Why Do Attics Get Moldy

Unfortunately improper installation or choosing the wrong kind of insulation causes moisture from the lower levels of the home to rise and get trapped in the attic.

Why do attics get moldy.

Blocked or insufficient ventilation. Attics provide the homeowner with another storage area that is typically less damp and dark than a basement. Air travels up to the attic meaning activities such as cooking bathing showering etc will produce moisture that will makes it way up to the attic. Any home or business attic can fall victim to mold if a source of water is present.

The musty mold odor can creep down from your attic and take up residence in other areas of your home. If your roof leaks or any attic windows leak you ve got moisture in your attic and probably need to consider attic mold removal. There s an underlying moisture issue that needs to be resolved because mold requires moisture to grow and spread. It thrives in warm dark moist areas and produces a musty odor that clings to everything it touches.

The lack of ventilation is another major cause of mold growth in your attic. Dryer exhaust vents kitchen exhaust fans and bathroom exhaust fans. However attics can also have problems such as a musty mold odor that are normally associated with basements and cellars. If there is poor ventilation the moisture gets trapped in the attic and can lead to mold problems.

If there is moisture damage or the appearance of mildew on any exposed insulation then pull the damaged insulation down and stuff it into garbage bags. Mold and mildew growth is not a normal occurrence in the attic. Even if your roof and windows don t leak though humidity in the attic can lead to the growth of mold. During minnesota s rainy season leaky roofs are very common however the important thing is to not let them go unaddressed.

This moisture feeds mold growth. If there s mold present there s a good chance that water or moisture is entering through a crack or some other point of entry. Improper exhausting of bathroom fans or dryer vents. The most common cause of attic mold by far is blocked or insufficient ventilation.

Mildew grows in a thin black or whitish layer on a variety of materials in your attic. What causes attic mold. Mold in attic is fairly common because attics are often damp. Mold can spread throughout your property in as little as 48 hours.

Use a flashlight to look over the attic for the source of the smell. If you re layering insulation atop other insulation don t use the kind that has kraft face finish i e paper or foil backing.