Removing mold in your home can be a serious chore. Everywhere it grows, there’s a potential health risk to you and your family. But, did you know that proper attic ventilation is one of the best ways to prevent mold growth? In this article, we’ll discuss how improved ventilation can prevent mold growth and what you should do if you suspect mold in your home.

Signs of Attic Mold

If you have mold in your attic, it will likely be found on the ceiling above the space. This is due to how air currents move through an attic. When there’s a lot of moisture in one area, it can lead to unwanted mold growth.

Another key sign of mold growth is an overly musty smell—sometimes filling the entire house. You may notice when you go up into your attic and open a vent or window, the musty smell is noticeable throughout the home—or just in specific rooms near where you opened those vents or windows. In the wintertime, frost build-up along roof sheathing boards can also mean your home may have a mold growth issue.

Main Causes of Attic Mold

Although improper ventilation is the main cause of mold growth, there are many other causes you and your family should be aware of:

• Excessive moisture – Moisture in your attic, bathroom, or kitchen can lead to mold and mildew growth
• Leaks – Leaks can lead to pools of stagnant water, a favorite spot for mold spores
• Improper ventilation – Poor attic ventilation and insulation are the common reasons for excess moisture buildup in your attic

Proper Ventilation to Prevent Mold Growth

Making sure your attic is properly ventilated is one of the most important things you can do to prevent mold growth. Humid air often collects in attics and causes excess moisture, which can lead to mold growth on surfaces like drywall, wood beams, and subflooring. This humid air also creates condensation on metal roofs that can lead to leaks when it freezes in the winter.

If you’re experiencing excessive moisture in your home’s attic, it may be caused by improper ventilation or an HVAC system that isn’t working. Improperly installed insulation can also cause some of these same problems because it prevents warm air from escaping through the roof easily. Outside of insulation re-installation, you can combat excess humidity by opening windows to allow humidity-laden air out of the house, so it doesn’t stay trapped.

Contact Your Local Experts at Hammer Restoration

For many homeowners, attic mold is a big problem.  However, it can easily be removed by a trained professional. Hammer Restoration is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience in the restoration industry. We have a strong reputation for quality customer service and offer all services rquired to get your home back to normal after major damage. Our experts will work closely with you to inspect attic ventilation and eliminate any mold growth.

If you’ve noticed––or expect––mold growth in your home, contact your local experts at Hammer Restoration today.