The Dangers of Mold in Your Attic and How to Remove It Safely

So you've noticed some dark spots or strange growth in your attic, and that's what brought you here searching for answers. 

Like many homeowners, you may think that mold growing in your attic isn't something that needs immediate attention. However, this common belief can lead to serious problems for both your home and your family's health.

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we're your trusted roofing professionals in Pittsburgh, PA, and we're here to help you understand everything you need to know about attic mold. 

What Are The Common Dangers Of Mold In Your Attic?

Finding mold growth in your attic can cause some serious problems. Whether you've noticed white mold in attic corners, or the more notorious black mold, both types pose serious risks that shouldn't be ignored. 

The presence of mold can affect your family's health in several ways. When mold spores are released into the air, they can trigger allergic reactions, causing symptoms like persistent coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

A bigger issue is the long-term health effects that mold has, especially for children, elderly family members, or those with compromised immune systems. If chronic respiratory issues, persistent headaches, and unexplained fatigue continue to occur, you may want to reach out to a specialist in order to determine whether mold is the cause. 

Beyond health concerns, mold also has the potential to severely impact your home's structural integrity. 

As mold feeds on organic materials like wood and insulation, it gradually weakens these important components of your roofing system. 

Over time, this deterioration can result in expensive repairs and even compromise your entire roof's stability. Its presence also has a significant effect on your home’s value; decreasing it, and your chances of selling in the future. 

What Are The Common Signs That Indicate Mold Is A Problem In Your Attic?

Identifying mold early on will allow you to take action and prevent the need to pay for expensive repairs or medical bills later on. Here are the key signs that suggest you might have mold in your attic:

👉 Dark stains or discoloration on wooden surfaces, especially the roof deck and rafters.

👉 A musty, damp smell in your attic, or even along your upper floors, which indicates the presence of mold. 

What Causes Mold to Grow in Your Attic?

Understanding what causes mold in the attic is important for you to know so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent future problems. The common reasons behind mold growth in an attic include poor ventilation and roof leaks.

👉 As a homeowner, you may know that your attic needs proper airflow to prevent moisture from getting trapped. 

👉 When warm, moist air rises to your attic and has nowhere to escape, it sits against the roofing materials, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow. This often happens when there are not roof enough vents, or the vents are blocked. 

👉 Roof leaks, even small ones, can provide enough moisture for mold to thrive. These leaks often occur around chimneys, vents, or in valleys where two roof sections meet. 

👉 Another common problem is bathroom fans that vent into the attic instead of outside. This pumps warm, moist air directly into your attic space, creating ideal conditions for mold growth.

How Can You Safely Remove Mold from Your Attic?

The best way to kill mold in an attic depends on how much mold is present. 

👉 For very small areas (less than 10 square feet), some homeowners might consider cleaning it themselves.

👉 However, attic mold removal can be dangerous work. Working in an attic requires attention and knowledge about roof safety precautions, as one wrong step could send you through the ceiling.

👉Disturbing mold without the proper protection can release large amounts of spores into the air, so keep this in mind before starting any removal process.

👉 For most situations, professional mold removal is the safest and most effective solution. Professional mold remediation specialists have the right equipment, training, and experience to safely remove mold while preventing its spread to other areas of your home.

👉 They also know how to identify and fix the underlying moisture problems that led to mold growth in the first place.

How Much Does Professional Mold Removal Cost?

The cost to remove mold in an attic space varies based on a few factors, including the size of the affected area, the type of mold present, and what repairs are needed. 

Professional attic mold removal generally ranges from $1,500 to $7,000, though severe cases may cost more. 

This investment includes a thorough inspection, professional remediation, fixing moisture sources, and preventive treatments to stop the mold from coming back.

While this might seem expensive at first glance, leaving mold untreated for a long period can leave you with more costly repairs down the line; not to mention potential health problems for your family. 

How Can You Prevent Future Mold Growth in Your Attic?

Preventing mold is much easier and less expensive than removing it. 

👉 Good ventilation is very important, and you need both intake vents (generally soffit vents) and exhaust vents (at or near the roof’s ridge) in your attic to create proper airflow. 

👉 Make sure these vents aren't blocked by insulation or debris. Regular roof inspections can help you catch leaks early before they cause mold problems.

👉 Proper insulation is also important, as it helps with preventing condensation that can lead to mold growth.

👉 Make sure all bathroom fans and dryer vents lead outside, not into your attic. Check your attic regularly for signs of moisture or mold, especially after heavy rain or periods of snow melt. 

👉 Take quick action at the first sign of a problem in order to prevent serious mold issues from developing.

Schedule A Professional Roof Inspection In Pennsylvania

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we're your local roofing professionals who offer services in Pittsburgh, and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.

We understand that finding mold in your attic can be worrying, which is why we offer comprehensive free roof inspections throughout our service area. Our experienced team doesn't just look for visible signs of mold, we also investigate the underlying causes that need to be fixed in order to prevent the problem in the future.

Our thorough inspection examines all aspects of your attic and roofing system, including ventilation, insulation, and potential entry points for water.  To schedule your free roof inspection, or have a no-obligation discussion with our professionals, call us today at (412) 353-5660.