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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Musty smell in your attic?

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is at the ready

Before we eliminate mold, it is essential that you know its origin.  This way, you can be certain that the mold problem does not return. In several cases, mold is due to prior roof difficulty. 

One of our clients had just 1 half of the roof replaced.  Not coincidentally, another half of the roof which hadn't been substituted is the point where the mold problem appeared.

While their mold problem was a result of an evident roof problem, the causes of the majority of attic mold issues are a lot more subtle and more difficult to identify. 

Remember though--most of the mold issues arise based on a moisture problem.  You can't have a mold problem without a moisture issue.

It's actually important that a trained practitioner identify the origin of the water or moisture issue and fix it, since, in the event that you do not, the mold will return when the moisture returns.  Even if the mold itself is eliminated correctly.

Generally, attic moisture conditions that lead to mold growth could be broken down into three classes: Let us look at every one of those 3 causes separately so that you can be certain a specialist repair the origin of the mold issue. 

Do not overlook these triggers are also preventative measures to consider (items to test in the long run every now and then) to stop mold from coming back down the street.

Roof leaks will result in attic mold. 

Below are a couple of ways to check for potential roof leaks: Assess roof valleys (i.e. in which two roofs combine at an angle), which can be highly prone to roof leaks. 

Celebrate skylights, chimneys, attic windows and some other part of the attic/roof where corresponding materials combine each other (such as flashings).  These areas are hotbeds for possible moisture intrusion.

Even though this isn't actually a roof leak, it's nevertheless a symptom of a moisture issue.  And moisture issues lead to loft mold issues! 

Be certain that there aren't any leaks coming from and about plumbing stacks. 

Poor or improper ventilation in the loft will result in attic mold.  

So actions like bathing, cooking, showering, etc can create a moisture which will make up it into the loft. 

When there's poor ventilation, the moisture becomes trapped in the loft and may result in mold issues.  Don't cover your vents with insulation!!! 

We see that all of the time and it's a surefire method to promote moisture buildup and loft mold development.  

Additionally, plumbing pipes in the loft may be a source of condensation, which may result in attic mold development.  Plumbing pipes may also emit poisonous gases, so ensure they too don't terminate within the loft.

Mold does not need to become a permanent issue. 

We advise this to clients all of the time.  Do not worry when you find mold. Generally, a mold infestation may be remediated immediately and permanently. 

More to the point, do not let mold frighten you from purchasing or selling property.  Rather, phone SERVPRO.  We are going to look after it for you.

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