Key Takeaways
- Black mold is a dark green- or black-colored fungus that flourishes in damp, shaded, and cellulose-rich areas, making its growth common atop attic plywood due to excess moisture and poor ventilation.
- People exposed to black mold spores may experience health complications, usually from bodily irritations to shortness of breath. Black mold can also exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions like asthma.
- Having a trained roofing professional address potential causes, such as roof leaks, humidity, and insulation problems, can help prevent mold growth in your attic.
- Implementing some proactive solutions, such as improving attic ventilation or controlling humidity and temperature levels, can further protect your attic plywood from black mold.
Understanding What Causes and Solves Black Mold on Attic Plywood
Considering many types of fungi thrive in dark, damp environments, it is easy to understand why black mold on plywood in attics is so common. Many homes in Portland, Oregon, have poorly ventilated attics with high humidity levels, attracting black mold to attic plywood since it gives the fungi organic material to feed on. Other circumstances like roof leaks or improperly installed insulation can also generate mold-ridden black-stained plywood.
Unfortunately, black mold on plywood can pose serious threats to the health of the building’s inhabitants. For example, if people breathe in black mold spores, they may experience respiratory complications or severe allergic reactions.
It is important to identify black mold problems and promptly address the conditions that helped it grow in the first place. Having a roofing professional install an attic fan in your Portland home can promote proper ventilation, potentially making it easier to restrict mold growth by controlling humidity and temperature throughout the upper portion of your home.
What is Black Mold?
Stachybotrys chartarum is a type of fungi that is commonly referred to as black mold. Depending on the environment in which it grows, it may manifest as dark black or green stains with a slimy texture and musty odor.
Black mold normally grows in damp and dark places while feeding on cellulose, an organic compound that comprises plants. Some examples of items found in houses that can include plant products black mold is known to grow on are:
- Wood
- Drywall
- Wallpaper
- Fiberboard
- Carpeting, especially ones with cellulose woven into the backing
- Paper products
- Dust and lint
Since attic plywood usually has a substantial amount of cellulose for nourishment, it can serve as the perfect breeding ground for black mold, especially if the attic is humid and poorly ventilated.
Health Risks Associated with Black Mold Exposure
Unfortunately, black mold on plywood releases spores that can travel through the building. If inhabitants come into contact with these spores, they may develop certain health issues. Some examples of common health risks from black mold exposure are:
- Allergic reactions – Some people with a sensitivity to black mold may experience sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, itching, or watery eyes when they come in contact with it.
- Respiratory problems – People with pre-existing conditions like asthma can be exceptionally vulnerable to developing respiratory issues like wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
- Toxic effects – In extreme situations that involve extended exposure to large amounts of mold spores, people may experience neural, cognitive, and emotional dysfunction from mold inhalation.
Young children and elderly adults are usually more susceptible to the negative health implications of black mold, but people of any age may be vulnerable. So, if you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate mold exposure, consult a medical professional immediately, especially if your ailments are worsening.
Potential Causes of Black Mold on Attic Plywood
In general, black mold thrives in moist, warm environments away from direct sunlight. Therefore, the following circumstances can contribute to the growth of black mold atop attic plywood.
Poor Ventilation
Without proper vents or fans, attics can experience inadequate airflow that traps moisture inside. With moisture-saturated air creating the perfect environment for mold growth, seeing black-stained plywood in your attic can be common.
Some signs that your attic has poor ventilation include:
- Immoderate heat buildup during summer
- The formation of ice dams on the roof in the winter
- Condensation or damp spots on surfaces or attic windows
- Musty odors indicating trapped moisture
- Peeling paint or warped wood near the attic
Since poor ventilation is widely considered one of the top 10 most common roofing problems for homeowners in Portland, Oregon, it is important to have a roofing professional inspect your property and confirm that you have adequate roof ventilation to avoid black mold growth.
Roof Leaks
Another way moisture levels can rise in an attic is from leaking water, so survey your home for potential entry points. When left unchecked, flashing issues, ice dams, or damaged shingles can allow rainwater to penetrate your roof and enter the top portion of your home. Sometimes, water from roof leaks can seep into attic plywood and foster black mold growth.
Knowing how to temporarily stop roof leaks while it’s raining through methods like draining water pockets is crucial for mitigating mold growth before a roofing specialist can get to your property. However, you should still have a professional assess the leak as soon as possible to gauge the damage and potentially remove waterlogged roofing materials that could generate black mold growth.
Humidity from Indoor Sources
One of the most well-known rules of thermodynamics is that heat rises. This means the warm, moist air from bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens often rises into the attic, particularly if the home lacks sufficient insulation or airflow. Some examples of tips for reducing indoor humidity levels are:
- Place dehumidifiers in areas prone to moisture
- Run exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms during use
- Ensure proper insulation to prevent condensation
- Avoid overwatering plants to reduce excess moisture in the air
- Regularly clean filters and ducts on HVAC systems to improve air circulation
- Dry clothes outdoors
By preventing unwanted heat and moisture transfer, you can reduce indoor humidity levels and make it more challenging for black mold to grow on attic plywood.
Poorly Installed or Missing Insulation
As a building material, insulation is intended to maintain comfort for a building’s inhabitants by reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency. On the flip side, if the insulation that fills the walls and framework of your house is insufficient or poorly installed, there may be temperature imbalances. Just like when water droplets form on the outside of a cold beverage placed in a hot room, temperature imbalances throughout your house can lead to condensation on attic surfaces, potentially spurring mold growth that creates black-stained plywood.
There are several ways to check for insulation issues, from using a ruler to measure the insulation’s depth to checking for gaps around attic entry points, vents, or recessed lighting. However, some types of insulation can have fiberglass, asbestos, or dangerous fumes, meaning it should only be inspected by qualified professionals.
Uncontrolled Attic Temperatures
The Pacific Northwest gets a wide range of weather throughout the year. In places like Portland, Oregon, drastic seasonal temperature fluctuations can cause condensation, especially during winter when warm indoor air comes in contact with a cold attic. Having a reliable HVAC system that can keep steady temperatures throughout the attic and the rest of your house can eliminate the warm, damp conditions known to encourage black mold growth on attic plywood.
A well-trained roofing contractor will have the knowledge and expertise to properly identify the cause of black mold. They should also have tie-tested solutions for fixing the problem.
Solutions for Removing Black Mold from Attic Plywood
Black mold can take root in your attic and colonize within about one to two days. The resulting dark, fuzzy stains can grow larger over time, making it crucial to take immediate action to prevent further damage and health risks. Try the following techniques to potentially solve the issue of black mold on your attic plywood.
Inspect and Fix Any Roof Leaks
Cutting off the water supply that is allowing the black mold to proliferate is a great first step. Try locating leaks by checking for water stains on ceilings or pieces of warped plywood. If these entry points are thoroughly sealed, you can stop moisture intrusion and curb mold growth. To avoid risking exposure to airborne mold spores, you should not perform inspections by yourself; instead, rely on professional roof inspections for your Portland home.
Improve Attic Ventilation
Explore what would make good and bad roof vents for your home’s specific layout. Some examples of features that promote attic ventilation are:
- Ridge vents
- Soffit vents
- Attic fans
With the right ventilation system, you can enhance airflow throughout your attic and correspondingly reduce moisture buildup, which can keep black mold at bay.
Use Mold-Resistant Products
Some people apply mold-resistant sprays or treatments to black-stained plywood to prevent further development or regrowth. However, some chemical-based products may do more harm to your home than good. Be sure to diligently research and contact a professional before applying treatments to building materials in your house.
Remove Existing Mold Safely
Historically, people have used do-it-yourself (DIY) mold removal strategies. Cleaning with household cleaners, vinegar, or mold-killing solutions may be effective for small areas, but it is not a safe approach for everyone, especially if they are not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Hiring a professional is always the best way to tackle extensive black mold growth in a way that is as safe and effective as possible.
Control Humidity and Temperature Levels
Thankfully, there are plenty of tools and equipment pieces that you can implement to alter the humidity or temperature in your attic and make it harder for black mold to grow. You can plug in dehumidifiers or apply sealant to entry points in your attic to regulate indoor humidity and minimize moisture levels, making it easier to maintain balanced attic temperatures year-round.
For people living in Oregon, different seasons may require a unique approach to humidity and temperature regulation. For example, attic fans can be extra beneficial during hot summer months.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Future Mold Growth
Although your first priority should be having a professional help you remediate the black mold currently on your attic plywood, knowing how to prevent mold from growing in your attic in the future is also important. Some examples of preventative tips for avoiding black mold on your attic plywood are:
- Have a specialist regularly survey your roof and attic for leaks or damage
- Periodically evaluate your attic ventilation and insulation for proper airflow
- Keep indoor humidity levels in check through HVAC maintenance
- Upgrade your insulation to prevent condensation
- Seal air leaks, such as gaps and cracks, in your attic
By taking the steps above, you can mitigate your risk of experiencing more mold growth down the line. Nevertheless, talking to a roofing expert can make it easier to fortify your home against dangerous fungi like black mold.
Avoid Unwanted Mold Growth with Roof Life
Addressing black mold on plywood as early as possible can help you protect your home and your family’s health. Neglecting black mold on attic plywood can result in extensive damage to your home that can warrant costly repairs and health issues like respiratory complications.
Have the reliable roofers from Roof Life of Oregon perform an extensive roof inspection that pinpoints the location, cause, and potential resurgence points of black mold. Our talented team of experienced roofers can help you safely manage black-stained plywood without jeopardizing your health or the longevity of your home’s structure.
Contact us today to schedule a thorough roof and attic inspection that can help address mold-related issues.