When it comes to attics, “out of sight, out of mind” often applies. This is not a part of the house that is visited often and because of this, it is where moisture buildup often occurs which in turn results in mold growth. This is what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says – “When mold spores drop on places with excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow.” It further says – “For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. For people who are sensitive to molds, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin.”

Mold is not something you want growing in your attic. So, how do you prevent it from growing? Here are the basics of keeping an attic dry and mold-free.

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• Check the Roof for Leaks: Going up to the attic once in a while and checking for leaks is important. Look for signs of discolored insulation and/or wood – these could indicate water damage. Check the area around plumbing stacks for signs of dampness. Look at the places where sections of the roof join at angles – these are where cracks often occur which cause small, but serious leaks.
• Make Sure the Insulation Is Okay: Insulation plays a major role in controlling temperature and moisture levels in the attic. Adequate attic floor insulation will minimize air and heat transfer between the attic and the floors below. Proper undamaged insulation in other parts of the attic, like heating ducts, will help control temperature variations and increase moisture levels.

•  Do Not Vent Appliances Directly to the Attic: If the dryer, and kitchen and bathroom vents allow moist air into the attic, mold development is almost inevitable. Ensure that all hot, moist air is vented to the outside.
• Keep the Attic Ventilated: Attic fans are often thought of as being needed only in summer to blow hot air out of the attic. But the fact is that they are essential all year round to circulate the air through the space and prevent moisture buildup. These fans blow stale, humid air out which allows fresh clean air to enter. If you do not have an attic fan, installing one is a cost-effective way to keep the attic dry, fresh, and mold-free.

Of all the things you can and should do to prevent mold growth in the attic, ensuring proper ventilation is one of the most important and also one of the easiest to implement. An attic fan is the most sustainable attic ventilation option. A solar-powered attic fan can run for long hours without affecting your electricity bills. The best of these are from Solatube, the brand leader in attic ventilation solutions. There are several models so finding one that suits your needs is easy. The fans are designed to run not just in the daytime but also for hours at night, so maximum ventilation is achieved. The proprietary ClimaSense Controller can be set for continuous running or to react to changes in humidity and temperature. This is a fit-and-forget attic ventilation system and to find out more, all you need to do is contact the Solatube premier dealer near you to ask for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I prevent mold from growing in my attic?

Regularly check for roof leaks, maintain proper insulation, and ensure good ventilation with an energy-efficient attic fan.

2. What are sustainable attic ventilation options?

Solar-powered attic fans are a sustainable choice that circulate air without increasing energy bills.

3. How does an attic fan help prevent mold?

An attic fan removes moist, stale air and brings in fresh air, reducing humidity that causes mold.

4. What should I inspect in my attic to avoid mold issues?

Look for leaks, damaged insulation, and ensure that appliances vent moisture outside instead of into the attic.

5. Why is proper insulation important for preventing attic mold?

Proper insulation helps control temperature and moisture levels, reducing condensation and mold growth.

6. Where can I get expert attic fan installation in the Bay Area ?

Sunlight Concepts offers professional attic fan installation in the Bay Area, delivering energy-efficient, sustainable ventilation solutions to keep your attic dry and mold-free.

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