How to Clean Up Attic Mold

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear / New Castle specializes in mold damage restoration, with advanced training in restoration techniques.

You might not think much of mold in your attic since it’s outside your living area. However, it can still wreak havoc. For example, if you’re storing anything in the attic, mold growth could destroy it. Mold also rots wood and can damage your roof, undermining your home’s structural integrity. Additionally, if you’re looking to sell your home, any visible mold could instantly derail the sale.

Why Does Mold Grow in the Attic?

The underside of roof sheathing and attic insulation are some of the most susceptible areas for mold growth. This is due to:  

• Water incursion from a roof or siding leak that has yet to be repaired
• Improperly installed or insufficient insulation that allows heat and moisture to rise from your home into the attic
• Inadequate attic ventilation that allows the attic to heat up and fails to dry up any accumulated moisture
• Incorrect venting from bathrooms, clothes dryers, and kitchen range hoods that send warm, moist air into the attic instead of outside

Tips to Clean Up Attic Mold

If you see mold growing in your attic, your first step is to assess the moisture problem that caused the mold growth and correct it. Without this initial step, you’ll need additional mold remediation in the future. In many cases, you’ll need the help of a professional to determine the cause of the leak and the best way to fix it.

Next, try one or more of these recommended mold removal methods:

• Sand or wire-brush the mold away, vacuum up the debris, wipe down all surfaces with a detergent, and finish with a sealant. This is most effective if there’s little staining or mold penetration.
• Blast the mold away by spraying it with dry ice particles, sand, soda, corn cobs, walnut shells, or glass beads in a pressurized stream. Use this method in tight spaces without fear of damaging the wood’s structural integrity.
• Treat the affected areas with anti-microbial chemicals to kill the mold. This method isn’t always recommended, and it may require a pesticide applicator’s license.
• Remove and replace all affected materials if structural integrity has been compromised.

Many of these attic mold removal methods are difficult or impossible without the help of a professional. At SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you restore your home or commercial property.

Professional Mold Remediation

Here’s why you should leave mold remediation to the professionals at SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle:

Attic mold removal is difficult 

Mold growing on rafters, trusses, or sheathing in the attic is extremely difficult for a layperson to remove. This is because of poor access, tight quarters, uncomfortable temperatures, and unsafe working conditions caused by exposed insulation and roofing nails. Professionals have the tools and experience to perform the job to your expectations.

Post-remediation testing puts your mind at ease 

If any mold remains, it can spread. How will you know if the mold was removed completely? Professional testing can tell you whether adequate cleanup was achieved.

Personal protective equipment is important 

Do you have the gear to protect yourself against harmful mold exposure? At minimum, professionals use an N95 respirator and eye, hand, and clothing protection. 

To make use of today’s best mold removal technology and begin the cleanup process without delay, please contact SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle. With our help, it’ll be “Like it never even happened.”

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bear / New Castle?

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle is locally owned and operated, and serves Bear, New Castle, Glasgow, Christiana, Delaware City, St. Georges, Corbit, Wilmington Manor, Minquadale, and the surrounding New Castle County communities.

Our certified cleaning and restoration specialists are faster to any size disaster. Providing emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

24/7 Fire Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Water Damage Restoration Service - 24/7 Flood Damage Service - 24/7 Sewage Damage & Sewage Removal Service - 24/7 Mold Remediation Service - 24/7 Bio-hazard Cleanup - 24/7 Suicide & Crime Cleanup - 24/7 Board-up and Roof Tarping