MYTHS ABOUT ATTIC MOLD – BUSTED 2024

Last Updated on January 22, 2024

If you have ever ventured into your attic, you may have discovered a moldy surprise. The first thing most homeowners do is an internet search, which will likely provide you with some inaccurate search results which will only cause you to panic. Let us help you clear up a few myths about removing mold from an attic so you can understand what you are up against when you find attic mold and can make an informed decision about the next steps.

Here are a few myths about attic mold and attic mold removal you should know before hiring a professional mold removal company to remediate your attic.

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   Myth: You must replace the attic insulation.

False: The truth is mold cannot grow on insulation- which is man made, it can only grow on something organic. The replacement of attic insulation is required if the attic insulation is old, the wrong type or compromised by pests. Another reason you may have to replace the insulation in the attic is many mold removal companies use a method called “dry ice or soda blasting” which puts a lot of debris in the insulation rendering it useless. The Mold Guy uses a method called “chemical cleaning” which is sprayed on the sheathing and trusses to kill the mold. The overspray does not damage the insulation, keeping it intact.

2. Myth: Painting the attic is an effective method of mold removal and a cheaper method of attic mold removal

False: Never allow anyone to paint your attic. The moisture becomes trapped between the wood and the paint, and that’s where the mold will continue to grow. Eventually it begins to chip off and the only way to remove the mold at this point is to completely replace the boards; which will eventually cost you 10’s of thousands of dollars.

3. Myth: Mold in your attic can affect your air quality.

False: If your ceiling is structurally sound and the attic hatch is properly sealed, there should be no airflow from the attic into the rest of your home thus not impacting your indoor air quality.

4. Myth: Attic Mold can only be caused by a leak in the roof.

False: Attic mold is caused by excess moisture due to one, or a combination of reasons:

• Poor or Improper Ventilation: lack of roof vents, lack of soffit vents, and/or blocked soffit vents by either insulation or wood.
• Improperly Installed Exhaust Ducts: Ducts from the bathroom, kitchen or laundry venting directly into the attic rather than outside, uninsulated exhaust ducts.
• Insulation: Inadequate quality insulation, too little or too much insulation, compromised insulation by animal infestation (usually mice) or displaced by contractors.
• Roof leaks
• Improperly installed pot lights
• Ice damming

When you find out you have an attic mold issue, call The Mold Guy, your Toronto Mold Removal professionals and let us help you!