Cold Climate Attic Mold

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.

Cold climate attic mold.

When an attic is stuffy that indicates you have a ventilation problem which often results in mold problems. 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. 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. 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.

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. For cold climates loose fill fiberglass insulation is the best as it has an r value of 60. The chief cause of attic mold is poor ventilation. This makes it especially easy to spot.

The source of moisture in the attic is from moisture in the home. It is caused by excessive moisture from air movement from humid air in your home to a low humid attic with lower temperatures. Related to 3 above this practice can pump warm moist air into the attic where it can be trapped and begin the cycle of mold growth. Also it will not lose its energy saving capabilities over time.

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. 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. 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.

Mold in your attic is not the biggest concern. You should remedy this by air sealing areas in your attic. Particularly in cold climates when homeowners heat their homes in winter hot air tends to escape through the attic. 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.

Can lights wall drywall junctions wall framing members ductwork bathroom vents etc. Mold in attics is due to moisture in the attic.