5 Facts About Attic Mold Your Home Inspector Probably Doesn’t Know
- Attic mold is rarely caused by a roof leak. While, yes, occasionally a leak roof is the culprit, condensation is far more likely to cause a mold problem than a roof leak. Roof leaks tend to flow directly into the living area of the home, allowing for quick identification. The water intrusion is usually dealt with before significant mold growth can occur on the roof sheathing.
- Ventilation alone won’t solve the problem. For years I used to just recommend increasing the ventilation throughout the attic space. But annoyingly, we kept finding houses with great ventilation but persistent mold problems. A bit more research identified air leakage as the cause. Think of it this way. There are two ways to stop condensation and mold growth in an attic. 1.) we can ventilate and exhaust the warm humid air after it reaches the attic. Or 2.) we can prevent the warm, humid air from reaching the attic in the first place. This latter approach is far more reliable, and it brings the added benefit of increased energy efficiency.
- Attic mold rarely affects the indoor air quality of a building. Because of the stack effect, as warm air rises within a building, particulates and mold spores are continuously moving upward throughout a home. Therefore, mold spores in the attic space cannot enter the home unless these airflow patterns are reversed. This is only possible under extremely unusual circumstances such as massive ventilation fans or leaky ductwork. I’ve collected hundreds of air samples in houses with major attic mold problems and never found an elevated count within the home. (The opposite is true of crawl space mold, where the stack effect can readily bring mold spores into the home.)
- Fogging the mold is insufficient. Many mold remediation companies offer a fogging treatment for attic mold. This involves spraying an extremely fine mist of fungicide on the attic sheathing. While the technique can be very effective for killing the current mold growth, it does nothing to address the black staining and discoloration that remains. This lingering staining will make the home very difficult to sell in the future; you’ll have a heck of a time explaining to a potential buyer that the mold was treated when it still looks black.
- Testing attic mold is rarely called for. Most reputable mold inspectors don’t bother testing attic mold. A visual inspection is more than sufficient to identify mold growth. Additionally, the information provided by laboratory sampling will not alter the recommendations. Whether it’s cladosporium or aspergillus, the solution is the same.
About the Author
James Mallory -
- Certified Mold Inspector and
- Owner of Environix, Seattle’s largest mold inspection and remediation firm.
- Founder of MICRO, America’s largest mold training provider.
How to prime a bisque slump mold
|
|
Oster 5712 Electronic 2-Tier 6-Quart Food Steamer, White $36.00 The Oster brand represents a strong offering of unique, fashionable, and versatile products that will help inspire and empower you to be creative in the kitchen. This white food steamer makes cooking a breeze with its two part steaming compartments, which allow you to make two separate meals at once.This item possesses many other features from egg holders to a 10 cup capacity steaming bowl for bre… |
|
|
Wilton Chocolate Pro Electric Melting Pot $23.17 WILTON-The Chocolate Pro Melting Pot. It’s easier than ever to melt large amounts of chocolate or confectionery coating! With the Chocolate Pro it takes only minutes! With this you will be able to mold lollipops and fancy dipped-center candies. Dip things like fruits; pretzels; cake; and so much more! Create flavored chocolate sauces for ice cream or silky ganache glaze to pour over cakes. Feature… |
|
|
Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9×13 Covered Cake Pan $13.42 From NordicWare, makers of premium bakeware that cooks trust most, this cake pan holds a traditional 9 x 13-in. cake. Bake in it then cover it with the metal lid and it’s ready to take with you. Great for pot-luck dinners where you are in charge of dessert. It also serves to keep your baked goods fresh when at home….. |
|
|
Holmes S1708 Bacteriostat for Cool Mist Humidifiers $9.49 Bacteriostat solution for cool mist humidifiers; from Holmes ProductsCombats the growth of bacteria and algae for cleaner indoor breathing; 32-ounce bottleIdeal for portable units; not for use with warm mist humidifiersPlease read all label information upon deliveryKeep away from children Product DescriptionThe investment in a cool mist humidifier in hot, arid climates can provide protection from … |
|
|
Venta Sonic Vs205 Cool And Warm Mist Ultrasonic Room Humidifier $86.17 The Venta-Sonic VS205 ultrasonic humidifier features nano-silver technology that provides microbial protection and prevents bacterial growth, calcium and lime build-up with no white dust. Efficient humidification is achieved through high-frequency vibration generating micro-fine mist. A fan blows the mist visibly into the room where it instantly evaporates. No white dust Suitable for room up to – … |
|
|
Crane Ee-8064 Crane Germ Defense Humidifier – Digital, White $79.09 Germ Defense Cool/Warm Mist Humidifier – DigitalCrane’s Digital Ultrasonic Cool and Warm Mist Germ Defense Humidifier offers the unique benefits of an Antimicrobial Product Protection embedded in the water tank to fight mold and mildew, producing a germ free mist. Runs silently up to 24 hours with an auto off function, includes ionizer for fresher air, digital display with timer, control tou… |
|
|
Crane Drop Shape Cool Mist Humidifier Breathe easy with this beautifully-designed humidifier that adds soothing moisture to dry air. The cool mist helps fight congestion, dry cough, sinus irritation and dry skin. The one-gallon tank runs up to 11 hours, and its quiet operation will hardly be noticed…. |
|
|
Prince Lionheart Premium Wipe Warmer $11.99 The Prince Lionheart Wipes Warmer premium takes the chill out of diaper changing. This features the patented ever fresh system. The wipes warmer premium keeps baby wipes fresh, moist and free from discoloration. It is the only wipes warmer molded with an EPA approved anti microbial additive to inhibit the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. This comes with advanced moisture retention system and… |
|
|
Pretika SonicDermabrasion Facial Brush $23.00 Effective Cleansing and Smoothing Pretika SonicDermabrasion Face Brush is designed for skin exfoliation, cleansing and smoothing with the help of micro-pulsating cleansing technology. The high frequency rotating head of this brush can efficiently remove cell debris and encourage reduction in fine lines, pore size and wrinkles with adjustable power levels. Micro-pulsating cleansing technology Cord… |
|
|
Selected H Ultrasonic Medium Humidifier By Hunter Fan Company $56.86 At Hunter Fan Company they are committed to provide the consumer with the highest and best quality when it comes to products like this Exclusive H Ultrasonic Medium Humidifier By Hunter Fan Company.Ultrasonic Medium Room Humidifier – 24 hour run time; Germ Shield Plus (kills 99% of germs, viruses, mold & mildew in water); Microban Anti-Microbial protection helps prevent bacteria, mold and mildew o… |
