Attic mold usually shows up as grey or black staining across the underside of the roof boards, often worse on the north side. Most homeowners only find it when someone goes up there for another reason, like a roofer, a home inspector or an insulation crew.
Call (616) 226-9528What causes it in West Michigan
- Warm, moist air from the house leaking into a cold attic in winter and condensing on the roof boards. You may see frost up there on cold mornings.
- Bathroom or kitchen fans that vent into the attic instead of outside.
- Blocked soffit vents or not enough roof ventilation.
- Roof leaks and ice dams.
What the job involves
The contractor checks how bad it is and why it happened, then cleans or treats the affected wood. That can mean HEPA vacuuming, scrubbing, sanding or, for heavy growth, replacing boards. Wet or moldy insulation is removed. The important part is fixing the airflow: rerouting fans to the outside, clearing vents and sealing gaps where house air leaks in. You may need a roofer or insulation contractor for that part.
Common questions
Is attic mold dangerous?
Attic air does mix with house air through gaps around lights, hatches and pipes. Mold in the attic is worth dealing with, especially if it's widespread or anyone in the house has breathing problems.
Does attic mold mean I need a new roof?
Usually not. Most attic mold can be cleaned off the roof boards. Boards are only replaced when they're soft or badly damaged.
Will it come back?
It will if the ventilation or air leaks aren't fixed. Cleaning alone isn't enough in an attic.