Does encapsulating attic mold work?
The appearance of mold in your attic is a wake-up call and a sign of moisture issues that need to be addressed. A variety of measures are used to combat mold problems.
One of the basic approaches involves dealing with the moisture problem first before focusing on the mold itself. If you’ve heard about attic mold encapsulation but have no idea what it’s about, we’ll show you what it is.
There are different mold remediation techniques used to address mold issues in the attic.
Attic mold encapsulation is one of them and as suggested by the name, it serves to cover up the stains left behind by mold spores. So, is attic mold encapsulation an effective remediation technique?
You’ll find answers to these and more as you read on.
About Mold Encapsulation
Through the application of a sealant, mold encapsulation helps prevent the further spread of mold growth on affected surfaces. For mold encapsulation to be successful, affected surfaces need to be cleared first of all mold.
Complete cleaning of such surfaces might not be possible, however, clearing as much of the mold makes it ready for encapsulation.
So, why is it difficult to completely clean a wood surface of mold? It’s necessary to state such reasons for better understanding. Mold is likely to grow on wooden surfaces found in your attic.
Now, wood is known to have a porous surface. During cleaning, a majority of mold spores get removed while others get into the tiny wood pores.
Visual observations might show you a cleared wooden surface; however, mold spores hidden within the tiny pores could grow with moisture presence. This is where mold encapsulation comes in handy.
Using a special sealant, the tiny pores are sealed, thus preventing the growth of mold.
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Sometimes Moldy Wood is Best Removed and Replaced
There are times when affected wood within the attic is best removed and replaced. This is a more comprehensive way to treat a mold problem.
However, the reality is that removal and replacement of such wood aren’t always possible. A mold remediation contractor assesses what’s best for such a situation.
Before Encapsulating Wood
Most mold problems in attics are found to mostly affect wooden surfaces.
With this reality, it becomes necessary to address the problem in the best way possible. The process of encapsulation is preceded by treating the surface through methods such as sanding.
Sanding seeks to clear the stains left by mold spores on surfaces. Some of those left in the wood pores are removed through this process.
However, it’s necessary that sanding be left to professionals due to its hazardous nature. This is because a significant amount of mold spores will float around and can be inhaled.
Mold Sealants
Attic mold encapsulation isn’t complete without the application of sealants. Sealants are fungicidal products applied to affected surfaces to kill mold spores and prevent further growth.
There are paint-like mold sealants, as well as clear sealants which all work to kill mold spores and prevent further growth.
Sealants are used to paint the wooden surfaces within the attic area. This is the mold encapsulation procedure being discussed.
Some of the best fungicidal sealants mostly used include the Anabec two-step Cleaner-Sealer System, Fosters 4020, and Fosters 4051.
Can I Adopt the DIY Approach to Attic Mold Encapsulation?
DIY’ers love to get things done themselves. While attic mold encapsulation might sound like a great DIY idea, the process is best left to mold remediation professionals.
This is because there are lots of things that could go wrong with the process. An experienced professional is trained and experienced to perform a thorough mold encapsulation job.
It begins with a visit to your property to assess the extent of mold presence within your attic. This enables experts to determine what remediation approach to take.
However, if you wish to cut down on cost through the adoption of DIY techniques, you might want to begin by clearing the surface of any mold.
Now, allow the mold remediation expert to carry out the mold sealant application or encapsulation. This way, you benefit from advice and tips while performing the procedure.
Does it Matter What Type of Mold I have?
When mold issues are determined, there’s a likelihood of rationalizing whether or not to adopt a different treatment approach for a particular type.
The truth is, mold issues are all unwanted and can be addressed in the same way. Speaking of types, there are various mold types you might find growing in your attic.
Examples include Cladosporium, Bipolaris, Chaetomium, acremonium, penicillium, and fusarium among others. Your focus shouldn’t be on the mold type, but rather it should be centered on how to get rid of them.
When Attic Mold Encapsulation isn’t Advisable
There are situations where attic mold encapsulation isn’t recommended. These include scenarios where mold is found to be growing on non-porous surfaces.
Examples of non-porous surfaces include glass, tiles, and metal. These won’t require performing the mold encapsulation procedure because they only need to be cleaned.
In other words, all mold spores can easily get wiped off such surfaces with no further action needed. Another situation where encapsulation isn’t advisable is when affected items can be removed and replaced.
This is a cost-effective way of getting rid of mold and only requires removing and discarding affected items.
Here, the long process of attic mold encapsulation won’t be necessary. Such a difficult process best serves situations where affected attic areas can’t be removed.
Fix the Moisture Problem
It isn’t enough to have a mold encapsulation procedure performed on your attic without fixing the moisture problem. Moisture and humidity are the primary causes of mold growth.
So, it’s necessary to perform a careful examination of the sources of moisture.
Such could arise from roof leaks, pipe leaks, inadequate roof ventilation, and missing or inadequate attic insulation.
Attic mold problems could also arise from ceiling openings or gaps, kitchen or bath exhaust fans vented into your attic. Any of these will pose problems.
By checking to see if any of these applies to your attic, you get to avoid future mold problems by providing necessary preventive measures.
Attic mold encapsulation is an important treatment method that helps eliminate all types of moisture issues giving rise to mold growth.