The attic is an area of the home that ideally no one lives in. Sometimes, people do so if it is large enough for adults to stand fully upright and if it is finished to be livable. However, it generally receives little attention because it is out of sight. Since airflow in a home moves from the lower levels up to the upper levels, a process called the stack effect, the warm air cools as it rises and enters the attic. The temperature difference can lead to humidity issues, especially if the attic isn’t well insulated and properly ventilated.
Attics are often prone to mold growth because many have blow-in insulation instead of batt insulation. Blown-in insulation can block airflow from the vents near the eaves or soffit, resulting in poor ventilation and potentially leading to mold growth on the boards and rafters. The solution? Use batt insulation. Batt insulation is cut to fit between the rafters and keeps the vent holes near the soffit clear.
Mold testing
To check for mold in your attic, you can perform a quick inspection by climbing up there with a flashlight. If you notice dark spots, usually near the vents on the plywood, you likely have mold. However, to be certain, you should take a swab mold sample and have it tested by an accredited laboratory specializing in mold testing. For a more thorough examination, it’s best to hire a mold inspector. The inspector possesses the necessary skills and tools to conduct a thorough mold inspection, providing a comprehensive report that includes their findings and recommendations.
If mold is found in your attic, it must be remediated by a professional mold remediation contractor, not the mold inspector, to avoid a conflict of interest. However, they provide very different types of services that complement each other. The inspector can produce a report that guides the remediation team to ensure the work is done thoroughly and prevent the problem from recurring. And when the attic is remediated, the mold inspector will return to perform a mold clearance test.
Mold testing near me
Concerned with mold in your attic? You should contact the pros at 5 Microns Inc. We are certified and have decades of experience in this field. Unlike other companies that claim to offer mold inspection and testing services, but also provide mold remediation services, we don’t perform remediation services, as it would create a conflict of interest. Contact us today! https://5microns.tech
