintained and completely free of mold. At the same time, there are certain conditions that will promote mold growth and might well require mold remediation. That’s when professional attention is necessary and required.

Common Types of Attic Mold

In most cases, attic mold will grow when two conditions are at play – a high level of air moisture and a poorly ventilated attic cavity. While certain signs and symptoms may be apparent, it’s only with a professional inspection that one can determine the source and scope of a mold infiltration.

Black Mold

Black mold is sometimes referred to as “black toxic mold” even though the “toxic” label is not an accurate description. It’s true that black mold is often associated with allergy-like symptoms, but it’s an exaggeration to consider this mold as “toxic”.

For the most part, black mold causes indoor air to be compromised. Occupants may be prone to skin irritation, eye irritation, sinus congestion, and respiratory issues. And in worst cases, more severe symptoms can affect the very young and old.

There is no doubt that black mold (and airborne spores) affect people with immune sensitivities. Naturally, these individuals would be more susceptible to additional infections. However, black mold does not require occupant to leave the home.

White Mold

White mold is another common occurrence in the attic. Because of its colour, it can be confused with “efflorescence”, which is simply a build-up of salt from a water source. “Efflorescence” does resemble white mold but tends to stick to concrete or masonry surfaces (unlike mold).

White mold will be visible on wood or drywall surfaces because these are feeding sources for the mold. Very much like black mold, white mold is also associated with health issues like skin and eye irritation, respiratory difficulties, sinus complications and general allergy symptoms.

Whatever the scope of infiltration, white mold should be removed professionally. It may not have terrible adverse effects, but the risks to health and structure aren’t worth it. More importantly, mold remediation should not become a DIY project – this is work that requires expertise.

For Professional Mold Remediation in Toronto, Choose the Experts at EcoComfort

Whatever the type of attic mold, professional mold remediation is the solution. In Toronto and throughout the GTA, EcoComfort provides safe and effective mold remediation by technicians who are trained and experienced.

EcoComfort mold specialists know where to find mold; know how to recognize species; and know how to professionally remediate. The main objective is to eliminate the source of mold and avert the potential for future infiltration.

In Toronto, EcoComfort Insulation and Contracting offers a wide range of attic services. Find out more by calling 416-333-4554 or fill out our convenient online form.