Anyone that owns a home knows that mold can be a serious problem. Mold can cause serious health problems, lower property values, and be very costly to deal with. Due to these issues, most people look out for mold in places such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms, where moisture levels make mold a common problem.
However, many people are unaware that attics can be an ideal environment for mold growth in warm weather due to the way they trap humidity and heat. Attics can even have worse mold problems than other areas of a house since they are frequently left unattended for long periods of time. Attics are also commonly used for storage and, therefore, often contain cardboard boxes and piles of paper, which unfortunately are perfect surfaces for mold growth.
You may be wondering why you should care if you never go up into your attic anyway. But, it does matter since having mold in one location in your home makes it more likely to spread elsewhere. The mold spores can also be spread through the air through your HVAC system, which could lead to health problems. These issues make it important to prevent mold in your attic, and here are some tips to help you do this.
Look for Signs of Mold in Your Attic
Most people don’t like going into their attic very often, but it is important to perform regular checks for mold. These checks will increase the chances of catching any mold problems early while they are easier and cheaper to fix. If you fail to discover the problem until it is serious, the problem may require expensive mold remediation. Be sure to inspect the attic carefully for signs of mold, including any cardboard boxes or papers being stored in the attic. You may also want to consider plastic storage bins in your efforts to prevent mold.
Check the Ventilation
If you have poor ventilation in your attic, you are more likely to have a problem with mold. If you are concerned that your ventilation may lead to a mold problem, you might consider having a mold specialist look at your attic and point out how to deal with any issues that could cause a mold problem. Poor insulation or low-quality drywall in your attic could also increase the likelihood of mold.
Clean Your Attic
Attics have the perfect conditions for mold growth, and because of this, it is essential to keep them clean. It’s best to clean them every few months in order to prevent mold. The attic should be swept out and dusted. You should also try to clean it up by removing anything that you don’t need. Items such as paper, softwood, or cardboard can be at a particularly high risk of developing mold. In addition to cleaning your attic, try to allow light in your attic and keep it well ventilated. This can help prevent mold as well.
Final Thoughts
Although mold is a common problem in the attic, with some attention and care, you should be able to prevent mold in your attic. Try following the tips in this article, and you can protect your attic from mold buildup and keep your home and family safe.
Contact Us
For more information on preventing mold, or if your home is in need of mold remediation, call ABH Services Inc. at (781) 941-2422. You can also connect with us on Facebook for more helpful information like this.