Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation

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Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation

Source : Moneyplans.net Archives

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It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year – you

make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday

decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the

bottom of the roof sheathing. Worse yet – it turns out to be attic

mold!

What does energy conservation have to do with mold in the attic?

Well if you take a step back and consider how the house behaves as

system, they are often directly related. Building science experts

have long been using the " house as a system " approach to diagnose

the cause and origin of building defects. For example, a fireplace

that back drafts when starting a fire can be corrected by opening a

nearby door or window to allow fresh air in. Why – because the flue

has a poor draft.

Another example - ice dams. These are often caused by warm air

seeping into the attic which causes the snow and ice on the roof to

melt. Understanding how the house behaves as a system and the

various causes and effects is necessary to diagnose most building

related problems. But how about that attic mold? How did it get

there?

Mold requires chronic moisture to form and to thrive, so source(s)

of moisture must be present. Possibly the moisture came from

outdoors. The roof is newer and a quick check of the roof shows no

obvious damage or leaks. Possibly the moisture came from indoors.

During the heating season, the interior of the house frequently has

high moisture levels, especially bathrooms and kitchens. A quick

check shows that all bathroom fans, kitchen vents, etc. are properly

ducted completely outdoors and not into the attic. The amount of

insulation looks good and the attic is well ventilated. Don't give

up – you are almost there! Remember the house as a system? You know

that warm, moist air is in the house, but how is it getting into the

attic?

By air leaks! Air leaks are the leading source of energy loss in

most houses, and a frequent source of chronic moisture that can

cause attic mold. Most homeowners are well aware of air leaks around

windows and doors (especially old ones), but many overlook the

numerous gaps leading directly into the attic! Have a look around

the attic and you may find large gaps around recessed lights and

fans, holes where wires or pipes are installed, even large gaps

around the chimney. And don't overlook the whole house fan and

especially the folding attic stair - a big, uninsulated hole in your

ceiling that is often overlooked!

These gaps can add up to a large hole that allows warm, moist air

from the house to flow right into the cold attic. The warm moist air

condenses on the cold roof sheathing, creating chronically damp

conditions that can lead to attic mold growth. And the energy loss –

it can be like leaving a window open all winter long! Seal these air

leaks and you stop a significant moisture source. And just think of

all the energy you can save and the cold drafts you can stop!

Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and

origin of construction defects. He developed several residential

energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and a

fireplace draftstopper. To learn more visit www.batticdoor.com.