Even if your attic is well lit, bring a flashlight so you can see clearly in dimmer areas. The most obvious sign of mold is a discoloration on the walls, floor, ceiling, piping, or other item in the room. Even old boxes and books that have gotten wet can sprout mold, but these items can easily be thrown away outside.
You can identify the presence of mold in your attic by looking for signs of water damage, such as peeling paint or discoloration. Mold often appears as a black or dark green patch on the surface of wood or other materials. You can also detect a musty smell, a common mold characteristic.
Mildew is a common type of mold that sits on the surface of damp walls, doors, shower grouting and more. This type of mold looks like tiny black spots that have a flat, sometimes powdery appearance. Mold is a broader term that refers to many mold species. It can be green, black or red, and often feels slimy.
What does the mold growth typically look like? Attic mold often appears as a thin grey or black layer on the very top of the insulation.
Cost by Location
Mold remediation costs differ based on the location within the home: Attic: $1,000 to $7,500. Basement: $500 to $3,000. Crawl Space: $500 to $4,000.
It takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to grow on hidden surfaces and hard surfaces, in the attic, in wet and warm areas, and in open spaces. It takes 24 hours for mold spores to become visible in wet and warm areas, in the attic, and on hidden surfaces.
Hidden Mold Growth
In some cases, indoor mold growth may not be obvious. Mold does not need light to grow, it can grow in dark areas and on hidden surfaces such as: The backside of drywall. Wallpaper.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Studies show that more than 50% of attics in U.S. homes have mold, but most of us aren't aware it's up there. In fact, it's generally only discovered during a home inspection.
The attic is a separate system, and the health risks of mold in the attic are far less severe than those of indoor mold. This means a quick fix can turn a potential deal-breaker into a non-issue. Although, untreated mold can cause serious damage to your home's construction materials.
The key to preventing attic mold growth is proper ventilation, moisture control, and keeping debris clear from areas where spores could accumulate. However, if the infestation is already severe, you will likely need to call for professional mold removal and remediation.
Most Common Types of Mold Colors:
White mold – found in the attic or crawlspace and thrives on porous surfaces such as wood. Blue-green mold – often found on damp areas and on food in refrigerator. Black mold – commonly found in the attic and other areas of a home on wood or even drywall.
Most mold removal professionals charge around $10 to $25 per square foot. So, if you're removing mold from a 100-square-foot area, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,500. But factors like where the growth is and the mold type can affect how much it costs to remove it.
For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.
The two most common methods used to identify a mold problem are mold test kits or air testing sensors. These kits include the necessary air test devices, chemical strips, or Petri dishes and are available at department stores or online. They'll also come with an instruction manual for any brand-specific guidelines.
Musty Smell
If you don't see signs of mold, but you can smell it, it may be hidden in your walls. A musty smell indicates that mold is growing in your home. The smell of mold feels earthy, like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense, damp forest.
In his California market, the cost can range from $275 for a simple visit to $2,900 for a complex inspection. For homes under 4,000 square feet, Angi estimates the average cost is generally between $300 and $400, whereas larger homes may see prices between $700 and $1,000.
How Do I Detect Mold Inside My Walls and Drywall? Peeling wallpaper can also be a symptom of mold. While some scruffiness and discoloration tend to eventually strike your wallpaper, unusual surface or peeling abnormalities such as crackling or bubbling can be a sign of wall moisture.
According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.