In the Heat and Cold, Your Attic Can Have Mold – Part II

The attic is a space in your home that you may not venture up to very often. If you’re anything like me, you brave the dark, extremely hot or extremely cold (depending on the time of year) area a few times per year, and that is more than enough! Since the attic is a location in your home that does not get as much traffic as the living room or kitchen, issues such as mold may go unnoticed for quite some time. Mold is one of those words that make New Hampshire (NH) homeowners cringe, as dollar signs and anxiety immediately come to mind when the dreaded green or white-colored enemy is witnessed. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent attic mold and tips on what to do if you find it in your home.

Choosing a Mold Testing Company

 
Mold can grow in any location of your home, but forms mostly in dark, temperate locations and feeds off organic material such as: dead leaves, drywall and carpet. One common place for mold formation that many NH homeowners may not think of is the attic. Mold can form and grow in attics at any time of the year, especially during the summer months when humidity is high and rain storms are frequent. If you do suspect mold in your attic or home, you will want to have a certified and insured mold inspection company to come out and test for mold. When looking for a mold testing service, consider the following:

• How does the company test for mold? In other words, does the company just test the site or do they conduct an in-depth investigation for water damage, cracks or leaks in pipes, and test mold spore measurements in the air?
• Does the company and inspectors have certifications or industry-specific licenses? CMC (Certified Microbial Consultant) and CMI (Certified Microbial Inspector) are common certifications.
• Does the company participate in any type of quality control program?
• Is the company and inspectors insured? If not, it may cost you more money down the road if an issue occurs.

Reducing Attic and Household Mold

 
Avoiding mold can be a challenge for any homeowner, as there are many factors that come into play for mold to form and grow. While almost every NH home will have some level of mold in it, there are a few tips you can follow to help reduce mold formation and growth such as:
 

• Control moisture in your home by using dehumidifiers, and ensure that all vents are working properly and are not clogged with debris.
• Ensure ventilation and insulation are installed properly in your home’s attic.
• Do not have dryer vents or kitchen fans ventilated into the attic.
• If the roof leaks or ice dam occurs, try to dry the affected area within 48 hours, and call a professional water damage company to assess the situation.
• Do not install carpet where there is high moisture or an area that is prone to getting wet, as this increases the chance for mold growth.

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency to learn more about how to prevent mold growth.

Soil-Away-The Mold Remediation Company

Discovering mold can happen at any time for home and business owners. Have confidence knowing you can trust the mold remediation professionals at Soil-Away to provide a solution. Soil-Away is a family-owned and operated business that is IICRC master-certified and has over 25 years of experience. We work closely with insurance companies during the remediation process to ensure a smooth, less-stressful process, so you can get back to the things that matter most. Contact the mold remediation experts today at 603-641-6555.
Written by: K. Gnatowski