Difference Between Mold And Mildew In Attic

The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth usually with a flat growth habit.

Difference between mold and mildew in attic.

The terms mold and mildew are often used interchangeably and while they have similar characteristics like thriving in damp areas they are not the same. White mold tends to grow in high humidity environments rather than areas suffering from total saturation. Typically mold appears black or green while mildew looks gray or white. Mildew is a kind of mold which means mold and mildew have a lot in common.

Yet there are some more detailed specifics in the appearance of the fungi. This is why it s less common to see mold growth on base trim after a flooding event. Attic sheathing and framing. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.

Powdery mildew can be easily recognized as white or gray patterned splotches on plant leaves. According to a 2017 unicef report dampness and mold raise the risk of developing asthma by up to 50 percent. Mold is more dangerous and difficult to manage. The chart below shows some of the major differences.

Differences between mold and mildew in appearance. We are often asked about the differences between mold vs mildew and about the best method for cleaning mold and mildew. The vast majority of attic mold is caused by humidity which is why white mold growth is common here. What is the difference between mold and mildew.

Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. They are both fungi are often found inside homes thrive in moist environments spread from surface to surface easily and may cause problems with your health and your home. Is there a difference. Mold and mildew are two very similar kinds of fungi which prefer growing on moist and warm places.

The most common cause of attic mold by far is blocked or insufficient ventilation of the attic space. Mildew is a surface fungi that can easily be identified as a patch of gray or even white fungus that is lying on the surface of a moist area. Mold vs mildew differences. While mildew is a mostly harmless gray or white fungus found in moist areas of homes mold is usually black or green and can cause respiratory illness nausea fatigue and allergies.

What to do if you spot mildew in your attic. Attics usually have a passive ventilation system in which outside air comes in through the soffit eave vents at the bottom warms up in the attic and escapes through the can or ridge vents at the top because hot air rises. Mold and mildew are both types of fungi and are similar in many ways.