Attics, Moisture, and Mold: Part 3

In the first two parts of our three-part blog series on attics, moisture, and mold, our roofing repair company discussed the difference between moisture and humidity, how mold forms, what affects mold growth, and what you can do to prevent it. In this last part, we’ll discuss some lifestyle changes you can make to further prevent mold growth.

Contributing to Moisture

Every day, the average household emits 2-4 gallons of water into the air by doing things like:

• Breathing
• Cooking
• Showering
• Watering plants
• Using a humidifier
• Not properly ventilating dryers, bathrooms, and range hoods

All of this moisture will eventually make its way up into your attic, where it could cause mold growth.

So how can you reduce the moisture you produce?

Make sure you properly ventilate your dryers, bathrooms, and range hoods and run your humidifiers at the right setting. You should also make sure your home is properly insulated and there should be a good vapor barrier between your living space and your attic. Any roof leaks or leaks in your basement should also be taken care of by our roof repair experts.

Be Aware…

There are other seemingly innocent things that can lead to moisture and mold growth in your attic. These include:

• Cedar roofs and siding (which hold a lot of moisture)
• Homes in heavily shaded areas
• Homes that are protected from the wind
• Low-sloped roofs (that don’t allow for much air circulation)
• Soffits blocked by insulation
• Open spaces between your attic and living space (including attic accesses, chimneys, recessed lighting, duct work, etc.)

If you have any of these things, talk to our roofing repair experts about how you can counteract their effect on moisture. Remember: no one thing you do will prevent mold growth, but the more steps you take, the greater chance you’ll have of preventing it.