There are so many things to stay on top of as a homeowner on the Eastern Shore that it’s not all that surprising that just when you think you’ve got everything under control, you find yourself blindsided by an unexpected new issue in your house.
We’ve been seeing an increase in homeowners calling us to say they’ve noticed frost or condensation on the rafter boards in their attic, or even mold growth. We even had one customer whose attic condensation was so bad that it was leaking black liquid through the soffit and down the siding of the house!
In many cases, homeowners with this kind of problem might think to turn to a roofer, who in turn will tell them they need to replace their roof. Not only is that kind of home improvement project very expensive, but it’s usually unnecessary. There’s a simpler, more cost-effective solution.
What Causes Condensation in an Attic?
Attic insulation and air sealing help slow the transfer of heat and air movement between the inside and outside of your home. When it works correctly, you’ll keep energy bills low and create more evenly distributed comfort levels in your home, with fewer “cold spots” or indoor drafts.
But when it doesn’t work correctly, especially in the colder months of the year, warmer air from your living spaces will escape into your attic, where it meets colder temperatures that are infiltrating your home from the outside. When hot air meets cold air, condensation occurs. And when there’s moisture inside your house, you’ve created ideal conditions for mold to grow.
If you’ve noticed any of the following, now you know what’s likely going on:
A mold smell in your house or attic
Visible black mold in your house or attic
Frost on your attic rafters
Puddles or wet wood in your attic
Your Next Steps Should Be House Mold Removal and Remediation
Yes, mold in your home needs to be removed when it’s identified, as it can not only lead to structural damage in your home, but it can also pose a health hazard and create unpleasant odors that decrease the enjoyment you take in living in your house.
But after attic mold removal, you also need to take action to ensure that the problem doesn’t just come right back. At Total Home Performance, we are a Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS), which means we are highly qualified when it comes to mold remediation.
In every case when a homeowner has reached out to our team with a mold or moisture problem in the attic, we have been able to identify the underlying cause, remove existing mold, and find the right solution to make sure it doesn’t come like, like insulating the attic roof and air sealing any cracks or gaps where air might be entering the home.
Fix the Problems in Your Home with the Eastern Shore Experts
Total Home Performance isn’t just a mold remediation company, just like we’re more than an attic insulation company. Our team can help you find healthy home solutions that will make your home healthier, safer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient.
Whether you think you have a moisture problem in your attic or you’ve spotted mold in the crawl space under your house, contact us today, so we can learn a little more about the specific issues you’re facing and recommend the best steps towards a proper solution, like a moisture and humidity assessment or home energy audit.