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What Causes Attic Mold & How to Prevent a Moldy Attic
Attics are a hotspot for mold in Baton Rouge buildings. Whether it is in mold growth in a professional office space, or a mold issue in a residential home – attics can be especially vulnerable to mold and moisture issues if owners are not careful.
What Causes Moldy Attics in Baton Rouge Buildings?
Due to the humid climate and generally damp environment, most buildings in southeastern United States need increased ventilation to fight moisture buildup, mold growth and related IAQ problems. Aside from the obvious roofing issues and roof leaks – most moldy attics in Louisiana are most often the result of humidity buildup, poor ventilation and condensation. Keep reading to learn more about the most common caused for mold growth in attics.
- Roofing Issues & HVAC Leaks - Unaddressed leaks will cause mold growth and water damage. Whether it is water intrusion due to roofing damage or a water leak from HVAC or mechanical components. All leaks should be addressed in a timely manner. If you discover that a major roof leak, plumbing leak, or HVAC leak has caused major water damage -- you should contact a professional water damage restoration company to extra the water damage material and begin the structural drying process,
- Poor Ventilation - Insufficient air circulation and poor ventilation is one of the most overlooked cause of mold growth in attics in the Baton Rouge area. Strategically installed vents help to promote air circulation and prevent the buildup of damp air. Unfortunately, attics are often missing vents or the attic vents are obstructed by insulation or other debris – allowing humid air to become trapped and cause mold over time.
- High Humidity - Condensation and humidity will collect in your attic if there is limited air circulation. Moisture buildup over time will lead cause mold growth on your wood framing members like rafters, roof sheathing and more.
- Insufficient Insulation - The stack effect in buildings means that warm, moisture air from the lower levels rise up through the building. Inadequate insulation in the attic can allow air from the living spaces to radiate into the attic. If the attic is also poorly ventilated, then this warm air just gets trapped with nowhere to go. This can result in condensation buildup and mold growth over time.
- Improperly Routed Ventilation - Mold can develop as a result of moisture buildup from faulty HVAC or plumbing vents. Attic mold often occurs when bathroom vents and HVAC or plumbing vents are being directed into the attic without proper ventilation or redirection to the exterior. If vents are dumping unwanted air into the attic, this can cause moisture buildup and allow for mold development.
If you discover that an underlying moisture issue in your residential attic has caused mold growth, you should consult a professional mold remediation company in Baton Rouge. A local mold expert will have the necessary training and experience to assess the full extent of the issue, determine what caused it, and develop a proper mold remediation plan with preventative recommendation.
How to Prevent Attic Mold Growth in Baton Rouge Homes & Businesses
The most effective way to prevent a moldy attic is moisture control. If you can keep your attic dry, you can avoid mold and other moisture related damage. In addition to mold, damp conditions can cause wood rot, structural issues and other property damage. Keep reading to learn more about attic moisture control and attic mold prevention in Baton Rouge.
- Assess for & Repair Leaks – Baton Rouge property owners, property managers and maintenance teams should conduct routine checks for signs of roof leaks, roof damage, signs of leaks from HVAC components and other potential issues or damage. Issues should be addressed and repaired in a timely manner to minimize risk of water intrusion that could cause fungal growth and additional property damage.
- Ensure Sufficient Attic Ventilation – Depending on the attic and the specifics of the building structure, a strategic combination of soffit vents, gable vents and ridge vents will allow for the necessary ventilation to effectively circulate warm, damp air our and away from the structure and keep your attic nice and dry. It is important to make sure all vents are clear and free of debris. All too often, attics are over insulated with insulation clogging up vents and restricting air flow. It might be necessary to consult a licensed roofing contractor who will be able to provide the adequate attic ventilation needed to ensure sufficient air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
- Reduce Humidity & Control Condensation – Adequate attic air circulation prevents condensation & reduces humidity. We will never be able to stress enough the importance of attic air circulation – consult with a local professional as needed to ensure your attic is properly ventilated with humidity levels below 50%.
- Properly Insulate Attic – Insulating the attic may seem simple, but there is a method to the madness. Too little insulation will allow warm, damp air from the living space to radiate into the attic. Too much insulation could obstruct vents and restrict air flow – allowing warm, damp air to remain trapped in the attic space. The proper amount of insulation will stop air radiation from the living space below, while still allowing enough air circulation to expel any damp air.
- Direct All Vents To The Exterior – Properly installed bathroom, HVAC and plumbing vents should empty directly to the outside. It is important to make sure that all HVAC & plumbing vents are not venting directly into the attic.
Local Attic Mold Remediation in Baton Rouge
Mold growth is a biological contaminate that needs to be treated as such. Moldy areas needed to be contained to prevent potential spread and cross contamination. All fungal growth needs to be actively removed following specific state regulated remediation standards and safety protocols. A local mold cleanup company in Baton Rouge, like DryMax, provides the professional remediation services needed to restore clean and safe conditions. To learn more about mold removal services near you, call our local office today 337-446-2042.
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