How To Get Rid Of Attic Mold With Tea Tree Oil
- Oil it Up! For those who once thought essential oils were only good for making the house smell great, theres another helpful use. And, you can find many essential oils that act as a natural fungicide.
- A good one to use is tea tree oil mix a few drops of this oil into a spray bottle with water to spray onto the offending surfaces. If you choose this method, be sure to shake the bottle well because the oil and water will naturally separate.
This technique will help to kill molds that are already there, but is equally effective to prevent mold growth in the first place.
If you dislike the smell of tea tree oil you could also try grapefruit seed oil for the same effect without the tea tree aroma.
Look For Exclusions In The Warranty
This is a big giveaway. If the service a contractor is offering doesnt actually solve the problem, the verbiage in the warranty will reveal the lack of confidence. Youll find it lurking amidst the legal jargon as an exclusion against any recurrence of moisture issues. Which, of course, is the whole reason you would seek a warranty in the first place. Mold growth only occurs when elevated moisture is present. It will not grow in a dry attic. Therefore, if a warranty becomes void in the presence of elevated moisture, the treatment hasnt accomplished anything.
Removing Mold From Wood
Removing mold from wood is easy if it has not spread far and wide. Before starting, put on your protective wear, especially a mask and gloves. First, vacuum up the area with the mold. This will suck up any loose spores on the surface of the wood. Next, scrub the area with soap and water. On bare, untreated or unpainted wood, you can use bleach. Soak up any cleaner and extra moisture.
If mold is still apparent in the wood, you can try to sand it out. Note that sanding will take off any finish and some of the wood. Since mold can live deep in the pores of wood, you may need to do a lot of sanding to fully remove it.
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How Much Does Mold Removal Cost In Attic
Mold removal in attics is an expensive business, but one that can assure you of complete mold removal. Some businesses charge as high as $15 to $30 per square foot. The price is very dependant on several factors including the total surface that needs to be removed and the severity of the mold case. Moisture, ventilation, and leakage are one of the main problems when it comes to mold in the attic. Moldy attics can also have an adverse effect on the well-being of all the occupants of the property. Choosing a quality company can be a daunting task that people need to spend time on. In the online world that we live in, reviews weigh in a lot on the decision-making process so choosing can be a few clicks away. At Attic Insulation Toronto, we kept our prices to a minimum while retaining the same quality of service that you would expect from other top-tier mold remedial services.
We at Attic Insulation Toronto charge $3-$5 per square foot. This puts us far below the other competition in the Greater Toronto Area. We understand that quality does not have to match the price but should be equal to the dedication and passion of the mold remediation specialists working at our company.
The mold remediation specialists will also make sure that homeowners are aware of the issues in the attic and will recommend further actions to take to prevent a reoccurrence.
What Does The Mold Growth Typically Look Like
Mold growth on the sheathing occurs in either a flat, low profile configuration or a fuzzy, 3 dimensional pattern. The flat, low profile growth can often look like soot or staining. In fact occasionally a home inspector will misidentify the mold growth as soot from a fire. Notice the dark staining in the first picture. This type of mold growth will not smudge or wipe off. The dark discoloration will remain long after the mold has stopped growing.
Below is an image of heavy 3-dimensional mold growth on the sheathing. Beneath the fuzzy growth, areas of staining can be observed as well. This type of attic mold is less common and typically easier to remediate. Because the staining is limited, a thinner layer of encapsulant can be applied.
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Reader Question: Is It Ok To Apply A Sealer Or Wood Preservative Over Black Stains On Plywood Roof Sheathing
Last September I had a new garage roof fitted and within 7 months the plywood used inside developed black mould spots. The company that fitted the roof said it was caused by condensation. Having wiped the roof with a mild detergent I was left with black stains on the plywood. I would like to know if it would be ok to put a wood preservative on it despite the stains – don’t want it to come back.
Would appreciate your advise? –
Reply:
Yes you can apply a wood preservative, leaving cosmetic black stains under the preservative.
But if you do not find and fix the cause of condensation I’d still expect future trouble. You may find stains or mold appearing on other wood or mold-friendly surfaces in the same area if indoor moisture levels are high, or if there is building insulation present that may become mold contaminated.
See ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
Continue reading at MOLD CLEANUP – WOOD FLOORING or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see MOLD CLEANUP of WOOD, FAQs – questions about how to clean off moldy wood, posted originally at this article
Or see these
- MOLD REMOVAL, MEDIA BLASTING – good approach for irregular or hard-to-clean surfaces
- SIDING, WOOD CLEANERS, STAINS, PAINTS how to remove stains on siding & how to choose the proper paint or stain coating
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Tips To Prevent Attic Mold
- Inspect the attic for moisture or moldy smells regularly. If either is found, locate the issue as soon as possible to get a mold remediation plan in position.
- Ensure all exhaust fans, as well as vents, are working correctly .
- See to it the attic vents are not obstructed by insulation or various other items in the attic.
- Mount an attic fan to aid maintain moisture levels down.
- Keep the attic dry, and if moisture or water leaks have actually been detected, dry immediately to stop mold growth.
- Deal with any type of roof or window leakages right now.
- Once all mold has been remediated, spray a fungicide or other mold prevention product to aid stop mold from returning.
- Keep the attic tidy and clutter cost-free. The less mess the far better!
If you are in doubt about your DIY attic mold removal, or if you are unclear if you do have attic mold, call The Duct Kings at 866-632-6270, we are available 24/7/365.
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We Recommend Consulting With A Mold Removal Specialist If You Have Mold In Attic
If you have mold in the attic, we recommend consulting with a mold removal specialist because:
- Insulation is often affected.
- Wooden beams and plywood may be affected and it can be difficult to remove all traces of mold from wooden surfaces.
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts may also be affected.
- Mold removal specialists will have all the necessary equipment to do the job properly, including a negative air machine.
- Mold removal specialists know how to do the job safely, without exposing you and your family to additional mold spores that may be hazardous to your health.
- Most mold removal specialists offer free consultations, during which you can gather important information and advice even if you opt to handle the mold removal yourself.
Follow this link for a list of mold removal specialists offering free consultations in your area.
What To Do About The Existing Mold
This is kind of debated.
In my personal/professional opinion, once you stop the moisture you will stop the mold and it will go away naturally.
However, if you have a large issue that is getting into your home you might want to have remediation done.
Some companies will try to up-sell mold remediation in your attic, but in most cases I do not see a reason for it since you are not spending your time in the attic.
I would always recommend having an inspection done by a third-party licensed home inspector before paying a remediation company to do large amounts of mold remediation and air sealing.
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How To Remove Mold From Attic
Since the attic is such a common place for mold to grow, there have been several mold remediation techniques that are designed specifically for removing mold on underside of roof sheathing. Due to the nature of the most attics spaces, it is highly advisable that you hire a professional mold remediation company to remove your mold safely and effectively by calling the number on our website .
Donât risk injury to yourself or your home by trying to remove mold from your attic on your own. Improper removal and disposal could lead to further damage and contamination to your home.
Removing mold from your attic should always require the use of containment processes to avoid the risk of spreading the spores throughout your home. Mold removal from your attic also requires the use of personal protective equipment for the crew performing the job.
Personal protective equipment includes a respirator mask, eye protection, hand protection and protective clothing covering the whole body. Proper personal protective equipment usage lowers the risk of exposure to airborne contaminants.
Mold On Plywood Sheathing In Attic
You discovered dark staining on your attic sheathing and think it may be mold, now what? Attic spaces are one of the most common places in a home for mold to be found growing. Mold on the underside of roof sheathing is also very common. The presence of mold in your attic is often the result of poor ventilation, insufficient insulation, moisture from a roof leak, or improper venting from your bathrooms or kitchen.
Mold that grows on the underside of roof sheathing due to ideal mold growth conditions being present. Mold requires a few key elements in order to grow and thrive organic materials to feed off, moisture, warmth and darkness.
When warm moist air from your home rises up, it has the ability to go to your attic and become condensation which attaches to attic sheathing. When moisture is present on the plywood, mold spores can begin to attach and grow.
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Benefits Of Getting Rid Of Mold In Your Attic By Replacing The Roof
- A few befits of the roof / decking replacement over the other types of getting rid of mold procedures:
Even if the roof replacement price is slightly higher than getting rid of mold with a traditional mold remediation process, it is still worth to take it under the consideration because youre gaining a valuable house update , that will be disclosed on a real-estate listing.
In some cases, the roof decking and framing are contaminated, and decking replacement only would not entirely solve the problem. In such case, youd have to clean mold contaminated joists and / or trusses.
Thank You For This Very Informative Article I Agree Total Remediation Of The Cause And Conditions Causing The Mold Needs To Be Addressed I Had A Roof Leak And Chimney Leak Where Water Was Filtering Into The Attic And Had Black/white Mold Only In That One Section Of Roof I Had Roofers Come Out To Replace The Damaged Wood From The Leak And Reseal And Restore Chimney Flashing I Will Now Wait A Couple Of Weeks To See What Happens With Mold Which Will Tell Me If We Corrected The Problem
Happy to help. In the photo it appears the soffit vents are blocked by the insulation. If so, its important to pull these back to allow the movement air up through the soffits. I always recommend rechecking the attic again during the fall/winter months as the condensation issues are most prevalent during cold weather.
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What Causes Black Mold In Attic
Mold species such as Stachybotrys chartarum, which looks like slimy growth, loves attic, basement, bathroom, and space under the sink. Black mold can also grow behind the walls or attic ceilings, completely undetected until the occupants smell the presence or experience health problems.
Add bad ventilation and high humidity level, and you get perfect breeding grounds for black mold. Leak from roof may create drips that further dampen your attic, making it more susceptible to mold. You may seldom venture to the attic, which means the mold problem is often neglected until too late.
Why Mold In Your Attic Is A Problem
Mold is naturally occurring in your environment, but too much mold can be harmful on your body and on your home.
Explained above, mold is caused by moisture. Moisture in your attic can lead to ceiling stains, mold, and damaged home materials.
So basically, mold can become a problem when there is excessive moisture that eats away at building materials , or begins to condensate so much that it is causing stains on your ceiling.
Of course, with everything wet, it will cause more mold and can be harmful to breathe in.
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If Necessary Sand The Wood
These cleaning solutions should take care of your mold problem, but if youve got some stubborn traces left under the surface, you have one last resort: sanding.
- Use 100-grit sandpaper to rub out the affected portion, taking care not to sand away too much of the surrounding areas.
- Repeat Step 2 to remove the dust and any loosened mold spores.
Whats The Cost Of Removing Mold In The Attic
Every attic and roof is different in terms of size, construction, and mold damage. The majority of companies that offer attic mold removal services in Toronto and Gta charge between $3.50 and $4 per square foot, however since all attics have different amounts of mold and degradation in the roof sheeting is not fair to you to be priced per square feet. You should be able to pay less if the extent and severity is less than the entire attic. You also need to address the cause of the mold growth to ensure it will never return. This is why we offer free inspections, so you can make an informed decision.
We offer a transferable guarantee to the property so that everyone are assured that the problem will never come back.
If youd like an exact quote, call us now at 647-691-0885 and youll be put in touch with an attic mold removal specialist.
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How To Treat Black Mold In Attic
Depending on the size of the black mold growth, you can try removing it yourself. For small growths, there are several home remedies to clean them. Here are the steps:
- Remove all the contaminated stuff. Black mold grows easily, so you need to remove all objects that may make the mold grow again. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic, to prevent the mold spores from growing and spreading.
- Prepare proper cleaning tools. You need a mask, gloves, and goggles. Make sure to dispose of all of them after the cleaning. Again, you need to wrap them tightly with plastic, before discarding the objects.
- Make sure there is enough ventilation in the attic. Poor ventilation will make you get exposed to flying spores that cannot get out.
- Mix some detergent with warm water until foamy. Use this mixture to scrub the moldy surface as hard as you can. This solution is perfect for nonporous materials, and not ideal for wood.
- Detergent does not work? Add a half tablespoon of baking soda into the water in a medium-sized spray bottle . Shake the bottle and spray the mixture to the moldy surface. Scrub the mold clean before spraying again. This time, let the mixture to dry by itself.
- Discard all the tools you use for cleaning . Wrap them in plastic before throwing them out. This is to prevent mold spores from flying around.
Getting Rid Of Basement Mold
Mold in the basement can be persistent, given the nature of basements they tend to be much more humid than above-ground levels and typically have poor ventilation and little air flow, a combination that can cause mold to flourish. And of course, basements can be prone to flooding, due to extreme weather or undetected leaks in the pipes or sump pump. In addition, once mold develops, cinder blocks or concrete walls can be difficult to clean due to their rough texture.
To get rid of mold in the basement, scrub the walls using a large brush, and keep in mind that porous surfaces such as ceiling tiles or drywall might need to be removed and replaced. If basement carpet has become moldy, sweep it to loosen the mold and let it dry in the sun if you can move it, or use high-powered fans to remove moisture if its affixed to the floor.
To prevent mold in the basement, you need to alter the conditions that can cause it to grow. First, remove dampness by installing a dehumidifier and making sure the dryer vent exhausts externally, if you use your basement for laundry. Then turn your attention outside: Shore up cracks and other foundation issues, and make sure that your soil is properly graded so that rainwater or melting snow goes away from the house, rather than collecting near your foundation.
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