Mold can be a huge problem for many homeowners. Not only can molds cause air quality issues and potentially even rot in the structure of the home, but many molds create a very real physical danger for residents and their families. Molds can aggravate chronic breathing conditions like asthma and COPD, and they can cause severe infections in vulnerable populations.
Knowing how to remove mold from an attic is an important skill for any homeowner. While it may not be possible for a DIY approach in some situations, there are some things that the homeowner can do to begin removing mold from the attic. Here’s more information on how to inspect for mold, and what to do if you find some.
How To Recognize Mold In The Attic
Molds are an incredibly diverse group of fungi that can thrive in a wide range of conditions from near-freezing to sweltering heat. The first step to beginning any mold treatment, removal, or other remediation is to be able to identify the mold.
In most cases, the mildew and mold you’ll encounter are going to appear as little black spots on various surfaces. The spots will be slightly irregular, and when there is heavy colonization the area will tend to just look very dirty. Mold and mildew, while similar, are different and have different effects. Mildew is largely limited to discoloration effects, while mold can cause rot in various materials like wood.
If you have seen spots in your attic that you suspect are mold, there are two tests you can do to help determine the answer. The first test is to take a cotton swab, dab it into some bleach, then dab that onto the black spots. If the spots darken over the course of a 2 or 3-minute wait, the spots are not dirt and are likely mold or mildew. Now probe the area with a screwdriver, if it crumbles or easily punctures, there is likely mold-related rot.
How To Remove Mold From The Attic
How you go about removing the mold from your attic will depend greatly on where it is and the degree of colonization that has occurred. It’s important to remember that in many cases the mold will be so severe and widespread that removal will not be possible, and it will need to be managed in situ.
Removing Mold From Hard Surfaces
If there are hard surfaces in your attic that are showing signs of mildew or mold, they can be cleaned in the normal fashion, provided they are non-porous surfaces. Anything non-porous can be cleaned with conventional bleach or mold-remediation cleaners. Simply apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the issue should be handled.
Removing Mold From Insulation
In some cases, mold may begin to form on insulation. If the insulation is traditional fiberglass batting, there is no way to remove the mold, and the batting will need to be pulled out and disposed of. Spray-in foam insulation needs to be scraped out and reapplied.
Removing Mold From Wood
Mold in wood can be challenging. In some cases, the mold can be neutralized, which is ideal for structural components. However, in some cases, like mold in plywood roof decking, the wood will often need to be replaced if it cannot be remediated and dried out sufficiently.
Partner With Home Biotesting For Comprehensive Mold Testing & Remediation
Whether you’ve seen evidence of mold, or are simply suspicious that mold may be present, it’s important to know for sure. The health concerns alone are worth professional consultation and inspection. Reach out today to schedule a comprehensive mold test and air quality evaluation.