Attic mold is more common than you might think. In fact, attics are among the top places to find mold in the home, and many of our consultation requests come from homeowners who are concerned about mold growth in the attic. 

Because attics play an important role in ventilation and regulating the temperature inside your home, it is important to address the problem quickly if you are concerned about the presence of mold in your attic area. Read on for some simple tips about how to identify attic mold, why mold in the attic is a problem, and what to do about it. 

How do you know if you have mold in your attic?

While some attics are converted into livable space, most are either used for occasional storage or not at all—which means mold growth can often go unnoticed until the problem has gotten out of control. 

If you don’t use your attic space regularly, do yourself a favor and take a peek up there every three to six months, especially during periods of high seasonal moisture (rain, snow) and humidity. Your attic is also the space closest to your roof, which means if you have a leak, your attic will be the first to suffer damage. 

Signs you may have mold growth in your attic include: 

• Discoloration. Look for spots or patches of color (typically black, green, white, yellow, or brown) on the wood, joists, drywall, and insulation. 
• A strong odor. Certain types of mold will emit a musty, unpleasant odor. 
• Visible leaks or signs of water damage. Keep an eye out for any active leaks or dripping, old water stains, rusted nails, or damp areas where mold could thrive. 
• The air feels overly stuffy. A poorly ventilated or insulated attic will often feel oppressively hot and humid. If this is the case, mold growth is likely already present. 
• Increased allergy symptoms. Pay attention if you or someone in your family is experiencing increased allergy symptoms (coughing, sneezing, watery eyes). 

What causes attic mold growth? 

There are a few major factors that contribute to mold growth in your attic, the most obvious being excess moisture. A leaky roof is the most common culprit, so be sure to inspect your roof often to make sure there are no holes or gaps where water may be seeping in. Vent fans from conditioned space that aren’t properly routed outside, such as from your bathroom, can also take all the steam from your hot shower and dump it right into your attic.

Poor insulation may also set the stage for mold growth. If there is not enough insulation in your attic, or if your insulation is not installed properly, the result may be fluctuations in temperature that lead to condensation and moisture buildup. 

Finally, insufficient attic ventilation—often caused by broken or faulty exhaust fans, or blocked or broken vents—can lead to an increase of moisture in the air, which in turn creates an ideal environment for opportunistic mold. 

Why is mold in the attic bad? 

We know what you’re thinking: I never go in the attic anyway. Why should I worry about a little mold? 

Here’s why: Under the right conditions, mold growth can flourish and quickly become a larger problem. If allowed to enter your ventilation system, it won’t be long before the mold spreads to other rooms in your home, which could impact your health and the health of your family. 

Mold can also compromise the structural integrity of your home, eating away at organic materials such as wood and drywall and eventually weakening your walls, floors, and ceilings. If you want to avoid a full roof and subroof replacement, you need to treat mold growth immediately. 

What to do if you suspect mold in your attic

If you suspect you may have mold in your attic, it is important to act quickly. While there is no need to go into full-blown panic mode, you should definitely formulate a plan to address the issue before it is allowed to worsen. The first step is contacting a mold remediation specialist.

Why seek expert help? In a nutshell, because mold identification and removal are best left to those who know what they’re doing—kind of like how you wouldn’t DIY your next root canal. So, rather than tackling that attic mold on your own, be sure to work with a professional who can properly assess the issue and determine the best course of action. 

As Connecticut’s trusted mold solution specialists, CT Mold Pros can help you quickly identify and treat mold growth in your attic to keep your home and family safe. Call us today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate, or fill out our online request form to schedule an appointment.