Attic Mold

Attic mold can be a very big problem when you are looking to remodel your attic. This often underrated space in your home can be used in a variety of different ways. If there is mold growing in your attic you will want to take care of the problem before you do any improvements; otherwise all your hard work and money could be wasted. Make sure any plans you have to upgrade the upstairs include a check for attic mold. A thorough check of the area will prevent a lot of future headaches.

How to Inspect for Mold

If you are unsure what to look for when checking for attic mold, be sure to hire a competent inspector to do it for you. Many attic remodeling companies can assist consumers with this. Use our free quote form to compare prices from local companies. To look for mold yourself you will need a few tools. Be sure to have a flashlight with good batteries, work gloves to protect your hands, long sleeves and pants and a dust mask. You will want to check for growth of attic mold on all surfaces. This includes all beams, roof decking, plywood, drywall, insulation and any other material that is in attics. Be sure to look under any lay in insulation that is on the floor of the attic.

Be sure to check every nook and cranny, such as around your attic stair insulation. Attics can be difficult to maneuver in sometimes, and therefore you will need to take your time and go slowly. You may want to find a good headlamp so that your hands can be free to help keep your balance and move insulation around. A good hint that there may be a problem is if the area smells musty. Attics should not smell like old basements, they should smell like dry wood and possibly dust. A musty smell is a dead giveaway that you'll likely find something during the inspection.

There are many different types of attic mold. They can range in color from white, black, green and even blue. All colors of mold can be a problem whether it is for people with allergies or damaging the materials they are growing on. Any discoloration on a surface could be fungal growth. To be sure of the type a tape lift sample will have to be taken. This sample will have to analyzed by an accredited laboratory. After inspecting the area, be sure to wash yourself and your clothes thoroughly. Most attics have fiberglass insulation and this can be very itchy and uncomfortable when it gets on your skin. If upon entering your attic you notice vermiculite, be sure to call an environmental consultant to test it for asbestos.

What to do about Mold

If there is growth of attic mold, it will need to be taken care of before remodeling begins. An attic remodeling contractor can help you decide the best approach. The first step is to find why the attic mold is growing in the first place. If the roof is leaking or was leaking at one time this could cause growth. Some attics do not have adequate ventilation. The space should have vents that allow air to move through the room. Mold needs moisture to grow, and if there is no water leaking and there is air flow then it will die. Be sure to fix the root of the problem or the growth will come right back. Well insulated and ventilated attics with good roofs should not have problems.

Some attic mold issues can be taken care of by a little bleach solution and some elbow grease. Others require a more delicate approach. If there is a very small area of growth, simply clean or remove the affected spot. If the problem is more widespread, a professional company will need to come address the situation. These companies will spray the area to kill and spores and then paint over that with a very thick antimicrobial paint called encapsulant. Sometimes the wood or drywall or insulation that is affected is beyond repair and must be abated. The cost of abatement can vary depending on the amount necessary.

For those who want to turn their dingy upstairs storage into a fabulous bonus room, attic mold can seem like a giant hurdle. Your local remodeling company may have some very good ideas about paint colors and window selections, but make sure you don't let fungal growth get in the way of your big plans. Doing a little prep work always pays out big dividends. If you take some before and after photos, you will be able to see the huge transformation. With proper planning you can add to the value of your home and enjoy a lifetime of use from your new room.