Attic Mold Remediation
Professional Attic Mold Remediation in Portland, OR
Attic mold is a pervasive problem in the Portland area, typically caused by inadequate ventilation combined with air leaks from the conditioned space below (the “stack effect”). When warm, humid air from the house leaks into the cold attic, it condenses on the underside of the roof sheathing, creating a perfect environment for mold to flourish. This contamination compromises your roof structure, reduces indoor air quality, and can void shingle warranties.
Our Attic Mold Remediation service is designed to address both the mold growth and its ventilation source. We safely contain the attic area to prevent spore migration, HEPA vacuum and chemically treat the affected sheathing and rafters, and then apply mold-resistant coatings. Crucially, we identify and seal the air leaks (e.g., around bath fans, light fixtures) and improve the existing ventilation system to ensure the attic remains dry, protecting your roof and home for the long term.
REVIEWS
Our 3-Step Attic Mold Remediation Process
Containment, Air Sealing, and Source Correction
We seal the attic hatch and establish containment in the work zone. We then identify and seal the home-to-attic air leaks (can lights, plumbing stacks) and assess the ventilation (soffit/ridge) for necessary upgrades.
Structural Cleaning and Antimicrobial Treatment
All mold growth on the roof sheathing and rafters is physically removed using specialized methods (dry ice blasting, sanding, or wire brushing). The exposed wood is then treated with a professional-grade, fungicidal solution.
Encapsulation and Final Verification
We apply a durable, mold-resistant sealant or encapsulant to the cleaned wood surfaces to lock out future growth. We verify the ventilation system is functioning correctly to maintain low humidity and prevent recurrence.
Q&A
Why does attic mold often grow on the underside of the roof sheathing first?
The roof sheathing is the coldest surface in the attic during winter. When warm, moisture-laden air from the living space below leaks into the attic, it hits this cold sheathing, causing the moisture to condense into liquid water (dew point). This trapped condensation provides the continuous moisture source needed for mold to take root and spread rapidly on the wood.
Does attic mold remediation include fixing the attic ventilation system?
While the core service is mold removal, a critical step is recommending and often implementing necessary ventilation improvements. If the roof has inadequate ridge, gable, or soffit vents, the issue will return. We provide solutions such as adding vent capacity or replacing leaky bath fan ducts to ensure long-term humidity control in the attic space.
Is it possible to simply spray the attic mold with bleach instead of professional removal?
No. Bleach primarily removes the color on the surface but does not effectively kill the mold roots (hyphae) embedded in porous materials like wood sheathing. Furthermore, it introduces excessive moisture, which actually encourages deeper growth. Professional remediation requires physical removal (sanding/blasting) and treatment with specialized fungicidal agents.
Will the mold on my roof sheathing affect the structural integrity of my home?
Severe, chronic mold growth (particularly wood rot fungi) can compromise the structural integrity of the roof sheathing over time, leading to softness or failure, especially around the fasteners for the roof shingles. Prompt remediation is necessary to halt this degradation and ensure the roof system can safely support loads and resist high winds.
Should I remove the insulation in my attic if there is mold on the roof sheathing?
We strongly recommend inspecting the attic insulation. If the insulation has visible mold growth or has been saturated with moisture (from the roof leak or condensation), it is no longer effective and is a major source of spores and odor. We will safely remove, bag, and replace the contaminated insulation as part of a comprehensive attic restoration plan.
