Attics are arguably the number one place where homeowners and restoration companies find large-scale mold outbreaks. While some may think the top hiding places for mold are bathrooms and basements due to their likelihood of water damage, the attic often needs mold removal in Toronto because it is typically perfectly equipped for mold growth beyond just water damage or moisture. Attic ventilation can easily become blocked, trapping infiltrating spores. Because hot air rises, there is usually more heat in the attic, which can also promote the spread of mold. If your attic has mold, it may be difficult to know for sure without a professional mold inspection. Because the attic is not frequently visited, this can leave festering growths to rapidly spread into full-blown infestations that threaten the rest of your property. For the health of your property and the wellness of your home’s occupants, prompt expert attic mold removal is the most effective way to stop outbreaks from reaching other areas of your home.
The Risk of Mold Escaping the Attic
In the attic, mold is already a danger to your property. Here, mold outbreaks proliferate, feeding off organic material sources like wood, drywall, and insulation. Mold in the attic can eat away at essential building materials, damaging your attic insulation and more. Overall, this can quickly interfere with the energy efficiency of your home and its structural integrity. As mold damage worsens, it can significantly increase your repair costs. By investing in professional mold removal costs, you can mitigate damage and stop it from worsening. If mold infestations were to spread beyond the attic, they could leave your walls, ceilings, floors, and other home essentials ineffective, unusable, and in need of replacement.
Mold does not just cause physical damage to building materials. It also infects the air you breathe. Mold spores spread and release mycotoxins, which contaminate the air and make you sick. Whether it’s toxic black mold or another species of mold, you should take immense caution and immediate action with a trusted restoration company near you for mold removal in Toronto. Mold exposure is known to cause a number of ailments, including difficulty breathing, skin irritation, eye irritation, chronic headaches, sore throats, coughs, and more. In some cases, mold has been linked to more severe illnesses that require intervention from medical professionals.
How to Keep Attic Mold From Spreading
The best way to keep attic mold from worsening is to remove it immediately. The attic is a complex room that requires skill and strategy when it comes to mold removal. Do not take matters into your own hands with do-it-yourself techniques and over-the-counter mold removal sprays. Instead, contact an experienced IICRC-certified restoration company with the manpower and tools to eliminate the outbreak effectively. By removing this infestation in its entirety, you reduce the chances of it continuing to contaminate other areas of your home.
- Watch Out for Water Damage: Water damage is a leading cause of mold growth. Mold spores are attracted to moisture, so when water damage happens, it’s just a matter of about 24-72 hours before mold starts to grow. If you’ve recently had a serious flood, leak, backup, or other type of water damage incident in your home, mold spores already in the attic may find their way there. To prevent this, always get emergency water damage restoration services immediately to dry the area and repair any damage to prevent the excess moisture from creating a conducive environment for mold to thrive and potentially spread to other areas of your home.
- Manage Indoor Humidity: High levels of humidity can encourage mold growth. To keep humidity levels in check, use dehumidifiers in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure they are vented outside. It’s also beneficial to keep the attic well-ventilated to reduce humidity. Maintaining indoor humidity levels below 60% can significantly lower the risk of mold growth.
- Update Home Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to prevent mold growth. Ensure your home, especially the attic, has adequate ventilation. This can be achieved by installing ridge and soffit vents to allow continuous airflow. Additionally, ensure that exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen vent directly outside and not into the attic. Improving airflow in the attic helps keep the area dry and reduces the likelihood of mold spreading to other parts of your home.
- Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Regularly inspecting your attic for signs of mold or moisture and addressing issues promptly can prevent the spread of mold. This includes checking insulation for dampness, ensuring vents are not blocked, and replacing any moldy or wet insulation material.
Implementing these strategies can effectively prevent attic mold from spreading to other parts of your home. Regular maintenance, controlling indoor humidity, improving ventilation, and promptly addressing water damage are key to keeping your home mold-free.
