Mold in the attic is often not discovered until it has spread extensively, usually over months and even years of first starting. Mold isn’t just a health concern but also points to underlying issues some of which can undermine the structural integrity of your home. Common causes of mold include leaking roof, ice dams on the roof, poorly ventilated attic, improper venting into the attic and damaged or ill-installed insulation among other causes.

Aside from dealing with the actual mold in the attic in Toronto, you also need to fix the issue that brought it on in the first place.

Common Types of Molds in the Attic

There are hundreds of different types of molds. Note that not all molds are toxic. Three common types of mold that you are likely to encounter in an attic or crawlspace include;

Toxigenic Mold: this is a severe type of toxic mold that has been linked to cancer, immunosuppressant related problems and other serious health issues. This variety of mold produces mycotoxins that can infect humans through ingestion, touch or inhalation.

Pathogenic Mold: this is also a toxic variety although not as dangerous as the first kind. Still, the pathogenic mold is especially harmful to people prone to infections or those with weak immune systems.

Allergenic mold: although far less dangerous than the previous two types of mold, as the name suggests, allergenic mold can still cause health problems. This mold is particularly harmful to people with asthma and other respiratory issues and those prone to mold-related allergies. Small children are likely to be affected by this type of mold.

Signs of Mold in the Attic

Homeowners rarely think of the attic unless they need to retrieve something or there are obvious signs of an issue in this part of the house. There are a few signs that might indicate that there is mold in the attic.

Visible Symptoms

You would need to be in the attic to visibly identify the mold. Mold presence manifests as discoloration usually in spots and obviously inconsistent with the rest of the attic. Common colors for mold include black, gray, brown, white, orange and green. Be especially wary of black or gray mold as toxic mold tends to be in these colors. Toxic mold also spreads rapidly and should be addressed as quickly as possible.

Keep in mind that mold doesn’t grow on metal. If you spot discoloration on your metal pipes it is most likely due to natural ageing.

Musty Odor

The distinct smell of wet newspaper that has sat for too long is often associated with mold. Mold may also smell like urine, or more often, give off a musty smell. This odour without actually spotting the mold should be warning enough to investigate further.

Distinct Patterns

Most mold forms distinct patterns, usually a crescent moon shape or near-perfect circle. These shapes are especially common with black mold.

Moisture Issues

If you have moisture issues or notice condensation on pipes or windows then it is only a matter of time before mold grows if it hasn’t already. Take moisture issues seriously and address them timely. Make sure to inspect thoroughly for mold.

What to Do About Mold in the Attic

Mold in the attic is one of those problems that you should leave to a professional to handle. You may not be able to identify toxic mold or you might find out too late that you are prone to mould-specific allergies. Don’t take the risk and hire a professional attic insulation removal service in Toronto.

You also need to figure out why the mold appeared in the first place and the cause isn’t always obvious, more so to a layman. There might be multiple causes for the mold in your attic. A professional cleaning service will inspect the attic and home thoroughly to find the root cause and address it appropriately.