The heavy Seattle rains in the fall increase the potential moisture lingering in your attic, leading to mold growth. It’s well known that mold in your home is dangerous. Unfortunately, getting rid of mold is also risky. It can make you sick or deepen the problem if it’s not done right.
Mold-removal tools are available at local hardware stores, potentially making this a DIY project. Although these products save money today, they have short-term effects and may result in the job needing to be redone later. Whether you wish to repeat the process or hire a professional company depends on many things.
Where Does Attic Mold Come From?
Mold grows from microscopic spores in the air, which are all around us. You can find spores outside in nature and inside your home. Outdoor spores help break down fallen leaves and turn them back into nutrients that help plants grow.
Mold needs a few things to grow in your attic. Most attics have everything necessary for mold to spread, such as:
- Cardboard boxes
- Drywall
- Oxygen
- Warmth
- Moisture
Thanks to these conditions, an attic is ideal for mold to live and grow. At first, you may not notice its presence. However, there are several common signs of mold growth in your attic.
When entering the attic, you may notice dark stains on the floors or walls, as well as a musty odor. Paint or wallpaper may also begin peeling. You’ll likely see water or moisture problems contributing to the problem. Finally, mold may cause you to have an allergic reaction, including itchy, watery eyes.
What Is Mold Removal?
Attic mold treatment, or remediation or removal, eliminates mold from the objects and areas where it’s growing. However, this process involves more than simply getting rid of the mold growth. You must also find and remove the source of moisture in your attic. Stopping the growth at its source ensures that you won’t have another infestation.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends working with a licensed company in Seattle if you need attic mold treatment that is greater than 10 square feet. Some mold may be hidden within the walls, so you may not know how serious the infestation is.
What to Consider Before Trying DIY Attic Mold Treatment in Seattle
Mold in the attic can be an ongoing problem. Effective treatment is necessary to keep a safe and healthy home. Always consider these factors before starting DIY attic mold treatment in Seattle.
Type of Mold
Some molds are unpleasant to look at, while others impact your overall health. Before you commit to DIY mold removal, see if you can identify the type of mold in your attic. The mold found on bread isn’t the same as the dark mold growing in your attic.
If you find black mold, it’s safer to have an experienced team handle the problem. Professionals have the tools and cleaning agents to ensure it’s gone for good. The other mold type is not as harmful, and you might be able to remove it yourself.
Health and Safety
When dealing with attic mold, you can be exposed to spores. Prioritize safety by taking these precautions.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, masks, and protective clothing reduce exposure to spores
- Ventilation: Use fans and open vents or windows
- Containment: Use plastic sheets or negative air pressure machines to contain the area
Following these guidelines will protect your health while attempting to remove mold on your own.
Determining the Extent of the Problem
Before treating attic mold, you must know how severe the problem is. Experts use various methods and tools for attic treatment in Seattle to learn how much mold they are dealing with.
The professionals have moisture meters that allow them to measure the moisture content. They can scan ceilings, walls, and floors to identify areas with higher moisture levels. High levels indicate potential mold growth.
Infrared cameras are another tool professionals have in their tool belts to detect temperature variations within the attic. Moisture impacts the temperature in an area, and these cameras can identify hidden sources, even those behind a wall.
These tools offer a thorough inspection of the area to determine the most effective attic mold treatment in Seattle. You may not have access to this equipment when you tackle mold remediation as a DIY project.
Mold Surface
The type of materials affected by mold growth can determine how much of a challenge you’ll have when removing it. Nonporous surfaces are easier to clean because they easily wipe clean. Porous materials, like wooden beams, allow the mold to remain on the surface regardless of how well you clean it.
DIY vs. Professional Attic Mold Treatment in Seattle
If you enjoy home improvement projects, DIY mold removal may seem easy. However, the process involves more than cleaning out the area. You have to ask yourself, do the advantages outweigh the risks?
The primary issue with removing mold is that DIY solutions often don’t work. Even if you’re handy around the house, mold removal is more complex. The chances of successfully removing all the mold are extremely slim.
Mold remediation requires perfect execution. If you make a mistake, like missing hidden mold, it could allow the mold to continue spreading and void your progress.
With a professional mold remediation team, you can save yourself some trouble and schedule an attic mold treatment in Seattle. Undoubtedly, it will cost more money than doing it yourself. However, you won’t have to retreat to the area, which will be an additional expense.
Professionals also offer guaranteed results. These teams have the training, skills, and advanced tools to eliminate mold from your attic permanently. The peace of mind is well worth the money you’ll spend on professional mold removal services.
Which Mold Remediation Service Is Best for You?
Both treatment methods have their pros and cons. However, hiring a reliable professional is the best way to ensure the problem is handled correctly. While the potential money you’ll save with DIY treatment is significant, the risk of needing to repeat the process is high and will cancel out your savings.
If you have a mold problem in your attic, contact Attic Projects. Our team of experienced mold experts is the best in the business. There’s no better choice for the job, so call us today!
