Last Updated on December 7, 2012
It’s that time of the year when you should check the attic. Your goal is avoiding damage to your attic from Mold and Moisture.
The colder winter mornings when you can see frost on your car and the neighbourhood roofs it’s time to look up into your attic for frost. Hot humid air escaping into the attic will condensate on the underside of the roof sheathing and turn to frost on these cold mornings. This is a sign that you have a problem in your attic that should be addressed right away.
Possible Problems
- Insulation problem
- Lack of insulation
- Uneven insulation
- Bare spots from previous work or animal infestation
- Blocked soffit vents not allowing the attic to breathe properly
- Incorrectly vented bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan
Mold requires food such as wood and moisture such as the hot humid air condensating on the underside of the roof plywood sheathing and presto you have mold growth.
Saving Thousands of Dollars
Catching this early can save you thousands of dollars in attic mold removal and insulation damage.
How to Check the Attic
- Check the attic in the morning before the sun melts the frost on the roof
- Insulation will fall down from the hatch so ensure the area is free from clothing, food, pets etc..
- You’ll need a good sturdy ladder and someone to hold it for you.
- Wear a white paper mask or respirator, it’s dusty up there
- You’ll need a good flashlight
- Push the attic hatch straight up until it clears the walls holding back the insulation
- If the attic hatch walls holding back the insulation are plywood check the condition.
- View the attic from the ladder, it’s not recommended that you enter the attic
- Look at the height of the insulation, 18” is the preferred depth (R40 – R50)
- If you want to touch the insulation wear gloves.
- Look for a 3” or 4” duct that doesn’t seem to have a connection
- Look at the underside of the roof
- it should be a fresh wood colour with no dark discolorations or water staining
- It should look dry
- It should not have frost on it
- The nails should not be rusty
- There should not be anything stored in the attic
If you have any questions about something you have seen in the attic take a picture and email it to us, we can analyse and discuss it with you.
From The Mold Guy Be Safe! and Happy Holidays to everyone.