Worried about mold in your attic? Attic mold can be difficult to spot but can cause a host of health and infrastructure problems in your home. Learn how to find out if you have mold in your attic, what commonly causes attic mold growth and what to do if you find attic mold. Reach out to the mold removal experts at Good Bye Mould to get quality, professional mold testing and remediation done today.
Common Causes of Mold in Attic
Attic mold is more common than you might think. However, many homeowners have no idea that mold is growing in their attics because they rarely, if ever, enter the space. In Southern Ontario, many attics are unusable even as storage space, so homeowners don’t think to check them in the same way they might inspect their basement or crawlspace for mold growth.
Attics are susceptible to mold–but why? To answer this question, we’ll need to discuss what mold needs to thrive. Molds loves to grow in moist environments. They don’t need a lot to survive–moisture and a source of nutrients is enough for mold to begin growing and spreading indoors. Mold can get their nutrients from a number of sources–paper, wood and wood products, dust, paint, insulation, drywall, carpet and fabrics provide enough nutrients for mold to grow.
The attic often provides the perfect environment for mould growth as it usually has an abundance of wood (beams and structural supports), drywall and insulation. Attics are also prone to leaks and moisture can easily seep in from tiny cracks or holes.
The most common causes of mold in attic include:
- Improper ventilation
- Roof leaks
- Exhaust fans or appliances blowing hot, moist air into the space
- Flooding due to heavy snow melts
- Plumbing leaks
- Water seeping in through cracks or improperly sealed windows (if any)
- Moisture condensation
- Poor insulation in cold climates (can cause frost to develop and then melt)
If you aren’t sure if you have these issues in your attic, it’s always best to rely on the professionals for an inspection. Some attics do not have sturdy flooring. Older homes may have asbestos in the attic. It’s important not to try to inspect on your own if you are unsure if your attic is safe and can support your weight.
Signs of Mold in Attic
Even if you never go into your attic, you may notice some signs that mold growth is occurring that space. These signs include both physical health symptoms as well a signs on your home itself.
Unfortunately, indoor mold growth is considered a significant health hazard by Health Canada. Mold is everywhere–but when mold begins to grow and spread inside an enclosed space like a building or your home, it can cause health problems. Young children, the elderly and those with underlying health issues are most likely to have severe symptoms from mold exposure. However, anyone can experience symptoms related to mold exposure, including:
- Excessive coughing
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat
- Increase in asthma symptom severity
Mold exposure can sometimes feel like a cold or flu that won’t go away. If you or others in your family experience symptoms that are not improving after seeing your doctor, it’s a good idea to consider getting mold testing done in your home.
Mold growing in your home often produces a “musty” smell. However, if mold is contained to your attic, you may not notice any unusual smells. Still, there are other signs around your home to look out for, including:
- Stains on ceiling
- Discolouration around ceiling and top of walls
- Signs of leaks
- Water dripping from a ceiling fan or smoke detectors
- Roof damage
- Frost on roof sheathing
- If you go into your attic, you notice hot and stuffy attic air
These are signs that you either have mold growing already, or it will likely begin to grow due to excess moisture. Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours of a leak, so if you notice these signs, it is important to contact a professional mold removal company right away.
Attic Mold Testing
If you are concerned about mold growth in your attic, you can rely on the professionals at Good Bye Mould. The first step to the mold removal process is to conduct an air quality test. With our Mould Air Quality Testing packages, Good Bye Mould provides homeowners with all the information needed to find out if there is mould growing in the attic.
An air quality test will not only determine if mold is growing, it will also determine the extent of the mold growth and allow us to find out if the mold has spread to other areas of your home. Mold can easily spread, and growth is not always obvious–especially in the early stages.
All of our air quality and mold testing includes:
- Infrared thermal imaging, moisture detection
- Full lab report
- Mold swab samples
The professional and experienced team at Good Bye Mould always uses the latest technology, including infrared thermal imaging and moisture detection. Our IICRC certified technicians are there from start to finish.
Attic Mold Removal
If it is determined that there is mold growth occurring in your attic, the next step is containment and removal. Mold can spread very easily, especially when disturbed. It is dangerous to remove mold on your own–when you begin removing mold, mold spores will become airborne and try to spread. Breathing in these spores can be hazardous to your health and cause mold to grow in new areas.
Working with a professional mold remediation company like Good Bye Mould ensures the safe containment and removal of indoor mold.
Good Bye Mould offers the best attic mould removal Kitchener has to offer. We have over a decade of experience helping homeowners safely and effectively remove mold from all areas of their home. We understand that finding mold in your home can feel stressful. We work hard to make the process as stress-free as possible for you and your family.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose Good Bye Mould for your attic mold removal in Kitchener:
- We’ll Send Our IICRC certified technicians to assess your attic. Our highly trained and professional technicians know how to identify mold growth and find the source of the problem.
- We use the best and latest equipment and technology to address any mold we find. This includes the use of infrared thermal imaging, moisture meters, and air quality testing.
- After the assessment is complete, we securely contain the affected area to ensure that mold does not spread during the removal process.
- Finally, it’s time for mold removal. Our experienced and certified technicians will expertly remove your attic mold.
Attic Mold Removal Cost – What To Expect
The first step to mold removal is air quality testing. At Goodbye Mould, we offer two testing packages–one for mould testing ($375 + tax) and one for combined mould and radon gas testing ($425 + tax). Many homeowners opt to test for radon at the same time as it presents another serious health hazard.
When it comes to attic mold removal, mold remediation prices start at $400 as the minimum charge, and then range from approximately $1 to $4 per square foot. Prices vary depending on the amount of mould present as well as the accessibility of your attic space.
Remember, when you work with a professional mould remediation company, you will be working with experienced and reliable professionals who know exactly how to find even the most difficult-to-spot mold growth areas. They will also be able to safely contain and remove mold from your home using the highest quality tools and equipment.
Dealing with mold can be very dangerous. It requires the right PPE (personal protective equipment), tools and materials like critical containment barriers and infrared imaging. When you work with a professional, the attic mold removal costs not only include the actual mold removal but also includes peace of mind that the source of the mold has been adequately dealt with.
Mold in Attic? Trust The Experienced Professionals at Good Bye Mould To Assess, Contain and Remove Attic Mold!
Worried about mold in your attic? At Good Bye Mould, we can provide you with a quote and air quality assessment to help determine the extent of any mold issues in your attic or anywhere else in your home. We will provide you with an accurate quote so you won’t be left with any surprises when the mold removal process begins.
At Goodbye Mould, we care about the health and safety of you and your family. We use the latest technology and equipment to ensure the safest and most efficient mold containment and removal. We’re committed to 100% customer satisfaction. We have a 5-star rating on Google and countless satisfied customers.
“Rick removed the black mould from our attic. And provided a 5 year warranty! Great experience.” –Nathan Malcolm, Google Reviews ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
If you are in need of the best mold removal in Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding areas, get in touch with the experts at Good Bye Mould today. We would be happy to talk with you about expert solutions to your attic mold problem.
