What We Look for During an Attic Mold Inspection

If you’re seeing black spots on the underside of your roof or smelling something musty up in the attic, you’re right to be concerned. Attic mold isn’t just a small issue—it’s a warning sign that moisture is getting into places it shouldn’t. At Total Home Water Restoration, here’s exactly what we look for when inspecting for attic mold.

1. Signs of Active or Previous Moisture

Mold doesn’t grow without moisture. That’s why the first thing we check is how water is getting in.

• Roof leaks – We look for dark stains, wet wood, or deteriorated decking.

• Condensation – Poor ventilation can trap warm air, especially in winter.

• Insulation issues – Missing or compressed insulation lets moisture rise from living spaces.

If we see rusty nails or frost buildup (in colder seasons), that’s a big red flag.

2. Roof Ventilation Problems

Mold thrives when air doesn’t move. In an attic, that usually means your home isn't breathing right.

We check for:

• Blocked soffit vents or a lack of intake ventilation

• Improperly installed ridge or gable vents

• Fan vents dumping into the attic (like bathroom exhausts) instead of out the roof

Proper attic ventilation should allow continuous airflow from eaves to ridge, per building code and best practices.

3. Wood Discoloration and Mold Growth

Black, white, or green spotting on rafters or sheathing is usually mold. But not all discoloration means mold. That’s why we:

• Use moisture meters to check the wood

• Look at the pattern and texture of the staining

• Sometimes take a sample if it’s questionable

If it’s soft, crumbling, or has an earthy smell, that’s often decay—another sign of long-term moisture.

4. Insulation and Air Leakage

One of the sneakiest causes of attic mold? Warm air leaking from inside your home into the attic.

We check:

• Around can lights, bathroom fans, and attic hatches

• For gaps in insulation or vapor barriers

• How well-sealed your ceiling is

Even a small gap can let humid air escape and condense on cold roof surfaces.

5. Structural and Safety Hazards

If mold is heavy or the wood is weakened, it can affect roof structure. We’ll tell you honestly if framing is compromised or if repairs are needed before remediation.

We also follow IICRC S520 standards for professional mold remediation, which means we assess not just where mold is—but how safely it can be removed and what precautions are needed.

What Happens After the Inspection?

We’ll walk you through:

• What caused the mold

• What needs to be fixed to stop it

• How we can safely remove it

Sometimes, if the mold is light and caused by poor ventilation, fixing airflow might be enough. Other times, you’ll need full remediation—removal, HEPA vacuuming, and sealing.

FAQs

How serious is attic mold?
If left unchecked, it can rot wood, affect indoor air quality, and void home warranties or insurance.

Does mold in the attic spread to the house?
It can—especially if air from the attic moves down into the living space or HVAC system.

How much does attic mold removal cost?
It depends on the size of the space and what needs to be done. We’ll give you a straight, no-pressure quote.

Need an Attic Mold Inspection in Central Ohio?

Call Total Home Water Restoration at 380-246-1837 or visit us at 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123. We serve Grove City, Columbus, Hilliard, Dublin, Worthington, Westerville, and more. Tyler Zimmerman and the team are here to fix it like it’s our own home.