Fungus In The Attic

Attics are one of the most common areas of mold growth in the home.

Fungus in the attic.

Attics tend to have the perfect conditions for mold growth hot humid and an abundant food source with the wood sheathing. The mold shown in the attic photographed above was identified as aspergillus sp. For some of us there could be a nasty surprise waiting for us. Painting or sealing it will not address the problem.

There s an underlying moisture issue that needs to be resolved because mold requires moisture to grow and spread. Mold is like every other living organism it needs a water supply to survive. 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. Click photo for larger image.

Attic mold should be approached as a structural issue. On wood or drywall it can look like a discoloration or stained area in large to small splotches or smaller spots and speckles. Mold growth in an attic comes as a consequence of excess moisture. Left unattended the moisture and fungal growth will eventually degrade the roof sheathing.

Condensation will provide that needed water in an otherwise dry attic environment. Furthermore most homeowners don t ever go up in their attic so the mold problem is allowed to grow undisturbed often for years. 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. Most of us assume mold only happens in bathrooms and basements.

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 attic mold visible on pine tongue and groove roof sheathing near the building eaves. If that s the case this is probably one of the few times you ever actually visit your attic during the year. If you re like me you probably store your christmas decorations in the attic.

Attic mold is usually white green brown or black in color.