How to Have a Mold-Free Attic This Winter

by George Karonis

Your attic is a space in your home that you're likely to ignore or neglect. But, you can have moisture build up in it and it can generate an ideal condition for mold growth. Your roof might leak, you might not have sufficient ventilation, or you may have exhaust fans or appliances blow hot moist air up into it. These are common reasons behind excessive attic moisture and growth of mold. But, with proper care, you could help prevent mold growth in your attic space.

Tips to Keep a Mold-Free Attic

Some tips to ensure your attic stays mold-free are:

  1. Check for Leaks

Checking for signs of leaks or leaks in your attic regularly can help prevent water and mold damage.

  • If you notice signs of water coming in from your roof or any damage that could potentially cause water intrusion, it's important you address it immediately since it only takes around 24 to 48 hours for mold to start developing when there's moisture.
  • Check all plumbing systems and HVAC components that run through your attic for condensation or leaks. Even relatively minor things like condensation could potentially lead to severe mold issues.
  • You might have to call in a trained expert to find the leak and address it before it leads to the development of mold.
  1. Ensure Proper Insulation

Attic insulation controls your attic's moisture and temperature levels. In the wintertime, the attic's temperature should actually be closer to the temperature outdoors. Properly insulate your attic floor to reduce the air transfer between your attic space and your main living space. Make sure the insulation of other surfaces and areas into your attic like those of heating ducts to ensure they're in good condition.

  1. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Insufficient ventilation and poor air circulation is something that's frequently overlooked that could lead to attic mold. It's also a common cause of mold development in attics.

  • Sufficiently size and install soffit vents, gable wall vents and ridge vents to help maintain proper attic moisture control and promote air circulation.
  • Ensure all fan systems and ventilation systems from other spaces of your home don't empty into your attic. If this is occurring, the air that's being driven into your attic can cause a buildup of moisture if you don't know how to properly combat it.
  • Install an attic fan to ensure your attic is properly ventilated and have a trained expert come and properly handle your ventilation system.
  1. Vent Appliances Outdoors

Your kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents should always be blowing the air outdoors and not into your attic. Otherwise, it could cause your ventilation system to become overwhelmed and it might not have the ability of eliminating the resulting moisture properly.

As the colder winter months start approaching, keep in mind mold growth is still common. So, you'll want to give a trained professional a call if you require water damage restoration or mold cleanup services.

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