Attic Mold – Common Causes and Cures
Attic – ventilation and air movement
Attic mold
Mold in attic areas can be challenging at times in regards to determining the exact cause and source of mold growth. However, there are some common conditions that we routinely find during our Mold Investigations that contribute to mold growth in attics.
Roof Leaks
Penetrations in roof systems are common sources of water intrusion into attic spaces. Improper flashing, deteriorated rubber boot flashing, missing or improperly installed flashing around chimneys or other penetration points, and inadequate roof repairs are common causes of roof leaks. Also, water seepage occurs when the roof is beyond the end of its life span and failing. Water damage and mold growth is a common result of roof leaking conditions. Annual inspection of your roof by a roofing specialist and routine maintenance can prevent leaks in the roof system, reducing the likelihood of mold growth in your attic.
Inadequate Roof Ventilation
The lack of proper roof ventilation is a conducive condition to mold growth in attics. Without adequate ventilation, moisture laden air remains in the attic area, often times causing elevated moisture conditions at the roof framing and roof sheathing. During cold winter months, condensation can occur on the cold roof sheathing, creating elevated moisture conditions.
Another common cause of inadequate ventilation is when insulation is blown into the attic and care is not taken to prevent the insulation from blocking the soffit vents. Soffit vents are critical in a passive ventilation system in order to move the air from the lower portion of the attic (intake soffit vents) to the upper roof vents (exhaust vents). Adding additional ventilation ports or a powered roof vent can oftentimes improve and correct inadequate roof ventilation conditions.
Bath & Kitchen Exhaust fans vented into the attic
Exhaust fans should be vented directly to the exterior of the home. However, this often is not the case. When the exhaust fan is missing its exhaust duct or the duct has become separated, that exhaust air is vented directly into the attic space, oftentimes contributing to microbial growth.
Missing or inadequate attic insulation
Attic insulation not only is important in energy conservation, but proper insulation levels can also reduce the chance of mold growth in attics. As air travels up through the structure, insulation provides a barrier to slow the rate of conditioned air loss into the attic area. When an attic has missing insulation, the air movement increases significantly and that warm air can cause condensation conditions on cold roof sheathing. The moisture conditions resulting from such condensation is a catalyst for mold growth. Check your insulation and make sure that you have good and even coverage throughout the entire attic, especially at the lower North side areas.
Gaps or openings in ceilings
Unsealed openings in ceilings, around exhaust fans, can lights, speakers, etc. allow warm conditioned air to escape into the attic area. Sealing all penetrations in the ceiling can be an important preventative step in reducing mold growth in attics.
Finally, we frequently get asked, why is mold in an attic a big deal? While it is true that attic areas are not generally considered living spaces and air communication from upper attic areas to the living space below is relatively uncommon (in most normal situations), attic mold should still be a concern. Why? Because it is possible that if negative pressure conditions exist or occur in the home, air containing mold spores could potentially be drawn from that attic area into the living space. In addition, attic mold is usually an indication of other defects or conditions that could lead to costly repairs down the road. Such as water damage, Mold contamination in the finished living areas, wood destroying organisms and other moisture related conditions. Now go check your attic and if you see unusual staining or mold-like conditions, call a mold professional for a full assessment and appropriate testing.
by Craig Cooper, Mold Inspection Sciences
The Basics of Mold Remediation – Part I of III – Containment of the Affected Area
Mold Remediation Containment
Mold remediation HEPA Filtered Negative Air Machine
One of the main intents of an initial mold inspection is to identify whether or not you have a mold problem. This can obviously lead to one of two outcomes: 1) You do not have a mold problem and your concerns were alleviated through a thorough mold inspection and/or testing, or 2) You do have a mold problem and proper mold remediation should be performed. I don’t know about you, but I would be hoping for option one. But, unfortunately, a lot of people end up in situation number two. The next step to properly address the situation is to enlist a certified, competent remediation contractor to perform mold remediation (removal of mold) in the affected area. This can be a pretty in depth process, but for the sake of this article (and the next two to follow) we shall break it down into three basic steps.
Part I – Containment of the affected area
When a remediation project is initiated, the first step is to set up containment (isolation) of the affected area. One of the concerns when indoor mold is present is the resulting airborne mold spores. Containment will help control the spread of these spores, while assisting the remediation contractor in returning the affected area to normal conditions. The act of removing or disturbing a mold source tends to distribute large quantities of mold spores into the air. If proper containment is not utilized, this can affect adjacent spaces to the work area and cause cross contamination.
The first step to setting up containment of the work area is installing a HEPA Filtered Negative Air machine. This is a fan that is set within the work area which pulls air from the area which is typically exhausted outside of the structure via flexible tubing or ducting. Doing this will begin to draw any airborne mold spores away from the airspace eventually creating a negative pressure environment, which we will be discuss later in this article.
Step two is to install physical barriers in the work area. This is most typically done with the use of heavy plastic. The main goal when creating this physical barrier is to completely isolate the work area from any adjacent, non-affected areas. For example, if mold is present in one room of your home and the adjacent areas have not been affected, the room must be isolated. Depending on the layout, the doorway would be completely sealed with plastic. All HVAC systems or shared airways between other rooms would be taped or covered in plastic. All electrical outlets and light fixtures would be covered. In essence, any area that could allow air communication between the work area and other non-affected areas should be properly sealed.
Once step one and two are completed, a negative pressure environment should be created. A negative pressure environment simply means that the air pressure within the work space is less than the air pressure in the areas surrounding that space. This is achieved when the volume of air being pulled out of the space (through the negative air machine) is greater than the volume of air being pulled into the space. As a result of this negative air pressure within the work space, any mold spores that become airborne through the remediation efforts are being controlled, preventing them from affecting the adjacent spaces and flushing them away from the indoor environment which is necessary when attempting to return the area to normal conditions.
Once these steps have been completed, the remediation contractor would then begin Part II of a basic mold remediation project. Stay tuned for what happens next…
by Brandon Apple, Mold Inspection Sciences
May 11, 2012 at 9:20 am brandon4moldinspectionsciences Leave a comment
I Think I Have a Mold Problem — Where Do I Start? What Do I Do?
It’s not everyday that people have to deal with a potential mold problem. For most people, the thought of a mold problem in the home or workplace is scary and confusing. There is so much information on the Internet, much of it is conflicting and lots of it is wrong. Questions that come to people’s mind’s when they believe they may have a mold problem:
- Will the mold make me and my family sick?
- Do I actually have a mold problem, or is it just “mildew”?
- If I have a mold problem, will it be expensive to diagnose or remedy?
- Is all mold toxic?
- Is all mold dangerous?
- What type of company should I use to inspect and test my home?
- How do I know who I can trust?
- Who is qualified to inspect and test my home?
- If I am a renter, who should pay for the mold inspection and testing?
Most of the questions above can be answered by a qualified, mold inspection and testing professional. One of the first and the most important steps is to find a qualified mold inspection and testing company. Here is what I suggest if you believe you may have a mold problem.
- If you see visible mold-like growth or believe a room has a mold problem, avoid that room if you can.
- Find a qualified company to inspect and test your home or workplace.*
- Follow the recommendations of the company as stated in their inspection report and perform any mold remediation work that they recommend.
*How do you find a “qualified” company?
- Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations.
- Search the Internet. Look for quality company websites that are informative and don’t use scare tactics.
- A qualified company will a) have a good record with the Better Business Bureau, b) carry quality certifications from organizations like the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC), c) carry General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance (also known as Errors and Omissions insurance). The latter is the most important and differentiates the true professional companies from “fly by night” organizations., d) have good reviews and testimonials from past clients, and e) utilize an independent, accredited lab for their sample analysis.
- Ask to see a sample mold inspection report. Does the company do good work? Is the sample report complete, easy to read, and contain color photographs?
- Look for referrals from The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) or The Amercian Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC)
- Does the company answer their phone? Do they respond to web and email inquiries in a timely manner?
- Is the person you speak to on the phone professional? Are they patient and do they spend time to answer your questions?
Try not to feel overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time. The key is finding the right company to help you.
Here are a few places to go to perform research for mold related issues:
- www.iaqa.org
- www.epa.gov/mold
- www.planetmold.com
- http://allaboutmold.wiki.zoho.com/
- www.moldsci.com
- www.emlab.com
by Michael Bains, President, Mold Inspection Sciences
5 Critical Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Mold Inspector
Choosing a mold consulting company can be a difficult process; especially when you have health concerns regarding your indoor environment. You may be thinking to yourself…can I trust this company? Will they follow through with what they promise on their website or over the phone? Are they qualified to determine if I have a mold problem in my home or business? Are they going to use scare tactics to try to sell me something I don’t need?
When selecting a mold inspection company, be sure to ask, at minimum, the following questions:
1. Do you also provide mold remediation or cleaning services?
In my opinion, it is a conflict of interest to perform both the initial investigation/testing AND profit from the cleaning/remediation of mold. It is in your best interest to use an unbiased and neutral third-party for your initial investigation and testing. The bottom line is: your mold inspector should not profit from the discovery of mold.
2. Can you provide me with a past client referral list or client testimonials?
Quality companies value hearing back from their clients and they should have a long list of satisfied customers. Many even obtain personal statements from past clients who endorse their services. If the company you are considering cannot or will not provide you with past client testimonials, then consider continuing your search.
3. Are you a member in good standing with the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?
The BBB can be a great resource to locate quality, ethical and honest mold companies. Look for companies that have no complaints and a solid rating.
4. Are You Certified?
Most states do not require any formal certification or licensing to perform mold investigations and testing. However, there are organizations that provide independent certifications for mold investigation and sampling. The ACAC is the best of those organizations. The ACAC requires a minimum number of years of field experience, successfully passing a stringent certification exam, and obtaining continuing education credits annually. Make sure your mold professional is certified by a credible organization.
5. And finally, do you carry Professional Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions insurance, commonly called E&O insurance)?
Most quality companies carry general liability (GL) insurance. However, E&O insurance is expensive and cost prohibitive for most mold inspection firms. The vast majority of mold inspectors do not carry this form of insurance that provides you with a higher level of protection.
Best of luck with your search for a quality mold inspection company. I hope these questions help.
by Craig Cooper, Mold Inspection Sciences
The Importance of an Outside Control Sample
Part of a proper mold investigation, is collecting ambient air samples in relation to suspect conditions within a home. This helps us determine if there are “suspect” or “elevated” airborne mold spore types and/or concentrations. This not only helps us in determining if hidden mold sources are likely, it helps us determine the overall impact mold is having on the environment and in turn allows us to give proper recommendations for remediation (the removal of mold).
To properly asses the indoor conditions, we must first collect an outside control, or baseline sample. This is necessary because we always have to remember that airborne mold spores are everywhere, so even a home that does not have a mold “problem” will have some mold spores within the air. For a sample to be considered “normal” it should be somewhat consistent with the outside control sample taken that at that same day and time. In general indoor spore counts should be roughly 75% of the outdoor counts and usually proportionately similar in terms of spore types.
We do get asked all the time though “well, why can’t we just use averages from previous samples to determine a baseline?” Great question, and at first glance it does seem like a reasonable method, but in reality it just doesn’t work that way. Averages are used to some degree in the analysis of air samples, but an average is just that, an average. The spore types and concentrations in our environment can swing drastically due to multiple factors that influence our environment. Mold is a living organism, and therefore it reacts to its environment conditions. So, if it has been wet and rainy out and the mold sources are, let’s say happy, then they may not be actively sporelating and releasing mold spores into the air. On the flip side of that, when conditions are dry, mold sources typically begin sporelating in an effort to spread out and find additional water and/or food sources. On windy days, we sometimes see very high spore concentrations. And when there is snow on the ground, we will typically see very low spore concentrations.
As a result of all of these influencing factors, it becomes apparent that averages just do not give us enough information to properly assess indoor airborne mold conditions. To fully understand if there is a mold “problem” within a home, it is important to have as much information as possible. And a big piece of information that helps us do that, is analysis of airborne mold spore concentrations as compared to an outside control sample. If you believe you have a mold problem, consider engaging a competent and certified mold investigation specialist to perform a thorough mold investigation and proper mold sampling.
by Brandon Apple, Mold Inspection Sciences
April 19, 2012 at 8:57 pm brandon4moldinspectionsciences 1 comment
The Best and Most Trusted Mold Inspection and Testing Related Certifications
The ACAC offers the best, accredited certification programs available for mold inspectors. Many mold inspectors simply have a “training certificate”. There is a difference between “training certificates” and accredited certifications.
Training is vocational schooling. When a student completes a training course, he/she earns a training certificate or diploma. The student owns the training certificate and can add it to his/her curriculum vitae. No further requirements are necessary.
Certifications are affidavits of industry knowledge – knowledge beyond a course curriculum. When an individual demonstrates knowledge, he/she earns a certification designation. The individual does not own the designation, but may renew it after meeting its requirements.
Accredited Certifications are professional credentials qualified and recognized by one of three independent organizations. Certification programs accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) must require verifiable field experience. ACAC certifications are accredited by the CESB.
Among other items, the ACAC mold certifications require:
- Minimum years of verifiable field experience;
- Difficult certification exams,
- ACAC unanimous board approval; and
- Re-certification every two years with a minimum of 40 continuing education credits
When looking to hire a professional mold inspector, look for a company and inspectors that have reputable licenses, certifications, and ones that belong to industry leading organizations like the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA).
by Michael Bains, President, Mold Inspection Sciences
Invasive Exploration for Mold
The majority of our mold and moisture investigations are considered “non-invasive”. This means that our inspectors do not cut open walls and ceilings, we don’t remove bathroom or kitchen fixtures, nor do we lift carpeting or flooring materials. There are two primary reasons for this approach. Number one, if there is hidden mold, we don’t want to cause airborne mold spore contamination by exposing and disturbing the mold. Number two, performing invasive exploration can cause damage (intentional or unintentional) to a home. But, sometimes to fully understand a mold problem, or to be able to fully remedy a mold problem, invasive exploration is necessary. So, who should do it?
The best person to perform invasive exploration for mold is a mold remediation professional. They have the tools and expertise to place a testing area under containment using specific engineering controls. This containment will prevent the spread of airborne mold spores should mold be found during the exploration.
We will make the recommendation for invasive exploration for mold when we believe hidden mold is possible. For example, if during a typical mold inspection at a personal residence, we find an actively wet wall in a bathroom. We will recommend ambient mold air sampling and sometimes a wall cavity sample. If both of those samples are negative, we will recommend that the wall be opened (invasive exploration for mold). Since the wall is wet and sealed from the ambient air in the bathroom, it is possible that there is hidden mold in the wall even though the air sample was normal or negative. Should mold be found in the wall during the exploration, it will need to be professionally removed. If no mold is found, the source of water will need to be repaired, but no professional mold remediation is required.
Invasive exploration is also an integral part of professional mold remediation. If for example, we definitively discover a mold problem under a kitchen sink, we will recommend invasive testing under, beside, behind, and below that cabinet to look for mold that we cannot see in our visual investigation. This invasive exploration will continue to approximately 18 inches beyond the last visible mold growth and water damage.
Invasive exploration for mold is another important tool used in professional mold investigations. It is generally used to collect secondary data and is not always required as part of a professional mold inspection.
by Michael Bains, President, Mold Inspection Sciences
We Live, Eat and Breath Mold
The other day, I was on a call with a client. We had performed a mold inspection and microbial testing for them, and their results were… let’s say less than typical. There were a lot of possibilities, and sources, and we talked through all of their options as far as moving forward. At the end of the conversation, the client thanked me, and said that I seemed to know a lot about mold, and my time was appreciated. I replied with a simple joke: “Hey, it’s not hard when all you have done for the past 10 years is live, eat and breathe mold”. We had ourselves a good chuckle, and ended our conversation there. But, it didn’t quite end in my mind, and I started thinking about that comment. What I realized is that we all live, eat and breathe mold every day of our lives. Let me explain:
We Live Mold – Mold in our homes is definitely considered to be a bad thing. However, mold outside of our homes is actually a necessary organism, and adds to a healthy ecosystem. Its purpose is to break down dead, organic material such as plants, trees and animals. Without mold, those materials would just sit around, and start to pile up, and let’s face it, make the world a pretty yucky place. If it weren’t for mold, we would live in a very different world. It could even stand to reason that if there was not mold, humans as we know ourselves might not be around today. So, in essence, we live, in part, due to mold.
We Eat (and drink) Mold - This is an easy one. Mold is actually used in multiple types of food. Whether it be the mold used in the production of certain cheeses, or fungi (which is in the same family as mold) used to create bread, wine and beer. So, I guess you could say we all eat (and drink) mold.
We Breathe Mold - Believe it or not, we all inhale mold on a day-to-day basis. In fact, 99% of you reading this right now probably just took a breath that had some good old mold spores in it. Mold, because it is a natural part of our environment, is everywhere! Mold spores, which is what a mold source uses for reproduction and spreading out looking for new food and water sources, are most commonly distributed via airflow. This is happening on a daily basis outside, and as a result the spores are widely spread throughout our environment. As a result, those spores infiltrate our home through open windows and doors, through invisible cracks in the home envelope, through natural and mechanical ventilation, and on our clothes and contents coming into the home. Almost every breath you take will invariably have some amount of mold spores within it. So, every single one of us breathes mold on a daily basis.
When you put all this together, you find that we all “Live, eat and breathe mold”. That being said though, as with everything there can be too much of a good thing. When mold is originating from an indoor source, and we are exposed to excessive amounts of mold spores and/or byproducts of mold (mycotoxins), we can experience health effects. If you believe that you might have a mold problem within your home, the best thing you can do is consult with a certified Mold Investigation Specialist. Through a thorough mold investigation and microbial sampling process, they can help you determine if you are dealing with normal mold conditions, or something that needs to be professionally remedied.
by Brandon Apple, Mold Inspection Sciences
March 31, 2012 at 1:08 pm brandon4moldinspectionsciences Leave a comment
Common Mold Myths- Part 2
There are many misconceptions regarding mold. Here are a few more Common Mold Myths.
Myth # 4: Mold growth cannot be controlled in bathrooms
One of the most common areas to find mold is in bathrooms. The following are a few tips to prevent or significantly reduce mold growth in bathrooms:
- The first and most important preventative measure is to control moisture conditions. Showering and bathing produces high levels of moisture and if not properly vented to the exterior of the home through adequate mechanical ventilation, mold growth will likely occur. Bath fans should be quiet in operation to encourage regular use, properly sized for the dimensions of the room and should be operated for approximately 30 minutes after showering.
- Another preventative measure is to use a small squeegee or towel to remove the water from the enclosure walls and shower door after showering.
- Maintain grout and caulking conditions to prevent moisture intrusion, water damage, and potential microbial growth.
- Consider eliminating carpeting and wallpaper. Mold is commonly found behind wallpaper and under carpeting in bathrooms.
- Inspect areas below sinks and around toilets regularly for leaks. Do not put off repairing plumbing leaks or Mold growth could result.
Myth # 5: If I don’t see mold- then there can’t be a problem
Mold can exist in non-accessible areas of the home such as behind or under cabinets, below flooring, behind base trim, inside wall cavities, behind wallpaper and inside ceiling plenums. Use your nose… If you notice a musty or mold-like odor, it is possible that you have a mold problem. Microbial testing of the ambient air and inner wall cavity testing by a Certified Microbial Investigator is often needed to detect hidden mold conditions.
Myth # 6: If I have Mold- It’s my fault
The truth of the matter is that occupants can and do sometimes contribute to mold growth. For example, mold growth can occur if the indoor humidity levels become excessive. Excessive humidity often occurs due to the lack of proper ventilation when showering, cooking and doing laundry. Aside from that, if the indoor relative humidity (moisture in the air) is maintained between 30%-50% and you still have a mold problem, then the blame can often be placed somewhere else. Many times, a Mold investigation may determine that the cause of the mold problem is actually due to conditions such as, hidden water intrusion, plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and inadequate or nonexistent ventilation conditions. A specially trained Mold Investigator can often times detect those conditions that most commonly cause mold growth. Be proactive and enlist the services of a professional if you suspect a mold problem.
by Craig Cooper, Mold Inspection Sciences
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Clients often ask us “what are the symptoms of mold exposure”? Below are some of the common symptoms:
- Respiratory problems; including difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath;
- Sinus and nasal congestion and irritation;
- Irritation of the eyes — watery, burning, red;
- Coughing;
- Sore and/or dry throat;
- Skin rashes and irritations;
- Problems with sense of smell;
- Typical symptoms normally associated with a cold or allergies; and
- Memory problems, odd mood swings, nose bleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occasionally reported in mold cases.
Mold exposure can also exacerbate other illnesses and conditions, including asthma. These symptoms are often worse for the young, elderly, or people with compromised immune systems.
If you have any of these symptoms and you believe they may be related to mold, it’s prudent to engage a mold inspection and testing professional to perform an analysis of your home and/or place of work.
by Michael Bains, President, Mold Inspection Sciences
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