Fungus In The Attic

Attic mold left unchecked can grow and lead to structural deterioration of attic sheathing and roof structural elements.

Fungus in the attic.

Condensation will provide that needed water in an otherwise dry attic environment. Mold growth in an attic comes as a consequence of excess moisture. If that s the case this is probably one of the few times you ever actually visit your attic during the year. On attic mold visible on pine tongue and groove roof sheathing near the building eaves.

Painting or sealing it will not address the problem. Furthermore most homeowners don t ever go up in their attic so the mold problem is allowed to grow undisturbed often for years. Left unattended the moisture and fungal growth will eventually degrade the roof sheathing. Attics are one of the most common areas of mold growth in the home.

The mold will simply grow on top of and through the layer of paint. Most of us assume mold only happens in bathrooms and basements. On wood or drywall it can look like a discoloration or stained area in large to small splotches or smaller spots and speckles. Also notice the condensation stains at the shingle nail more evidence of a history of attic moisture which was a factor in this mold growth.

If you re like me you probably store your christmas decorations in the attic. There s an underlying moisture issue that needs to be resolved because mold requires moisture to grow and spread. Mold is like every other living organism it needs a water supply to survive. Click photo for larger image.

The best way for getting rid of mold in the attic black mold and any other mold is to remove it from the surface it s growing on or remove the contaminated surface. Attic mold should be approached as a structural issue. For some of us there could be a nasty surprise waiting for us. The mold shown in the attic photographed above was identified as aspergillus sp.

Defects that commonly lead to the growth of mold in an attic include roof or chimney leaks inadequate insulation or improper ventilation which can cause condensation problems.