What Causes Mold Attic?
Mold in the attic of a home is caused by moisture, usually due to roof leaks, poor ventilation, or possibly even both. These moisture problems can usually be fixed relatively easily, and should be completed before the mold is professionally cleaned and removed. When mold is found in the attic of a home, it is likely that mold is growing elsewhere in the living area. Calling a professional Cincinnati mold remediation company to do a mold test is a good idea.
Roofing Ventilation
While the roof shingles and frame of your home may be in perfect condition, inadequate ventilation systems can easily lead to mold growth. Homeowners usually do not realize that moisture can penetrate the attic from the daily activities of family life. The average family of four will generate 2 to 4 gallons of vapor a day. This vapor enters the attic through various openings such as light cans, light fixtures, duct openings, bathroom fans and other avenues leading to attic access. This vapor will condense when the temperature turns cold because the air cannot hold as much moisture as the temperature decreases. The condensation will form, mainly on the roof deck’s underside, when warm air escapes from the heated areas of the home into the unheated attic space.
Attic moisture problems can usually be solved by installing a balanced ventilation system in the attic, where the soffit vents serve as the intake vents, and ridge vents or roof vents work as the exhaust vents.
This new ventilation system will continuously move air out of the attic. If properly installed, the system will utilize wind that blows across the ridge of the home, forcing air to be removed from the attic through the ridge vents. At the same time, air is being drawn in through the soffit vents. This results in a continuous flow of air “washing” the underside of the roof. Any gable vents must be blocked or these will disrupt the airflow.
If a proper ridge vent cannot be installed, then roof mounted louvered box vents can used. However, the number of these vents, and their placement on the roof, must be carefully calculated.
Our Cincinnati roofing experts can examine your attic and your current ventilation system to ascertain your home’s capability to prevent moisture buildup in the attic. We can provide you with various options if your home needs better ventilation in the attic.
There are other benefits found from proper attic ventilation:
- The roof deck will last longer because it will not be exposed to moisture.
- Preventing the growth of mold will help ensure a healthy living environment.
- The attic temperature will be better in the summer resulting in a more comfortable living environment and lower cooling costs.
Cincinnati Roofing & Ventilation Professionals
For a thorough examination of the roof’s venting system on your Cincinnati area home and FREE Roofing estimate, contact the roofing specialists at Harper Siding and Roofing today.