Where Could Mold Be Hiding In Your Attic?

If you notice a mildewy smell coming from your attic, there may be mold growing in it. Attics are a common place for mold to grow due to their tendency to collect moisture. Whenever you use the hot water in your home, such as when you're taking a shower, the water vapor will rise into your attic. If your attic is poorly ventilated, the moisture will accumulate until it's damp enough for mold to grow. A roof leak can also lead to moisture intrusion that provides the perfect habitat for mold growth. If you think that you have mold growing in your attic, read on to learn where the infestation may be hiding.

Roof Sheathing

The roof sheathing on the ceiling of your attic is a great food source for mold. Roof sheathing is commonly made out of plywood, which is made from wood scraps that are compressed to form it into a board. Compressing the wood breaks down the cellulose inside it, which makes it very easy for mold to digest. The first place you should check for mold in your attic is the roof sheathing. If you have a roof leak and your roof sheathing is saturated with water, mold will start growing on it quickly.

Insulation

The insulation in your attic can hide a severe mold infestation. Mold can use blown cellulose insulation as a food source. Mold can't eat fiberglass, but it can still grow on it if the insulation is damp; it eats the dust that accumulates on it. When you're inspecting your attic for mold, you should touch your insulation to see if it's damp, and you should also gently peel back the corners to see what's behind it. If your insulation is damp, it's able to support mold growth, and it will need to be replaced.

Air Ducts

The air ducts in your attic are another common location for mold to start growing. When you're running your air conditioner during the warmest months of the year, the air ducts become quite cold. This causes condensation to form on them if any warm water vapor touches them, such as when it rises up after you do the dishes or take a shower. Mold can use the dust in your air ducts as a food source, so the condensation and dust will allow mold to grow.

If you think you have mold in your attic and can't find it even after checking thoroughly, call a mold inspector in your area and have it fully investigated. A professional mold inspector will take samples of any discolored areas in your attic that could be a potential sign of mold growth, and then they'll send the samples to a laboratory to check if it's mold. Once you've found the mold, you'll be able to take steps to get rid of the mold and its mildewy smell.

Contact a local mold inspection service to learn more.