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The entirety of your home is susceptible to mold. Most people believe that mold will only grow on their old bread or in the bathroom. While that’s common, mold is all around us. It’s in every room in your home and in the environment surrounding your home, too. The problem comes when mold is provided moisture, humidity, darkness, and a food source. In a residential home, these factors can be found in a few spots, with one of the most common being the attic. No one wants attic mold, of course, but it happens.

When you’re dealing with attic mold, make sure you call a local restoration company promptly. Before you know it, what was once a minor mold infestation in the attic has now spread into other rooms, like your bedroom or kid’s room.

What Causes Attic Mold?

Various types of mold, including black mold, are found in an attic for a number of reasons. Most often, it’s because of the close proximity to your roof and the outdoors. If your roof has a crack or a leak, it allows moisture and an increased number of mold spores into the confined space of your attic. Other causes include:

• Poor Ventilation – A lack of proper ventilation in the attic is a common cause of black mold growth. Some attic ventilation systems trap “dead air” in the ducts and vents, thereby creating condensation in the decking.
• Discharge – A lot of residential designs leave the vents from a kitchen or bathroom leading into the attic instead of discharging to the outside. This humidity allows mold to settle in before long.
• Insulation – The floor under the attic needs proper insulation or, even better, a moisture barrier to prevent heat and moisture from the house below to enter the attic. Without one, black mold can grow, especially in chilly temperatures.
• Roof Leaks – If your roof has a leak, even a minor one, you’re in for trouble. The area directly below the leak will become ground zero for black mold. The problem is exacerbated without proper ventilation.

How to Prevent Attic Mold

Preventing a mold infestation is a tough job for any homeowner to tackle alone. Often, your best bet is to hire a mold remediation company. Their experience and efforts will not go unnoticed around your home. For now, here’s what to do:

• Leaks – Immediately, the moment you see a leak, repair the problem. That goes for roof leaks, wall leaks, fixture leaks — anything to do with your plumbing or the outdoors.
• Gutters – Keep your gutters clean and free of debris, which can cause standing water and roof leaks.
• AC Drains – Ensure your HVAC system has a proper drain in place and it is not clogged with debris, grass, or dirt.

If you suspect attic mold, you’re not alone. Call your local Restoration 1 for 24-hour mold remediation services and live worry-free in a mold-free home.