Is Mold In An Attic Dangerous?

Is Mold in an Attic Dangerous?

is mold in an attic dangerous

Yes, mold in an attic is dangerous. It can lead to severe illness and even death as the mold spores can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health problems. Mold isn’t something to ignore – it’s a threat to your health and should be dealt with right away!

Attics tend to be an overlooked area of the home. Unfortunately, attics are also a common place for mold to grow. Moisture can build in attics and mold growth can get overlooked especially in hidden areas where there’s a leak or dampness.

If you have seen a black substance in your attic there’s a good chance that it’s mold. Mold is also dangerous because it can cause structural damage to your home.

The problem is that the longer mold goes untreated, the more it will grow, and the more damage it can do. Mold can cause wood rot, crumbling drywall, and insulation to break down.

What Are the Signs of Mold Sickness?

Some signs of mold sickness may include coughing, itchy eyes, and other symptoms, all of which can make you miserable and as if you’re low on energy in many cases. 

Other symptoms of mold exposure include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy nose and throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Dry, itchy skin

Mold exposure can have an especially bad impact on those with asthma and can cause asthma attacks too.

How Fast Can Mold Grow in an Attic?

Mold growth can happen overnight! If there’s enough moisture, mold can grow in less than 48 hours. Mold reproduces by releasing spores into the air which can then travel and land on surfaces where they can start to grow.

Because mold can grow from airborne particles it can be hard to stop it from spreading. It’s very important to keep the area dry to prevent black mold from having the conditions it needs to begin growing and multiplying.

Leaks and wet surfaces should always be fixed right away. Ventilating the space will prevent moisture from building up which is another big factor.

What Does Attic Mold Smell Like?

what does attic mold smell like

Mold has a musty and stinky smell – some people claim that it smells like urine. The scent is a great way to identify the presence of toxic mold because sometimes mold grows in places you can’t normally see.

This type of mold is called hidden mold.

Does Mold in an Attic Need To Be Removed?

does mold in an attic need to be removed

Yes, you should remove black mold from your attic as soon as possible. The longer it’s left to grow the more damage it can do.

It is best to call a professional for a home inspection if you have a lot of mold or if the mold is on porous surfaces although you can treat some yourself using home remedies. It’s still a good idea to get a professional opinion, however, because of the damage that can be done if enough time has passed (and to make sure it can’t come back again).

How Do You Get Rid of Mold in Your Attic?

how do you get rid of mold in your attic

If the amount of mold is small you can remove it yourself. However, if you remove the mold without professional help you’ll have to be absolutely sure you’ve gotten rid of all of it.

Getting rid of attic mold (steps and items needed)

  • Before starting, protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and a mask. You’ll also need to have adequate ventilation – especially if you’re using bleach as the vapors can be harmful.
  • A solution of bleach water is an effective way to kill mold growth in your home. Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. (You can also use a clean spray bottle to make it easy to apply if you like.)
  • Using a soft brush, scrub the area thoroughly. Allow the area to dry with the bleach solution remaining on the surface.
  • After the bleach solution has completely dried, take an extra precaution by mixing a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water and cleaning the surface again.

Given a few hours you should see the mold killed off and it should disintegrate/disappear, leaving only the original & cleaned surface behind. You’ll want to set several days as a reminder to re-visit the original problem area and check to see if any has returned. 

It’s also a great idea to re-treat the area with a bit of diluted bleach again.

How Much Does Attic Mold Removal Cost?

how much does attic mold removal cost

The cost of mold removal depends on how severe the problem is, but generally speaking the average price of mold removal is $500 to $4,000. The high cost of mold removal is why it is so important to remove mold early, as you can tell.

James Marshall

About the author

James is a business management professional and consultant with a former background in maintenance, repair, and hands-on projects. He enjoys DIY tasks and maintenance around the home as well as part-time writing. Read more »