Mid-Atlantic Gutters & More
11860 Belair Road
Kingsville, MD 21087
In Business Since 1988
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In Business Since 1988
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Mildew In Attic
Mildew In The Attic
Of all the places in your home, the attic is the most susceptible to mildew and mold growth.
It’s hot and humid, with an abundance of food material, and it is rarely disturbed by people. This means it can grow undisturbed for years. Add a little moisture to the equation, and mildew is almost guaranteed.
Where does this moisture come from? Most often, it is the result of a faulty roof. If this is the case, it’s important to act fast before the issue progresses.
Signs of Mildew in the Attic
There are a few telltale signs of mildew in the attic.
First, you might be able to see it. Mildew will look like a thin black or grey stain on the plywood or insulation. You might also be able to smell it – a scent of wet wood and stagnant, stuffy air.
If you notice issues in other areas of your house, you will want to check the attic for mildew. For example, if the ceiling leaks, the culprit could be water buildup in the attic.
What Causes Mildew in the Attic?
The leading casue of attic mold is poor ventilation. Typically, attics have a passive ventilation system. Outside air comes in through the soffit vents at the bottom of the roof. As the air heats up, it rises and escapes through vents on the roof.
You can check the ventilation by turning off all the lights on a sunny day. You should be able to see points of light peeking through the attic ceiling. Make sure the vents are open and unblocked.
You should also see light coming in through the corner edges – these are the vents in the eaves. This is a key component of attic ventilation that, unfortunately, many homes are missing.
Another likely cause is a leak in the roof. This is probably the case if the mildew growth is small and localized. Check vents, chimneys, attic windows, and flashing. These features could be improperly installed, leading to water leaking through the gaps.
Other problem areas are roof valleys, where two parts of the roof meet at a low angle.
How to Get Rid of Mildew in the Attic
Mold and mildew can be removed with chemical cleaners. However, it can be dangerous to breathe in these conditions and difficult to know for sure if you’ve removed the mildew completely.
The help of mold experts might be necessary.
You will also need to fix the issue causing the mildew, or else it will return. A consultation from a roofing expert will expose any issues with ventilation or moisture.
Roofing Repair & Replacement in MD
Mold or mildew in the attic is often a sign of a bigger problem. Mid-Atlantic Gutters & Roofing can help.
We are a locally owned business that provides affordable and dependable roofing services that you can trust. Backed by lasting warranties, high-quality materials, and outstanding customer service, we are the supreme choice for roof repair and replacement.
Call Mid-Atlantic Gutters & Roofing to begin your project today!