Cold Climate Attic Mold

Particularly in cold climates when homeowners heat their homes in winter hot air tends to escape through the attic.

Cold climate attic mold.

Although mold and mildew growth can be a problem all year long it s especially easy for it to become an issue during the winter and early spring. This occurs efficiently in attics with proper ventilation but attic mold can occur if the hot air meets the cold surface of the attic roof and creates condensation. Dryer vents plumbing vents kitchen or bathroom fans vented into the attic. Also it will not lose its energy saving capabilities over time.

Mold in attics is due to moisture in the attic. This makes it especially easy to spot. Can lights wall drywall junctions wall framing members ductwork bathroom vents etc. The chief cause of attic mold is poor ventilation.

In cold climates the primary purpose of attic ventilation is to maintain a cold roof temperature to avoid ice dams created by melting snow tobiasson et al. When an attic is stuffy that indicates you have a ventilation problem which often results in mold problems. If the attic is not properly vented to allow the moisture to escape moisture will build up and condensation will occur on the underside of a cold roof in the winter. Mold in your attic is not the biggest concern.

It is caused by excessive moisture from air movement from humid air in your home to a low humid attic with lower temperatures. This is often because when warm air rises into the attic space or meets a cold wall or window condensation can build up providing the perfect habitat for mold or mildew to proliferate. While damp and warm climates are a prime breeding ground for our fuzzy friend other conditions that bring mold include lack of ventilation and proper sheathing. It will put less stress on your attic floor does not require any additional fire retardant material it will not rot or decay it s eco friendly and will not support mold insects or vermin.

Energy efficient measures taken during construction had contributed to the development of cold attic syndrome where air conditioning ducts in a ventilated but cool attic in a hot humid climate are prone to excessive condensation. For cold climates loose fill fiberglass insulation is the best as it has an r value of 60. Frost buildup on the underside of the roof sheathing in winter when it s cold enough outside water vapor in an attic with improper ventilation can freeze on the underside of your roof. High humidity in a space like an attic can lead to mold and a spill in a carpeted area of your home that isn t quickly taken care of can also lead to mold under the carpet.

Various building design features had contributed to significant negative pressure and infiltration of exterior humid air into the occupied space resulting in excessive humidity in the home and in interior wall cavities. The source of moisture in the attic is from moisture in the home.