Should I Replace Moldy Insulation In My Fort Collins Home?
Insulation makes homes more comfortable and energy-efficient. Home insulation usually works flawlessly in the background but it may sometimes require intervention. For example, if you find yourself coughing and sneezing uncontrollably, then you may be dealing with mold on insulation.
Mold spores can pollute the indoor air and threaten the health of the family. By understanding why this happens, homeowners can learn to identify the problem and prevent it from happening again with the help of professionals.
How to Identify Mold on Insulation
Mold is fungi that thrive in areas with high humidity, warm temperatures, and an organic food source. Among the insulated sections that may experience mold growth are the attic, basement, and crawl spaces. People should also be wary of drywall insulation and fiberglass insulation. Common signs include rust, dust, and dirt discoloration. Green and black spots are often seen in these areas as well.
What Causes Mold Growth on Insulation in Colorado?
Mold in Attics
- Poor Ventilation: Air should flow freely to keep the attic dry. If the ventilation is blocked or insufficient, then the humid air will be trapped inside. Condensation can occur on the surface of wooden beams during cold mornings and throughout the winter. This creates a suitable environment for mold growth.
- Roof Leaks: Leaks can develop over time in certain areas of the roof. As water droplets make their way inside the attic, the wet area in the immediate vicinity becomes viable for mold.
- Bad Exhaust: Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas usually have exhaust pipes that go through the attic. Ideally, these should terminate outside the home. However, installers could make the mistake of terminating them within the attic, making it more humid than usual.
Mold in Basements
- Bathroom Leaks: The bathroom above the basement may have small leaks due to cracks on the floor.
- Flooding: Water pipes inside the basement may burst due to high pressure and flood the area. Removing the water can take time and moisture can seep into the walls, inviting mold to grow on the surfaces.
- Rainwater: Homeowners may fail to notice an open basement window during a rainy day. Water can get inside and cause problems.
- Surface Condensation: When it’s cold outside, the interior wall surfaces and concrete basement floor can experience condensation due to the humid air.
- Wall Leaks: Groundwater can pierce through the smallest cracks and gaps along the basement walls.
Mold in Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a popular insulating material that is available as blankets or as loose-fill. Roof leaks and plumbing issues can cause water, dust, and dirt to reach fiberglass insulation. The wet material can soon experience mold growth in the dark corners of the house. Even if you can’t see it, you may be able to smell its musty odor. You may also feel its presence with allergy symptoms and constant cold.
Mold in Drywall
Drywall is an ideal food source for mold. If it ever gets wet, then expect the fungi to spread across the affected area. The insulation trapped inside it will not go unscathed. Signs of moist drywall include water stains, peeling wallpaper, discoloration, dark rings, and cracking paint.
Problems Associated with Moldy Insulation For Fort Collins Homeowners
People have different sensitivities to mold spores. Some may be able to go about their days without noticing them. Others experience health issues such as stuffy noses, red eyes, itchy skin, and wheezing because of the poor indoor air quality. Those who have compromised immunity have a high risk of mold infection. Individuals who already have chronic conditions like asthma pulmonary obstructions may find it hard to breathe. It is important to get a precise diagnosis immediately from a qualified doctor.
Moldy insulation could mean that the distressed areas are slowly rotting or suffering from other forms of water damage. If neglected, then these problems will only get worse. It is far better to stop the spread by removing sections of the insulation. This is a complicated task that requires careful handling. Make sure to contact insulation experts when dealing with the problem.
How to Prevent Moldy Insulation in Fort Collins, Colorado
Mold is everywhere so preventing their spread to the insulated sections is difficult, especially in places where there is high humidity. The best that homeowners can do is to create an environment that is not conducive to growth.
- Improve ventilation around the house, particularly in the attic, basement, crawlspaces, and bathrooms.
- Call for water removal services immediately after floods. They’ll use advanced equipment to dry the area quickly. They can also clean up and disinfect soaked valuables.
- Keep indoor humidity under 50% through continuous monitoring and adjustment. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
- Use mold-resistant paints for walls or add inhibitors to regular paint to achieve the same level of protection.
- Consult with professionals about better options to replace the moldy insulation. Perhaps different materials would be more suited to various parts of the house.
Conclusion
Tiny mold spores have a big impact on health and comfort. Don’t underestimate their ability to cause serious illness and property damage. Check for the signs in the most vulnerable areas.
If you suspect rampant mold growth in your home, then hire a company that can help you deal with the problem immediately. Don’t try to deal with it by yourself because moldy insulation removal is harder than it seems. Professionals will bring their knowledge, skills, and equipment for excellent results.
Mold On Insulation Fort Collins CO
When it concerns insulation, consulting with a professional insulation company is the best option. There are a lot of factors to consider when determining the condition of your insulation. Ascend Construction specializes in insulation removal and installation, energy conservation, energy audits, whole house fan installations, and more in Fort Collins, Colorado, and the neighboring areas.
Contact Ascend Construction for a free consultation today. We can provide you with practical solutions to address the problem areas in your Fort Collins home. All of our services are affordable and our work is guaranteed. Click here to contact us or click the button below to give Ascend Construction a call. We offer free, no-obligation, in-home consultations.