Attic mold: causes and its removal

Often attic mold can go undetected for a long time, principally because it is not an area in our homes that we frequently visit and unless you’ve had a leak in the roof, you wouldn’t think about mold growing in that area.  However, it does grow in the attic and it can cause quite a problem.

Wherever the mold is growing, if left over a period of time it will accumulate in sufficient quantities to start to have an effect on your health and that of your family.  Mold spores from the attic can and will circulate through the air in your home and also build up without you being particularly aware of the extent of infestation.  Any members of the family suffering from conditions such as asthma or a respiratory infection will be seriously affected by mold growth.

The mold growth in the attic will also cause damage to the roof trusses and any insulation material you may have in the attic.  During the winter months, hot air inside the attic rises and as it reaches the under-surface of the roof which is cold, condensation forms and creates the ideal climate for mold growth.  As winter turns to spring and summer, the warmer weather dries out the plywood, until you reach the next winter and the cycle starts again.  Each winter, black residue is left on the underside of the plywood and eventually, if left untreated, it will rot.  Other causes of moisture in the attic can be bathroom vents exhausted into the attic instead of the roof or through a wall, plumbing vent stacks in an opening that is too big, leaks in the roof or attic windows, and inadequate insulation which allows the heat from inside the house to rise up through the ceilings and into the roof space.

Attic mold removal in Markham is a job for professionals that are used to working in enclosed small environments such as this, and they have the right equipment to do the job.  Initially, a free inspection will be carried out to ascertain the reason for the moisture build up and mold growth.  If it is due to a leak, lack of ventilation or air vents, then repairs and corrections will have to be made to prevent mold growth returning. 

At Mold Markham, we use a range of equipment including thermal imaging and infrared cameras to detect the mold, including the unseen growth.  Once any damaged and contaminated materials and porous items, like insulation, have been removed and discarded, hard surfaces will be scrubbed with a biocide and wooden stud walls and other wood items will be sanded to remove all traces of mold – wood is also a little porous.   As with any clean-up process, as you disturb the mold, spores will permeate the atmosphere.  To prevent it spreading into the rest of the house, plastic sheeting will be placed over vents and doorways, and taped securely in place.  You may also find that any duct work in the attic will need to be replaced.

At Mold Markham we would recommend using a negative air machine during the remediation process in order to remove any mold spores that are airborne.  We will also provide you with tips and advice on how to keep the attic mold at bay.