Roofing and Attic Mold
ROOFING AND ATTIC MOLD: Causes and Prevention
Mold is alive, and just like you and me, it requires moisture in order to thrive and grow. Conditions for mold growth occur when the relative humidity levels are above 55 percent, which could be the result of moisture buildup from a leaky roof. So the best way to control mold growth is to control moisture.
ROOFING AND ATTIC MOLD: Causes and Prevention
Mold is alive, and just like you and me, it requires moisture in order to thrive and grow. Conditions for mold growth occur when the relative humidity levels are above 55 percent, which could be the result of moisture buildup from a leaky roof. So the best way to control mold growth is to control moisture.
Mold is often referred to as black mold, but it comes in many colors and toxicity causing a wide array of adverse responses in humans. Odors can often be the first sign of a potential mold problem, since mold is often found in places not easily accessed. You will find mold in the inside of walls or attic spaces. Another sign of mold and its effects are people experiencing allergic or respiratory-related symptoms after moving into a home.
Besides its health effects, once mold infests a home, it can be very expensive and time consuming to clean-up. To make matters worse, mold can make the value ofyour home drop and your ability to sell it almost impossible. The bottom line is,mold has become the new asbestos. At a recent lawyers convention a seminar titled “Mold is Gold” tells us its time to pay attention and protect our biggest investment, our home.
Attic Ventilation might seem like a minor consideration, but when properly installed it can extend the life of your roof and help control attic moisture. During summer months, ventilation helps to keep the attic cool and dry. While in the winter months VENTILATION helps to reduce moisture in the attic and helps to prevent ice dams FROM FORMING. According to most building codes you need one square foot of vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor space: 50 percent provided by intake vents and 50 percent by exhaust vents.
When purchasing a new roof for your home, it is the ideal time to examine the attic spaces to determine if your home is properly ventilated and if mold may be present. Make sure your roofing representative addresses the balanced attic approach to venting your attic, and discusses with you which ventilation system he or she plans to use. Don’t forget to discuss how kitchen, bathroom and dryers are being vented.
Remember, conditions are ideal for mold where there is an excess of moisture. So to help prevent or alleviate mold growth in your attic, give proper attic venting the attention it deserves.