Black Mold On Roof Rafters

Black mold in attic.

Black mold on roof rafters.

The photo at page top shows white attic mold on the roof sheathing and rafters and some brown or black mold on the attic side of ceiling drywall where we pulled back insulation. Mold species such as stachybotrys chartarum which looks like slimy growth loves attic basement bathroom and space under the sink. A 10 x 10 area of plywood has been removed to provide air into this area. Attic mold left unchecked can grow and lead to structural deterioration of attic sheathing and roof structural elements.

Not only can this cause black mold to grow on the inside it may also cause damage to the outside of the home as well. The mold itself may have a cottony texture but can also be velvety leathery or. The black mold is on the first 3 truss panels. The roof has baffles at alternating thusses soffit and ridge vents.

When looking for attic mold trace both leak. Leaks in the roof may also cause black mold in the attic. Black mold can also grow behind the walls or attic ceilings completely undetected until the occupants smell the presence or experience health problems. There s an underlying moisture issue that needs to be resolved because mold requires moisture to grow and spread.

In the attic photograph at left we show a mix of green gray and white attic mold. This causes condensation to form on the cold surfaces in the attic especially roof rafters sheathing and trusses. The black growth on attic sheathing and rafters consists primarily of species of cladosporium alternaria or other genera of micro fungi but rarely if ever the potentially toxic stachybotrys mold black mold because attics are not consistently wet enough to sustain this kind of mold. Poorly maintained roof gutters and eaves may lead to water seepage under and between slats.

Attic mold is often caused by warm moist air from the house leaking into the attic space.