Service 04 · from $2,800
Attic mold
Darkened roof sheathing is common in South Sound attics. We clean it and fix the airflow that caused it.
Section: a typical winter attic
North side left- 1 Growth on the north-facing sheathing, worst near the top
- 2 Bath fan duct ends in the attic instead of outside
- 3 Insulation pushed into the eave blocks the soffit vent
- 4 Warm, damp air leaks up around a ceiling light
- 5 Ridge vent: where attic air should leave
What it is
What attic mold is
Attic mold here usually starts with warm, damp air from the house meeting cold roof boards in winter. Bath fans venting into the attic, blocked soffit vents and gaps around lights are the usual causes. The growth is often on the north side and around nails. Cleaning the sheathing without fixing the airflow only buys a winter or two.
When it makes sense
- Roof sheathing is darkened or spotted, often on the north side
- There is frost on nail tips in cold weather
- A bath or kitchen fan duct ends in the attic instead of outside
- A buyer's inspection flagged the attic before closing
When it doesn't
- Old staining that is dry, with good ventilation and no growth: we may suggest monitoring
- A roof leak that is still active: get the roof fixed first
On site
What happens, step by step
- 01 Find the airflow problem Bath fan ducts, soffit baffles, ridge vents and air leaks from the rooms below.
- 02 Protect the house The attic hatch is sealed with a zipper door and the attic is put under negative air.
- 03 Clean the sheathing HEPA sanding, wire brushing or blasting, depending on the wood and the growth, then HEPA vacuuming.
- 04 Insulation if needed Insulation that has been wet or holds debris is removed and replaced.
- 05 Fix the venting Fans ducted outside, baffles cleared, air leaks sealed so the attic stays dry.
Worth knowing Some companies paint a sealer over attic growth and call it done. A sealer can be a useful last step on cleaned wood, but it is not a substitute for cleaning and fixing the airflow.
Questions about attic mold
Is attic mold an emergency?
Rarely. It is a building problem to plan for, often over a few weeks. If you're selling, we can work to a closing date.
Will I need a new roof?
Usually not. Most sheathing cleans up. Boards that have lost strength from long-term moisture are replaced, and we show you which ones and why.
Other services
Request a visit
Tell us what you're seeing.
Five short steps, photos welcome. We reply within one business day with a plain answer: clean it yourself, book an inspection, or plan the work.
Prefer to talk?
Priya answers the office line.
- (360) 555-0148
- office@westvane.example
- Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Water coming in right now? Shut off the supply if you can and call a water damage company first. Mold work comes after things are dry.