The attic in our houses has a distinct outlook and can be a decorative place. Even some of us love to decorate the area nicely.
But the attic might not remain in good condition always. You might see black mold build-up in the attic sometimes. Especially black mold is seen in the rainy season.
So you might be confused about why black mold builds up in the attic. Moreover, you might want to know how to get rid of them.
You must know about the solution to the black mold in the attic. Otherwise, the attic will make the appearance terrible. So, let’s see details about black mold in attic and its prevention.
What causes black mold in the attic?
Black mold in the attic might grow because of the ventilation problem. Moreover, Improper bathroom or kitchen fan exhaust can create black mold in the attic. Besides the accumulation of moisture, frost build-up and the hot, humid weather in the attic helps the black mold to grow.
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However black mold will grow where the mold gets a suitable environment. So, different reasons might be responsible for the black mold growth. To remove and prevent the black mold, you must know the reasons in detail. So, let’s see what causes black mold in the attic.
Insufficient ventilation:
Insufficient ventilation is one of the leading causes of black mold build-up in the attic. Generally, attics are in a place where air can’t pass well. Moreover, the attic in your house might be the most avoided place.
We don’t use the place often. So, we don’t install any windows or ventilators in the attic. So, insufficient ventilation is a suitable place for mold build-up. Ventilation problem is the primary cause of mold growth.
Exhaust fan problem:
Your kitchen or bathroom has an exhaust fan. These fans are designed in such a way that they can pump moisture out of the house.
Generally, the moisture is supposed to go out of the house. But the attic is where the moisture from the exhaust fans might be accumulated in the attic.
Condensation of moisture can be one of the main reasons for black mold in the attic. So, the exhaust fan problem might be responsible for mold in the attic.
Moisture problem:
Moisture is one of the necessary elements for black mold growth. Even moisture can help the mold to grow more. Moisture can come from different sources in the attic. For example, moisture can come from the dissimilar material of the roof.
Moreover, sources of moisture can come from the hot and cold air condensation, frost on the roof, etc. So moisture can damage the attic and build up black mold.
Environment of the attic:
Generally, the attic in your house is placed in the dark, congested, humid, and hot weather. The place is suitable for building up mold. You might know that black mold can grow well in a dark and damp area. So, the environment of the attic makes it easier to grow black mold.
Other reasons:
Some other reasons might also be responsible for the black mold build-up in the attic. For example, leaking roofs, wrongful discharge, water heater condensation, floor insulation problems, etc., can also be responsible why black mold grows in the attic.
What does mold in the crawl space look like?
Generally, crawl space mold looks like powdery whitey material sticking to the surface. Sometimes the powdery appearance is black. Then the mold is called black mold. The mold seems to be wet and dirty.
The powdery materials create round patches on the surface sometimes. Moreover, the edges can mold sequentially. When you see mold in a crawl space, you can easily recognize it. Besides, the mold will grow in moisture and wet area.
So, when you see the mold, you will quickly recognize that the powdery round patches are mold on the surface.
How to get rid of black mold in the attic or crawl space?
Providing proper ventilation, cleaning the attic regularly, controlling the environment, fixing the exhaust fan and use the commercial mold cleaner can help you to prevent mold from your attic. This way, you can easily keep the attic clean of mold and prevent them from coming back.
You might know that attic or crawl spaces are suitable to build mold. So, you have to take action to get rid of the mold. Let’s see how you can eliminate black mold in the attic or crawl space.
Provide ventilation:
You might know that insufficient ventilation causes black mold in the attic or crawl spaces. So, you have to provide sufficient ventilation in the attic or crawl space. To do this, you can install a window in the attic.
Sometimes, people install perforated ventilation in the attic. But this can be a big problem in the winter and rain. During winter and rain, water can come inside the attic through ventilation.
That’s why you can install a window and open the window often so that moisture can dry out from the attic or crawl space.
Cleaning the attic:
Another essential solution to black mold in the attic is regularly cleaning the attic. You have to keep the attic so that the attic can’t have dirt and moisture. You can spray vinegar or bleach in the attic area.
You can use a brush or scrubber to scrub the surfaces of molds. This will remove molds from the attic surface. Cleaning the mold is not the only way to keep mold away. You have to make the attic or crawl space dry enough.
So, after cleaning the area, dry the attic very well. If you can’t dry the attic after cleaning, it will worsen the situation.
Fixing exhaust fans:
You might know that kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans can cause moisture condensation in the attic. So, you have to fix the exhaust fans in such a way that the hot air from the kitchen and bathroom doesn’t come inside the attic.
Controlling the environment in the attic:
You might also know that the environment in the attic can help grow black mold. So, you have to control the environment inside the attic. For example, you can keep the attic space medium cool.
Sometimes, hot air in the attic goes through condensation, and moisture builds up. So, you have to keep the attic dry and cool. Moreover, you have to keep the attic clean and lighten up. Because a dark environment helps grow molds.
Using commercial mold remover:
When the black mold has already grown in the attic, you can use commercial mold remover to get rid of the black mold. These removers will terminate the mold and keep the attic surface clean and dry.
Cleaning and sealing the roof:
You might have seen that the roof is full of ice in the winter. The ice can leak water through the roof, and the attic can get moisture. So, you have to seal the roof well so there is no leakage through the attic.
Moreover, you must clean the ice regularly so that excessive ice is not there for a long time.
Is black mold in the attic dangerous?
Mold in the attic is a common problem. But for better health and hygiene, you must know about the safety of black mold in the attic. Generally, black mold in the attic is not a good thing at all.
Black mold in the attic can be dangerous for your health. Because the black mold in the attic can cause different issues like allergies, itchiness, and breathing problems. Moreover, it can cause digestive issues if you inhale the black mold in the attic.
Even black mold can cause respiratory problems. So, you must not keep the black mold in the attic without taking any action.
When you see the attic has grown black mold, you must remove the mold. Moreover, you should prevent the build-up of black mold in the attic. Otherwise, it can be dangerous for your health.
How to prevent black mold in the attic?
Now that you know black mold can be dangerous sometimes, you might want to know about its prevention. Because preventing the black mold in the attic can keep you safe and the place clean. So, let’s see how you can prevent black mold in the attic.
Inspection:
You must check and inspect the attic regularly to prevent mold build-up. Because if you don’t know about the mold, you can’t see them from far away. So, you have to check for mold regularly.
Sufficient ventilation:
You can arrange sufficient ventilation in the attic. Because insufficient ventilation can cause the build-up of black mold. You must install a window or ventilation system so the area is not congested.
Prevent moisture:
You must prevent moisture in the attic to prevent black mold. For example, you have to provide enough insulation so that moisture can’t come inside the attic. Moreover, keep the attic dry always so the space is not suitable for mold build-up.
Final Thoughts
Black mold in the attic can be unhygienic and ugly to look at. It makes the attic area unattractive. Moisture, dark, humid, congested area can build up black mold in the attic. So, you can solve the problem if you prevent moisture, provide ventilation and keep the space clean.