Fungus: excellent on pizza, not in your attic.

July 9, 2019
When you think of Portland or Seattle, what comes to mind? Blazers, Seahawks, great wine, great food - sure. However, clouds and rain are most likely at the top of that list. The damp weather that we’ve grown accustomed can be difficult to keep molds and fungus at bay, or what we call microbial growth. And attics are the perfect incubator for these nasty microbes. Short of keeping a webcam in your attic (out of sight, out of mind) here are five keys to keeping your attic microbial growth free.

1. Water intrusion from a leaking roof is a common cause of microbial growth. Confirm your roof is tight and leak proof.

2. The bathroom ventilation, in some homes, exit by way of the attic and through the roof. Make sure that ductwork is sealed, secure, and continuous. If not, warm moist air will blow directly into your attic and can cause unwanted visitors.

3. A well-insulated attic stops moisture from escaping your house and entering your attic. It also helps with your home’s energy costs.

4. Air ventilation is essential; it makes for a cooler attic in the Summers but also reduces moisture and heat buildup. Air from outside enters the attic by way of soffit vents (under the eaves) and exits through turtle vents (top of roof). These should be clear and unencumbered.

5. Is it mold, or is it dirt? Not everything is mold, and for that matter, the scary “black mold.” Proper testing is the only way to know for sure what kind of growth you’re dealing with. Don’t get too worried, but if you have concerns, call a professional.

Microbial growth causes silent destruction in our attics: wood rot, ruined drywall, and overall structural deterioration. If you discover an issue and feel there’s more than meets the eye, contact a company with experience. It’s crucial to remove microbial growth adequately but also understand where the problem began in the first place. Crossing our fingers you don’t have any of these issues, but we’re here to help if you do
Categories: Remediation