Attic water damage and attic mold growth can be incredibly problematic, cause a great deal of stress, and leave you with an expensive repair bill. Attic mold and moisture can lead to extensive property damage, compromise the building’s structural integrity and cause potential health implications. The most obvious culprit for attic mold and water damage is a roof leak. However, it may not always be that simple. Attic moisture and mold could be the result of a combination of poor ventilation, improper insulation or appliance related issues.
When it comes to mold and water damage, prevention is the best approach. With a little know-how, Cleveland Ohio homeowners can play a big role in preventing attic water damage and attic mold growth.
Roof Leak Prevention
Your roof has a very important job of being the first line of defense against the elements. It is important to keep an eye on your roof and make sure it’s always in good condition. The best tactic to preventing roof leaks is routine roof maintenance.
- Trim your trees back to prevent roof damage from scraping or falling branches
- Assess for signs of damage– pay attention to shingles and flashing
- Clear the roof, gutters and downspouts of any debris
- Check and clean the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are draining properly
- Schedule routine roof inspections with a professional roofing contractor. A roofer can check the roof’s integrity and spot and fix missing shingles, warping, corrosion, or any other issue, in time to prevent roof leakage.
During your roof maintenance checks, keep your eyes peeled for signs of a leak in your attic:
- Take a look at the insulation and wood in your attic for signs of water damage, such as discoloration and mold growth.
- The area where the two roofs join at an angle is prone to cracks and roof leaks, so make sure to inspect it as well.
- Leaks are also common in the area around attic plumbing stacks.
- Another way to detect water leaks in the attic is to inspect the recessed lighting canisters. Rust, corrosion, and stains around them indicate moisture coming from the attic and possible electrical dangers.
It is important to repair any roof damage and address any roof leaks right away. Early detection and resolution can go a long way in preventing a serious and expensive attic mold problem and water damage.
Sufficient Attic Ventilation
You do not need a major event like a roof leak to end up with mold and water damage. Moisture buildup from poor ventilation (or lack thereof) can be equality as damaging over time. Attics require sufficient, strategic ventilation in order to cycle out warm, humid air. Otherwise, the damp air will remain trapped in the attic space, and the water vapors in the humid air will saturate the porous materials of the attic.
Having good attic ventilation is especially important in winter. That’s because, in winter, warm air rises to the ceiling, enters the attic, and condenses on the cold surfaces of the attic. Condensation cannot escape unless your attic has adequate ventilation. A strategic combination of soffit vents, ridge vents, and gable-mounted vents will reduce moisture buildup and help to prevent attic mold growth and attic water damage. Additionally, it is important to check that all your vents remain unblocked and free of obstructions like insulation.
Each attic space will have its own unique ventilation needs. There are various methods and strategies to improve attic ventilation. Ohio homeowners should consider consulting a professional for the most effective ventilation strategy.
Proper Attic Insulation
Attic insulation is key to maintaining a conditioned space with controlled temperatures. During the cooler, winter months, the attic temperature should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside. Otherwise, ice dams may form on the edges of your roof, potentially causing water damage. It is important to make sure your attic floor is properly insulated to help prevent warm air from entering the attic from the lower levels. In addition, ensure the insulation of heating ducts are also in good shape.
To check if your insulation is in good condition, ensure it is thick, soft, and dry. If it feels moist and looks thin and flat, it will create high moisture conditions– replace it immediately.
Appliance Installation & Maintenance
A common mistake in homes is improper ventilation of appliances. The dryer, kitchen, and bathroom vents should ALWAYS be directed to the outside. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. We see a lot of vents and fans that have been directed into the attic. In these cases, the vents end up dumping warm, moisture air directly into the attic. Moisture accumulation over time will leave you especially vulnerable to mold and water damage.
Note that appliances in your attic such as air conditioners, swamp coolers, and HVAC systems may fail and cause water damage. During your attic inspection, check these appliances for wear and tear and loose connections. It is important to address any potential issues right away.
If you suspect a serious attic mold problem and water damage from any of the issues, contact a mold remediation professional and a water damage cleanup professional for help.
