Ask the Mildude

HOW DO I TO KEEP MY ATTIC FREE FROM ATTIC MOLD?
Attics are so useful. Especially in small homes, attics can provide the extra storage needed to keep some items not used often out of the floor space of the house. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, not really? Not for attic mold, at least.
As you would have known, mold loves hiding in places that dark and less frequented. Attics fit right into the description. This is why it is important to put up preventive measures to keep mold out of your attic. In case you are facing an attic mold problem right now, you need to pay attention to this even more.
Earlier, we discussed the varying mold smells you may detect in your home, and how important it is for you to detect it in time before it wreaks havoc. We mentioned varying descriptions of mold smells from wet or damp to stale or rotten.
In the case of attics, we mentioned that the smell will neither be wet nor damp. Instead, the smell will be dry. One of the things that may contribute to this is the location of the attic. Since it is nearer the roof of the building, the heat from the sun may work with the moisture present to create a humid environment.
However, since it is rarely frequented, properly aired, and taken care of, it could start giving off a dry and dusty smell. This will be especially true when unused books, cardboard box and other paper items are abandoned there. This condition is very perfect for the growth of attic mold.
So, what can you do to keep your attic free from attic mold? Below are a few important steps you should start taking right away.
 
Step 1 - Clean Your Attic Thoroughly
People underestimate the power of frequently cleaning up even the hidden parts of the house, yet that is an extremely important step in keeping your home free from mold. In fact, all it takes sometimes to purge your attic of attic mold can be nothing more than a sponge and a commercial mold cleaner.
To clean the attic mold effectively, simply apply the cleaner to any mold-laden areas of your attic, and then vigorously wipe the infected areas clean using your sponge. One thing you want to do, though, is to keep the area where you are working properly ventilated. This is because of how potent the fumes and chemicals in a lot of commercial mold cleaners can be.
Depending on how long it will take you to clean up your attic, make sure to pause once in a while to breathe outside. Exposing yourself too much to the fumes and chemicals from these commercial mold cleaners for a long time can be harmful. So, it is highly recommended that you take periodic breaks.
 
Step 2 – Keep Your Attic Well Ventilated
One of the best ways to reduce the amount of moisture in your attic is by making sure it is getting a good amount of fresh air. Ventilation can’t be overemphasized because moisture is one of the root causes of attic mold. Ventilating your attic does not have to cost you a lot of money. Just one or more fans within your attic will get the job done if you are on budget.
 
Step 3 - Get New Storage Containers
Do you use your attic as a storage area? Many homeowners do, and this is fine. The problem is with the storage containers. Most people simply stuff their old things into cardboard boxes and shove it up the attic.
However, containers like cardboard boxes are not suitable for an environment as humid and insulated as the household attics. In such an environment, cardboards, which are highly susceptible to moisture, will yield to the elements and provide a perfect room for attic mold to grow.
To prevent this, you have to upgrade to storage containers that are more durable and suited for that condition. An excellent option would be storage containers made of plastic. Yes, you might have to clean them occasionally. But the little work is nothing compared to the mess their cardboard counterparts can create.
On the cost side of things, they might cost a bit more, but look at the alternatives. First, plastic storage containers are sturdier and more durable, so you can use them for a longer period. Beyond that, they will also save you time, money and energy on attic mold removal in the long run.
 
Step 4 - Patch Any Leakage In Your Roof Securely
We said earlier that moisture is one of the root causes behind the growth of attic mold. Guess where the moisture usually comes from. Exactly! When you detect any leakage in your roof, no matter how small, make sure you get it patched immediately. A patch in time saves you lots of cash in repair later.
When leakages are ignored, the homeowner is setting the right condition for attic mold growth. To keep moisture out, consider the roof boots. They’ve been known to leak after 5 to 7 years.  Make sure you check yours out regularly, at most after a 10 year period.
One way many contractors are now making it last longer is by “double booting” the roof. In the process, they help protect the lower one, giving it more durability. This is why it is important to give your roofing jobs to seasoned and licensed professionals.
Patching a roof requires a lot of skills. You don’t have a business doing it yourself. It is much better you give the job to professionals who are well trained for the job, due to how dangerous the task is. What you could do before the professionals arrive to fix the leakage is to place a large bucket beneath the leaky area. This will prevent wet spots and moisture buildup.
 
Step 5 – Check For Leakage In Your Natural Gas Flue Pipe
Chimneys and gas appliances are great until they start to leak. In case, of a leakage in your chimney or gas appliance, two big problems present themselves immediately.
The first one that a lot of people can guess is that there is a possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning or even a fire outbreak. What most people will not easily suspect is the second one.
In the cold winter months, the leakage presents another problem. Since the underside of the roof sheathing will be cold, naturally the warm moist fumes will be attracted to the cold surface, condensers. This very simple law of biology just created a perfect environment for mold.
So, it is important to make sure there are no leakages in your natural gas flue pipe. If there are, make sure it is fixed immediately. However, it can be tough fishing out the sources of the attic mold yourself. This is understandable.
The most effective way to fix your attic and keep it attic mold-free is to call a professional mold remediation company that is seasoned and experienced to not only fix the problem but find the source and prevent it from returning.
This is why all of us at Mold and Mildew Solutions LLC stay ahead in the industry to keep your home free from mold and safe for your family. We are always ready to fix any mold problem and just one call away whenever you need us. Please, contact us at:
 
Mold and Mildew Solutions LLC
205-252-9506
www.alabamamold.com
PS. Don't forget you can get a copy the book "MOLD (doesn't have to be) a SCARY SUBJECT! from our office when you call.