Mold needs three things to grow and thrive: moisture, oxygen, and organic material (food) and, unfortunately, attics are a perfect habitat for mold growth. Something as simple as a bath fan vented into the attic instead of outside the house can start the moisture problem and subsequent growth. So how does mold in the attic form and how can you stop and prevent its growth to keep your home’s occupants healthy and safe?

The Dangers of Attic Mold

Mold should be a huge red flag for any homeowner. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t even know that they have a mold problem. While mold in the attic might not seem like a big deal since it is separate from the rest of the house, improper air sealing can allow mold spores to infiltrate the living space which can result in a very unhealthy environment for home’s occupants.

Not only is mold extremely hazardous to the health of you and your loved ones, but dangerous for the structure of your home. If left untreated, mold and moisture on organic building materials (e.g., framed walls, roof trusses, roof sheathing, etc.) can result in wood decay that compromises the structural integrity of your roof. Additionally, during the cold Wisconsin winters, excess moisture buildup can lead to the formation of frost on the underside of the roof deck, leading to further dangers.

If you are experiencing attic mold, this is an indication that your home needs attic work.

How Is Mold in the Attic Formed?

Larry Janesky, owner and founder of Dr. Energy Saver, breaks down how mold in the attic is formed:

“Heated air – the air that you pay to heat your home – rises and leaks into the unconditioned attic through all types of gaps, such as holes around pipes and wires, canned lights, unsealed attic hatches, and bathroom fans that vent into the attic instead of the outside. During the winter, an unconditioned attic is usually just as cold as the outside, and so are the roof and wooden structures. When heated, humid air infiltrates the freezing cold attic, it will cool down and per each degree, it is cooled, the relative humidity rises 2.2%, often bringing the RH levels in the attic up to 100%, at which point condensation occurs all over the cold surfaces. The wood will soak the moisture and create the perfect conditions for mold to develop.”

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Attic

Proper insulation, ventilation, and air sealing will all help to alleviate and eliminate moisture problems within the home and make the home healthier overall. These types of projects also possess energy-saving opportunities due to less heat loss. If you’re not sure if whether your attic has the possibility of growing mold, a Dr. Energy Saver technician can conduct a home energy audit to detect any gaps that may be leaking air.

Dr. Energy Saver by GutterShutter NE WI is proud to offer services to both diagnose and remedy these types of unhealthy circumstances and save homeowners money in the process.

Excess moisture inside a home presents itself in a number of different ways. Knowing telltale signs of moisture and how to best remedy the underlying problems requires a trained eye and a vast knowledge of home science. The insulation experts at Keeney Home Services have this knowledge and specialize in making homes healthier and more comfortable.