How do I get Rid of Attic Mold?

Attics, along with any other spot that is humid, damp, and enclosed has the potential for mold growth. Mold can be dangerous and the best way to eliminate attic mold is to hire a mold remediation contractor. A mold contractor comes to the home and removes the mold in a safe and efficient way. Contractors are licensed specialists who understand the professional way to remove attic mold.

The main way that a person will know if they have attic in the mold is by the smell. Mold has a particular odor that smells sour and musty. This smell alerts the owner to a problem in the attic even if there is no visual evidence that the mold is there.

Mold that is visually evident can vary in color. It can be green, or greenish black and has the appearance of slime. If the problem is severe, the mold will cover the walls and floors. Mold can grow on any organic material – wood, dirt, and paper. A person can determine whether or not they have mold by examining the wall and floor surfaces, checking for any rancid smells, and having a professional examine the home and attic.

One of the main causes of attic mold are leaks within the space. These leaks can occur from the roof, windows, doors, and even seep into the walls, causing the mold to grow. Another reason for mold is an increase in humidity. Mold grows in damp areas and high humidity encourages its presence.

Mold can have a negative effect on a person's health. It can cause asthma, respiratory problems, and even allergic reactions. These symptoms can be severe or mild depending on the amount of mold in the environment. For this reason, getting rid of attic mold is not just necessary to maintain the integrity of the house, it's needed to keep home occupants physically healthy. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the health effects that mold has on an individual.

Getting rid of attic mold can be pretty difficult. The level of difficulty depends on the location of the mold as well as the amount. People who need to remove their attic mold must realize that killing the mold is not enough. In addition to ridding the attic of mold, the necessary steps need to be taken to prevent the mold from reoccurring.

People can keep attic mold from reoccurring by making sure the attic has proper ventilation and that the humidity in the attic is never above 50-60%. In these cases, a dehumidifier can be used to maintain proper humidity levels in the attic.

Getting rid of mold can be a very frustrating experience for homeowners. Fortunately, when mold is properly removed the chances of it reoccurring are actually slim. Proper mold removal will end any future occurrences as the long as the attic space is properly ventilated and maintained.