Mold Insulation Attic

This moisture feeds mold growth.

Mold insulation attic.

Wooden beams and plywood may be affected and it can be difficult to remove all traces of mold from wooden surfaces. Causes of mold while damp and warm climates are a prime breeding ground for our fuzzy friend other conditions that bring mold include lack of ventilation and proper sheathing. Attic mold loves wet insulation. Unfortunately improper installation or choosing the wrong kind of insulation causes moisture from the lower levels of the home to rise and get trapped in the attic.

Drywall is made of a natural material gypsum that feeds mold so if mold is in your insulation it s. Mold growth on the insulation in an attic is much less common than growth on the sheathing or framing. If the insulation is in your attic it s probably exposed with no need to remove drywall. The most common cause of attic mold by far is blocked or insufficient ventilation of the attic space.

There are three main reasons we care about insulation in an attic when conducting a mold inspection. High humidity in a space like an attic can lead to mold and a spill in a carpeted area of your home that isn t quickly taken care of can also lead to mold under the carpet. Mold on attic insulation how to deal with it. Attics usually have a passive ventilation system in which outside air comes in through the soffit eave vents at the bottom warms up in the attic and escapes through the can or ridge vents at the top because hot air rises.

Dark black staining on wood surfaces in the attic. Water is insulation s enemy. This area is less conducive to mold growth because the insulation is relatively warm compared to the roof sheathing. Mold growth in an attic comes as a consequence of excess moisture.

It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow. Wet insulation in the attic. Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be. Insulation is often affected.

Take note of any brown black green pink orange or yellow particles. This is why mold resistant insulation is so important in an attic. If you re layering insulation atop other insulation don t use the kind that has kraft face finish i e paper or foil backing. Box out light fixtures.

Faulty roof insulation or construction can lead to leaks and a lack of proper ventilation can cause humidity to accumulate. Place a magnifying glass close to the insulation to observe dirt particles or mold spores that might be forming on your insulation sheets. Insulation sheets are a solid color such as white which will make the dirt and mold easy to spot.