Attic Insulation Mold Problems

If you re layering insulation atop other insulation don t use the kind that has kraft face finish i e paper or foil backing.

Attic insulation mold problems.

Health problems associated with mold in the home including mold in attic are wide ranging and include things like difficulty breathing asthma attacks the development of asthma in people previously unaffected by the disease upper respiratory infections sinus infections headaches sore throats fatigue and allergy symptoms. Insulation installed too close to sheathing leading to mold growth. When an attic is stuffy that indicates you have a ventilation problem which often results in mold problems. Pull up and dispose of any material that s compressed water stained or moldy it s useless.

If the home doesn t have an adequate vapor barrier and there are leaks then that water absorbs into traditional forms of insulation like fiberglass and cellulose. This moisture feeds mold growth. Courtesy of department of energy. Mold is one of the more common issues found in attic insulation.

Causes of mold 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. Because these are not vapor impermeable moisture can easily migrate through the insulation and cause mold and rot on the roof sheathing. A musty smell in the attic. Insulation may also be affected by other factors such as harbored allergens toxins or mold.

This makes it especially easy to spot. Insulation problems related to age include old and deteriorating insulation to fallen insulation within the attic s interior walls. The mold and mildew begin to grow which can be a health hazard for everyone in the home including pets. 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.

If left unaddressed these problems have the potential to sicken your loved ones. Mold in your attic can compromise the roof structure and ruin your indoor air making your home smell musty and exposing your family to harmful mold spores. When an attic is stuffy that indicates you have a ventilation problem which often results in mold problems. Grab a tape measure and a flashlight to see what kind of insulation you already have in the attic and how deep it is.

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. Then use the numbers in the chart at right to estimate its r value. Frost buildup on the underside of the roof sheathing in winter. Unfortunately improper installation or choosing the wrong kind of insulation causes moisture from the lower levels of the home to rise and get trapped in the attic.