How To Get Rid Of Mould In The Attic

CONTENTS

• What causes mould in attics?
• The effects of mould in attics
• How to remove mould from the attic
• Preventing mould in the attic
• Book your mould remediation today

The attic provides mould with the ideal environment it needs to grow, thrive, and spread into an extensive problem. To protect your property from serious damage, bring in mould removal professionals as soon as you spot it growing in your home. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer thorough, efficient mould remediation services. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians are available nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year to deal with your mould problem. 

Keep reading to learn what causes mould to grow in your attic and how to remove it. 

What causes mould in attics?

Mould grows in environments that contain excess moisture, oxygen, warmth, and organic material. Attics often provide mould with plenty of its requirements, particularly if there are roof leaks or other moisture problems. 

It can also trap humidity from activities like showering or cooking which can result in condensation. This will make the surfaces in the attic damp. 

Poor ventilation which is very common in attics can exacerbate the damp conditions. This is because as there is little to no fresh air which can expel the stale, humid air.

Most attics are usually full of wooden structures, as well. As an organic material, mould can feed off wood and therefore thrive on it. It can quickly take over the entire attic space. Mould can even grow on the dust on your insulation. 

The effects of mould in attics

Mould is a dangerous fungus that produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes even toxic substances. When inhaled, ingested, or touched, it can pose a number of health risks. You could experience a range of problems including an allergic reaction, respiratory infections, asthma attacks, and sick building syndrome. 

People that are elderly or very young, people with skin and respiratory conditions, and people with weakened immune systems can suffer more serious reactions. 

Mould also feeds off organic material, like wood, causing it to slowly degrade over time. This can affect its structural integrity. It can even eat through other building materials like ceiling tiles and plasterboard, resulting in extensive damage.

Should you store anything up there, the mould in your attic will likely spread to it. This can cause your possessions to be slowly degraded and discoloured.

How to remove mould from the attic

Although there are plenty of DIY mould cleaning methods shared online, you should always leave it to professionals. 

Firstly attic mould remediation is particularly challenging. They are often cramped space and getting to all the mould can be difficult. Mould removal must be thorough as any left behind can quickly grow back. 

The DIY solutions shared online are usually not that effective, either, and some can make the situation worse. Aggravating the mould, such as by scrubbing it vigorously, can cause spores to spread, encouraging more growth around the attic and even the home. 

Some recommend hard chemicals, as well, such as bleach and ammonia, which produce harmful fumes. In a confined space with limited ventilation, this is particularly dangerous. 

Mould remediation professionals can take this entire complex and hazardous process off your hands. They will have the specialist tools and products for thorough attic mould removal. They will also have the appropriate personal protective equipment so they can safely clean the mould. 

They can even isolate the affected area to stop disturbed mould spores floating around to the rest of your property.

Mould specialists can even diagnose the cause of the mould in your home and advise on how best to prevent it so you can keep your home mould-free in the future. 

Preventing mould in the attic

Firstly, make sure there is proper ventilation in your attic. There are lots of different ventilation systems to choose from including ridge vents and soffit vents. 

You should also regularly inspect it for signs of poor attic ventilation to see if it's sufficient. This will get rid of humid air and lower the chances of condensation forming. 

Make sure pipes and tanks are property isolated, as well, because when they get cold, the warm humid air can condense on them, making the surface damp. Dehumidifiers may also help keep humidity levels low all day. Below 50% is ideal to prevent mould growth. 

You should have any leaks fixed immediately by professionals, too. Check regularly around chimneys and roof intersections to catch small leakages before they become a major issue. You can learn more about how to prevent mould in your attic in this blog. 

Book your mould remediation today

Our nine-stage mould treatment process can eliminate all the mould in your property, including mould in the air. Our technicians have plenty of experience remediating mould in domestic and commercial properties. We offer a lifetime guarantee* with every mould removal service so if the mould comes back we will remove it for free.

Get in touch today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to get a free site survey and no-obligation quote. 

*subject to advisories