Do these pictures look like something you see in your attic?

Unfortunately, if you have said yes, you should know that you are not alone. 10% of the requests for mold removal services we receive are related to some type of attic mold problem. Before we discuss a solution it is important to understand and determine what caused the attic mold problem in the first place.

There are several common problems that can be identified that can cause extensive moisture to occur in your attic, this also will allow mold to develop and grow in your attic.

·         Ventilation Problems (The number one cause)

·        Poorly installed or insufficient insulation

·         Incorrect venting of bath fans and dryers

Planning for and making repairs to prevent the attic mold from returning are an important step in the mold removal process.

Attic Ventilation Problems

Attic ventilation requirements are usually specified in local building codes, and in many cases these requirements are followed during new house construction. Ridge vents, soffit vents, or gable vents are some of the methods used to provide for attic ventilation. There are also power ventilators that can be installed to supplement poor ventilation. Proper attic ventilation requires air to move in an upward direction of travel. The problems occur when insulation is stuffed into the soffit area closing off the vents, The ridge vent is installed, but the roof was never cut sufficiently to allow proper air flow to occur, or incorrect vents are installed that permit air to flow, but do not remove the air from top to bottom such as installing gable style vents and ridge vents without soffit venting. These ventilation problems allow for insufficient air flow. During the winter months heat rises from your living space into the attic space causing a warm on cold condition to occur that results in condensation on roof rafters or trusses and the roof sheathing material. When the temperature is extremely cold you may even find ice or icicles in your attic. This leads to the next problem.

Poorly Installed or Insufficient Attic Insulation

Insufficient insulation allows excess warm air to travel upwards into the attic, instead of being kept in your living space, this not only allows condensation to occur, but dramatically affects your energy cost. In the summer months just the opposite can occur, and you may even have condensation that occurs in the living spaces near the ceiling areas. Building codes provide the proper type and R value necessary to reduce this heat loss. The old saying "That more is not always better" is the next problem, many times homeowners will have additional insulation added, unfortunately this can turn an attic that had good ventilation into one that now has poor or no ventilation. Typically when this situation occurs the insulation whether it be blown in or batted is fitted incorrectly and shuts off the vents located in the soffit area of the house. Many times even the vent chutes used to allow air to flow into the attic are crushed or completely covered rendering them useless.

Incorrect Venting of Bath Fans and Dryers

This problem should be very self explanatory, hot steamy air is pumped into the attic causing an excess moisture problem. Many times home owners don't even know that these item are not vented correctly. They should be vented through the gable end or out through the roof. We commonly see these vents stuffed out near the soffit area, occasionally this works, but more then likely the hot steamy air never makes it to the outdoors.

Attic Mold Evaluations

GES can inspect your attic for a mold condition; generally this type of inspection is a visual type of check only, along with this inspection we look for proper ventilation, insulation problems and incorrect appliance venting. We also check for visible damage to roof supports and sheathing.

Generally speaking attic mold infestations pose only a small risk of exposure to individuals in the spaces below. This is due to the fact that in most cases air does mange to flow upward and outward. Down flow problems or negative pressure problems occasionally occur but are not the norm. Testing mold that is isolated to an attic area is usually not necessary, unless HVAC systems or air handlers are located in the attic and may be spreading mold spores to other areas of the home, or if fungal related health problems are occurring and this is the only mold found in the house. The removal process does not change based on the type of molds found. See our Mold Page for additional information

Attic Mold Removal

GES can effectively clean and remove the mold from your attic, unfortunately there is no miracle method. Attic mold removal can involve a multiple step process depending on the severity of the contamination. HEPA Vacuuming, Scraping, Scrubbing, or Spraying are a few of the methods that may be used. This can only be done by physically getting up and into the attic. GES sets up a negative air flow to prevent any possible cross contamination to the living spaces, this may be done using existing attic vents or by extending a flexible duct from the attic to a window on the floor below. Carpets and floors are protected under attic access openings and if necessary depending on the location in your home, full access containment is installed around the attic opening.

First GES removes or pulls insulation from the soffit areas of the attic to access all of the roof sheathing and supports. The mold is then treated with a fungal disinfectant, that also removes the mold stains. GES has several different types of stain removing disinfectants,  All are EPA approved. GES will assess the level of attic mold contamination and determine which product will provide the best results. Occasionally, light staining remains as a result of long term water and mold damage. This is permitted to dry overnight and the next day a fungal inhibitor is applied.  Laboratory test and field test data show that the fungal inhibitor we are currently using can provide protection against the re-growth of mold for up to 5 years.

We are so pleased with the product and its results, that we offer a 1 Year Warranty against mold re-growth for our attic mold and crawlspace mold projects when this fungal inhibitor is used.

There are remediation contractors who utilize a sealant process in attics very similar to fire damage methods. Our question is, If the Mold has been removed why do you have to cover it? GES does not.  Attics as a rule allow air high in moisture to pass through in the summer, as well; they allow extremely dry air to pass through in the winter. The roof sheathing is constantly absorbing moisture and expelling it. Trapping moisture in the wood and under roofing material, such as shingles, that do not allow moisture to escape easily will cause premature decay of the sheathing and may even void the warranty on the roof covering material. (Check with the manufacturer before you allow any sealing of this type), Secondly, this covers and hides any mold that may not have been removed and will most likely throw up a flag if you try to sell your house. GES's attic mold removal methods do not cause any damage to wood or other roof supports and clearly allows you to see exposed building components, nothing is hidden.

This is the result when a remediation contractor uses an encapsulating sealant and has not cleaned the mold properly. This attic mold grew back and through the encapsulating sealant in less then a year. The wood was deteriorated and could not be salvaged in several areas. 

GES can remove the insulation if it is required, This is usually only necessary if the insulation is severely contaminated or is damaged. Many times only a small portion or area of insulation needs to be removed. If the Attic Ventilation is working correctly thousands of mold spores are entering and leaving your attic every minute, and they are landing on the insulation. Making sure the insulation remains dry is what prevents the mold from growing.