Tell-Tale Signs of Attic Mold

You might not realize how easy and common it is for mildew and mold to grow in your attic — and how unhealthy it can be as well as the damage it could do to your home. So, it’s important to know the tell-tale signs of attic mold, which include the below:

1. Odd Odors
   Sometimes you can’t detect mold by eye-sight alone. If you have a mold infestation in your attic, it will likely give off an odd odor that you can smell. This smell may be different depending on the type of mold you have growing, however, it typically has a musty odor. If you notice a musty odor that wasn’t there before, you may benefit from further investigation.
2. Noticeable Signs of Mold Growth
   While you may think an obvious sign of mold growth is to simply see it, many individuals think it’s just dirt or soot and some don’t even notice small patches of mold growing in their attic. Others just ignore visible signs of mold. Either way, you shouldn’t let any noticeable traces of potential mold go, because as mentioned, it can be unhealthy and damaging to your home.
3. Dark Black Stains on Wood Surfaces
   If you have any black discoloration in the wood up in your attic, this is an indication that the issue has gone beyond moisture and you have mold growing that needs to be removed.
4. Attic Feels Excessively Stuffy or Hot
   If you’re ventilating your attic properly, it should feel breezy. When it’s stuffy, it means you’re not ventilating it properly and this can lead to mold problems.
5. Allergy-Like Symptoms
   While many individuals suffer from allergy-like signs and symptoms because of climate changes, sometimes mold growth in the attic can amplify them. You could be experiencing a problem with mold growth if it’s not during allergy season and you’re experiencing symptoms such as:

Congestion
Runny nose
Puffy eyes
Constant sneezing

6. High Moisture
   Significant moisture buildup can occur in the attic and become a breeding area for mold. Moisture buildup signs will be:

Visible water stains
Discoloration of ceilings and walls
Moisture on the surface area

Furthermore, if you have flooding in your home or a recent pipe leak, this could cause mold growth too.

Taking Action if You See Signs of Attic Mold
If you notice mold growth, even if it’s just a few small patches, or if you notice any of these other tell-tale signs of mold growth in your attic, you should take immediate action. Small patches of mold can spread and the fact you have any mold in your attic or home means conditions in your attic or home are ideal for mold growth.

Inadequate air ventilation is a common cause of attic mold and before you realize it, mold spores have spread and are continuing to grow. One way to help prevent mold growth is to install an attic fan to properly ventilate your attic.

It’s difficult to keep natural air flow in the attic, and when you lack proper ventilation, your attic can become hot and stuffy and turn into a safe haven for mold to grow and thrive. Installing an attic fan can help ensure you have a constant flow of air in your attic to prevent the growth and spread of mold.