Are you concerned that your attic insulation is causing mold or moisture issues in Miami Beach, FL? If so, you're not alone. Many homeowners in the area have experienced similar issues. Fortunately, there are several signs that can help you determine if your attic insulation is the source of the problem. First, you may observe that your insulation is discolored or has a strange smell, such as a musty or earthy odor.
Visible mold growth, water damage, dark spots or stains on the insulation, discoloration of walls or ceilings, peeling paint, and cracks in walls or ceilings are all potential signs of a mold problem. Mold can grow almost anywhere where there is sufficient moisture or high humidity. Building materials such as wood, drywall, and even dust can be a food source for molds. All indoor mold growth must be eliminated quickly, regardless of the type of mold present or whether it can produce mycotoxins or not.
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a black-green mold that can grow on materials such as drywall or plasterboard, ceiling tiles, and wood when moistened or damaged by water. Not all black-green molds are Stachybotrys chartarum. Experts suggest keeping relative humidity levels below 60%, but a humidity of less than 50% is better for controlling both mold growth and dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic animals related to spiders, ticks, and other mites that eat mold and scales (scales) of dead human or animal skin and leave behind allergenic proteins.
Dead mold can still pose a health risk if you're exposed to it. Bleach or other disinfectants may need to be used on surfaces after removing mold when people are thought to be susceptible to fungal infections (such as a person with immune system problems). If you choose to use bleach or another chemical, read and follow the label instructions and hazard statements carefully (caution, warning, danger). Do not mix bleach with cleaners or ammonia acids, as a dangerous chlorine gas can form.
Ozone generators are not recommended for treating an existing mold problem as ozone irritates the lungs and is not likely to be effective in treating an indoor mold problem. The best approach is to address the cause of the mold (usually moisture) and then eliminate it by cleaning surfaces or removing moldy materials. Who should do the cleaning depends on many factors such as the size of the mold problem. If the affected area is less than about 10 square feet (less than about 3 feet), in most cases you can do the work yourself.
However, if you suspect you have a larger problem it's best to call in a professional. For more information about the health effects of exposure to mold and information on how to safely dispose of it, contact your county Department of Health's Environmental Health Office, the Florida Department of Health's Radon and Indoor Air Program at 1-800-543-8279, or check out the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's website or the U. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. Mold found in ductwork, roof coverings, trusses, or just about anywhere in the attic is usually caused by excessive moisture.
Hot air then finds small cracks and holes in the drywall through ventilation grilles, lamps, and wall joints to enter the attic space. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, and body aches are sometimes reported in mold complaints but the causes of these physical symptoms are not yet known. Sarasota's natural air humidity can also cause problems if there isn't adequate ventilation in the attic. Mycotoxins are present in both living and dead mold spores and can be present in materials that have been contaminated with molds. To prevent condensation from forming on your roof structure in our area, it's important to ensure that your attic has adequate ventilation. It's important to remember that there will always be some level of mold present in your home in the form of spores and bits of mold cells. If you have questions about licensing mold evaluators or remediators in Florida see section 468.84-468.8424 of the Florida Statutes. In many cases smaller areas of mold may not be a problem but if you have severe dark spots on your roof due to prolonged moisture problems it's best to call in a professional for help with cleaning and remediation. Now that your attic has been cleaned and treated for mold and a visual inspection confirmed that there are no signs of mold or dust remaining it's time to re-insulate it.
In Florida this is usually fine because attics are well ventilated and already very humid all year round.
