27 September 2018
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog

Do you wonder if there could be mold growing in your attic? This could especially be a concern if you have recently had an old roof replaced or know that there was roof damage at some point in your home's recent history. The following are signs that you could have a mold issue in your attic or ceiling.

Water stains

Water stains on the ceiling indicate a past roof leak. Even if the surface of the stain feels dry, there could still be trapped moisture on the other side of the ceiling panel that is leading to mold growth. Old dormant mold growth could also be present, which means you have a large colony of spores that will reactivate if new moisture is ever introduced via a leak or high humidity. The best course of action is to inspect both sides of the stain for mold, then wash the area with a bleach solution to clean any spores. You can then paint over it with a primer and paint designed to cover stains and minimize mold growth.

Musty odors

Take a few minutes to poke your head into the attic and take a deep whiff. If you smell the signature musty smell of mold and mildew spores, you very well may have an ongoing mold issue in the attic. Shining a flashlight around is likely to reveal the problem area if the mold growth is advanced -- you'll likely find insulation that is discolored with mold and mildew growth. To remedy the problem, the affected insulation must be removed and replaced. If the damage has soaked through to the ceiling cladding below, you may also need to have it replaced or at least treated for mold growth. If you haven't already, you must then have your roof inspected so any current leaks can be addressed.

Rotting wood

Water damage from roof issues can affect the roof cladding, ceiling joists, roof supports, soffits, and eaves of your home. All of these wooden areas will begin to rot from moisture exposure, and they are also likely to develop mold growth. Inspecting them, from inside the attic for joists and supports or from the exterior of the home if you are checking eaves and soffits, should reveal rot problems. Paint, if present, will peel off rotting wood. The wood will also be soft and easily dented by a screwdriver tip. Replacement of water damaged wood and then a mold treatment will be necessary.

For more help, contact a mold removal service like DiBiaso's Cleaning and Restoration, Inc.