Last Updated on February 21, 2014
One area of the home where you are most likely to find mold is the attic. This space is usually difficult to access and there are many crawl spaces where mold can thrive. Attic mold removal is usually the most difficult and costly mold removal project because of the restricted space and it usually requires the use of specially tools to properly remove the mold. This is not a job that someone without experience should tackle. If you have mold in your attic, make sure that you hire a professional for the removal.
1. How attic mold develops
The attic is very susceptible to the growth of mold because moisture can accumulate unnoticed in this space. Most homeowners spend very little time in the attic and this means that they are unlikely to notice a mold problem when it is in the early stages of development. You can avoid costly mold remediation through regular inspection. Other things that you can do include dealing with roof leaks the moment they occur, improving ventilation and making sure that pipes and vents are properly installed.
2. Checking for roof leaks
Inspecting your home for possible roof leaks can save you a lot of trouble. Check the wood and insulation for signs of discoloration. Examine the roof valleys where two sides join at an angle, as these areas are very susceptible to roof leaks. You should also inspect the chimney area, skylights, attic windows and any other area that is likely to experience moisture intrusion. Any moisture problem is the beginning of potential attic mold attack!
3. Ventilation in the attic
Proper installation of vents in the attic will help to prevent a moisture problem. It is important to remember that air travels up and it usually ends up in the attic. This means that activities that take place in the kitchen or bathroom will usually produce moisture that that will end up in the attic. If the attic has poor ventilation, this moisture will get trapped in the space and this will lead to mold problems. Make sure that the vents are not covered with insulation, as this will encourage moisture buildup.
4. Ensure safety at all times
If you decide to inspect the attic yourself, make sure that you are very careful. Regular inspection will help to prevent attic mold but you have to make sure that you are safe at all times. There are many potential hazards when working in the attic or when trying to access crawl spaces. This is a job best left to professionals to avoid serious body harm. The potential dangers of working in a moldy space are real and protective gear is necessary before attempting mold removal.
If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your attic, contact a professional mold remover immediately. It is important to get someone who knows the job and who has relevant experience and expertise in mold remediation. Do not put your life at risk in an attempt to save some money. Remember that mold spreads very fast and if you ignore an issue that seems minor, you may end up requiring major home renovation.