Fungus In The Attic

Condensation will provide that needed water in an otherwise dry attic environment.

Fungus in the attic.

Click photo for larger image. Attic mold is usually white green brown or black in color. If that s the case this is probably one of the few times you ever actually visit your attic during the year. Also notice the condensation stains at the shingle nail more evidence of a history of attic moisture which was a factor in this mold growth.

Faulty roof insulation or construction can lead to leaks and a lack of proper ventilation can cause humidity to accumulate. Attics are one of the most common areas of mold growth in the home. Mold growth in an attic comes as a consequence of excess moisture. The mold shown in the attic photographed above was identified as aspergillus sp.

Left unattended the moisture and fungal growth will eventually degrade the roof sheathing. Painting or sealing it will not address the problem. The best way for getting rid of mold in the attic black mold and any other mold is to remove it from the surface it s growing on or remove the contaminated surface. On wood or drywall it can look like a discoloration or stained area in large to small splotches or smaller spots and speckles.

Most of us assume mold only happens in bathrooms and basements. The mold will simply grow on top of and through the layer of paint. Furthermore most homeowners don t ever go up in their attic so the mold problem is allowed to grow undisturbed often for years. Defects that commonly lead to the growth of mold in an attic include roof or chimney leaks inadequate insulation or improper ventilation which can cause condensation problems.

If you re like me you probably store your christmas decorations in the attic. Attics tend to have the perfect conditions for mold growth hot humid and an abundant food source with the wood sheathing. Mold is like every other living organism it needs a water supply to survive. For some of us there could be a nasty surprise waiting for us.

There s an underlying moisture issue that needs to be resolved because mold requires moisture to grow and spread.