Mold in your attic insulation? Next steps.
Published on June 18, 2021
Because the attic and roof cavity is hidden from sight, you may not know about mold infiltration until it has fully established itself. Mold is actually quite tricky, and it can stay well hidden until the telltale signs become apparent in the home.
For the most part, mold doesn’t just start to grow on attic insulation. Mold grows and flourishes in an environment that's dark, damp, and has little ventilation. If mold appears in an attic, there is likely excessive air moisture, and a potential water leak.
With a noticeable mold outbreak, the best first step is to inspect the attic. EcoComfort Insulation & Contracting provides professional attic inspection in Mississauga, in addition to expert mold testing to identify various species of mold when it’s deemed necessary.
Mold Growing in Attic Insulation
While mold does grow naturally, it needs moisture and a food source to survive. Attics contain the perfect combination – a high level of air moisture and a food source like insulation. Under these conditions, in addition to limited air circulation, mold will not just grow - it will thrive.
Telltale Signs of Mold
When attic mold grows, there will likely be some key signs such as a foul, musty odour. In fact, if the attic is hot and stuffy in summer, it’s probably not well ventilated, which enables mold growth. There may also be black stains on the wood and similar black growth patterns right on top of the insulation.
Good Time for An Inspection
In most homes, it’s a good idea to have regular attic inspections. A professional attic inspection can easily determine if the attic insulation has mold. When a mold infestation is identified early through assessment, serious damage can be avoided, along with the cost of remedies.
Prompt for Insulation Removal
While many mold species aren’t harmful to humans, attic mold should be removed when discovered. This is work best left to a professional with the experience and expertise to provide the safest removal and disposal. This is not a good time to opt for a DIY mold removal approach.
Improving Attic Ventilation
A well-ventilated attic will control air moisture levels and thus prevent the chance for mold to grow. Proper attic ventilation will also allow the home to “breathe” better in winter and summer. And finally, by installing attic and roof vents, the attic will be dry, which does not attract unwanted rodents or pests.
Upgrading Attic Insulation
Upgraded attic insulation, improved ventilation, and appropriate air sealing significantly minimizes the chance for mold to develop in the attic and roof cavity. More than that, home energy is improved during the summer and winter, and indoor comfort is enhanced from season to season.
Call An Expert If You Suspect Mold
Mold can be much more than just a nuisance. Beyond the potential for physical damage and poor air quality, there are also health hazards to consider when an infiltration proliferates.
At EcoComfort Insulation & Contracting, we provide a host of attic insulation services with a highly skilled team of professionals specializing in mold removal.
To get things going, we offer attic inspection in Mississauga to identify various issues, including mold growth. Post-inspection, we offer our recommendations.
