Attic Mold Prevention and The Importance of Ventilation

I was part of a roof inspection the other day and found that the cause of the issue was the lack of proper ventilation in the attic. It’s important to know that wood will rot if it has too much moisture. Proper ventilation should be in the attic design to allow the humid air to escape and prevent mold and rot. In fact, most attics have been designed with the proper ventilation, but unfortunately, not all are installed properly or maintained correctly.

In the home we inspected, black mold was growing on the attic ceiling. When the home was purchased only a few years back there was no mold was present. This is also when the home was purchased a few years back when the roof was replaced. It is common for the roof to be replaced prior to a sale. However, another common practice when selling a home is to add insulation to the attic. Great if done properly. However, if the ventilation is clogged by insulation or debris, moisture can collect and mold, fungus, and rot can develop quickly.

What should you know about attic mold?

Ten things you should know about mold (EPA)

This can be very frustrating, especially for a newly purchased home. Many insurance policies do not cover this type of loss. It is also something that often may not be caught during a pre-purchase home inspection. A home inspector should be looking for ventilation and be aware of the effects of it being clogged. If your inspector skips the attic, be suspicious.

As for the roof inspection we did, an insurance claim was filed, but it is unknown if the policy covered it. If you have an attic, or adding insulation make sure the vents on top and bottom of the attic are clear and functioning. The results of not doing so can lead to a lot of unnecessary damage. Protect your investment and make sure it is ventilated properly.