Moldy Attic Insulation

The black fungi does not grow on the attic insulation itself.

Moldy attic insulation.

Insulation sheets are a solid color such as white which will make the dirt and mold easy to spot. Attic mold can deteriorate joists rafter and roof decking if left unchecked and it can grow on items that you store in the attic such as books furniture and clothing. If there is significant mold growth on your attic insulation removal and replacement is recommended. Any hi hats or vents should also be covered with plastic and taped securely.

This area is less conducive to mold growth because the insulation is relatively warm compared to the roof sheathing. Place a magnifying glass close to the insulation to observe dirt particles or mold spores that might be forming on your insulation sheets. Moldy insulation is usually wet and compressed which means it isn t doing its job. Inspection of attic revealed moderate mold growth throughout significant areas of attic sheathing.

Moldy wood should be removed and replaced if possible. The most legit explanation to why you might find fungi growth on the top surface of attic insulation is because the dust that drops from the roof sheathing settles on the top on the insulation. When you look for mold on your insulation you ll notice a thin grey or black layer on the top of the insulation. At this time the mold growth has not lead to significant structural damage of the underlying materials.

There are three main reasons we care about insulation in an attic when conducting a mold inspection. Technically the attic insulation cannot support the growth of fungi. When attic or other building surfaces or insulation contain a large reservoir of toxic or allergenic mold and if the area were inaccessible say because the space is too small to enter then it may be necessary to remove some portion of roofing to give access for remediation particularly if there is evidence of transmission of problem mold from that space into the living area. Any duct work in the attic may need to be replaced.

When mold has been discovered in one part of an attic make sure to inspect the entire attic carefully for additional mold growth. Attics usually have a passive ventilation system in which outside air comes in through the soffit eave vents at the bottom warms up in the attic and escapes through the can or ridge vents at the top because hot air rises. Mold in attic insulation. Mold growth on the insulation in an attic is much less common than growth on the sheathing or framing.

Mold growth can be harmful to your health. Elevated moisture content was noted in few areas of gable sheathing where insulation has contacted sheathing. Moldy insulation must be removed and replaced since mold cannot be removed from the contaminated insulation. Insulation or other substances that are contaminated with mold can be sealed in plastic bags and thrown out a window so that mold spores aren t tracked through your house creating new problem areas.