If you’re a responsible homeowner, then most of the time you’ll notice that the basement, bathroom and kitchen are the primary places for mould to exist & grow. However, there’s also another area that homeowners tend to ignore is the attic. Homeowners should be aware that the attic is just as susceptible to mould as any other place inside the home.
But, as a homeowner, do you know the real causes for the occurrence of mould inside the attic? In case you don’t, then you’ve arrived at the correct place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be taking a proper look at some of the significant reasons why attic mould takes place.
The Primary Causes Of Mould Inside The Attic
- Leak In The Roof
According to professional services for mould testing in Jefferson City, this is one of the topmost reasons why attic mould occurs. Any deteriorated, missing or not properly installed flashing on the roof can easily provide penetration or entry points for water to seep through. Moreover, if your roof hasn’t been repaired in a long time, then it can also be a primary cause of water leakage.
That’s why we highly suggest homeowners get their roof inspected at least once per year so that any defects or problems can be inspected and taken care of beforehand. Proactive measures such as this will decrease all likelihood of mould growth on the roof.
- Roof Ventilation Being Inadequate
Without proper roof ventilation, not only airflow will be restricted but also any moisture-laden air particles will continue to circulate the attic. As a result, elevated moisture conditions may take place around the roof sheathing and the roof framing. For instance, during the colder months, condensation can easily take place on the roof sheathing thereby creating a moisture-laden or damp environment.
One of the main causes of improper ventilation is the accumulation of dirt & debris on the attic vents, which then block the flow of air significantly. The debris accumulation could be due to nearby foliage, the presence of a bird’s nest or a collection of damaged roofing materials. As a homeowner, if you cannot take proper care of your attic in regards to ventilation, then it can easily destroy the internal insulation laid down inside the attic. Destruction of insulation inside the attic means your home will stay less warm in the winters and less cold in the summers, leading to higher energy bills per month.
- Kitchen Or Bath Exhaust Fans Venting Onto The Attic
In general, exhaust fans should always vent air directly to the exteriors of the home, but most of the time that’s not the case. When warm & moist air from the vents gets redirected towards the attic, it offers an ideal scenario for the mould to start growing and infesting the attic.
Thus, exhaust fans should always be corrected to route the airflow to the home’s exteriors.
