Black mold growth on the underside of your roof and ceiling can be extremely common in some areas. This can be a problem for many homeowners, and needs to be addressed as soon as it is found to avoid the consequences it can bring.
What Is Mold?
Mold is one of several different types of fungus that grow and spread over various areas. Black mold is common in attics and underneath roofs, and causes biodegradation of every area it touches.
Why Do Roofs and Attics Get Mold?
There are technically several causes for mold to take hold and begin to grow on your roof or in your attic. Rain and water infiltration is one reason, but even roofs that don’t have leaks or that have been recently replaced are still subject to mold. The most common reason why mold tends to grow in these areas is inadequate ventilation of the attic. The moist, hot air inside the attic makes the perfect breeding place for the mold, which quickly attaches to the underside of your roof and begins to spread.
Why Black Mold Is Bad
If black mold is so common in attics and roofs, is it really bad? The answer is yes: black mold can begin to eat at the structure of your home, weakening the wood of your attic and roof until they can no longer support weight. Black mold can also affect your health, particularly if you have other health conditions such as asthma or a compromised immune system. For these reasons, mold needs to be eradicated as soon as it is found.
How to Remove Black Mold
Your first step upon finding mold in or on your home is to take steps to correct the moisture problem that caused it in the first place. If your attic is not adequately ventilated, contact a contractor who can go over your options for attic vents with you. This will address the root of the problem and prevent new mold from growing.
Next, take the time to try drying out the area as much as possible. Dehumidifiers may help to remove some of the moisture from the air and halt some of the mold growth while you address the problem.
For minor mold issues, consider using a product like Endurance Bio-Barrier, which is designed to remove mold and mildew from all surfaces. These products are meant to be brushed onto the surface and rinsed clean.
For more invasive mold, your best bet is to call in a professional. Mold can grow in places that aren’t necessarily seen with the naked eye, or seen easily. Professionals can test for mold in the air, as well as find it if it’s hidden beneath vapor barriers and inside your insulation. This is the most effective way of eliminating all traces of mold from your home. By combining professional mold removal with new ventilation, your chances of having repeated mold growth are much lower than merely attempting to clean up the mold that you can see.
Protect Your Home
Remember that every day the mold is left in your attic or on your roof, it is doing more structural damage to your home. Take measures to prevent and clean up the mold as quickly as possible by calling to have additional attic ventilation added and a professional mold clean up team do the work and know that your home is in good hands.
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