Difference Between Mold And Mildew In Attic

The vast majority of attic mold is caused by humidity which is why white mold growth is common here.

Difference between mold and mildew in attic.

Typically mold appears black or green while mildew looks gray or white. The most common cause of attic mold by far is blocked or insufficient ventilation of the attic space. The key difference between mold and mildew is that the mold has a fuzzy appearance and often appears as black green red patches that penetrate beneath the surface while the mildew has a powdery appearance and often appears as grey or white patches that grow only on the surface. Mold is more dangerous and difficult to manage.

This is why it s less common to see mold growth on base trim after a flooding event. White mold tends to grow in high humidity environments rather than areas suffering from total saturation. Mildew is considered surface fungi that can be treated and removed fairly easily. 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.

But mold and mildew also have striking differences when it comes to size color and texture. Mold vs mildew differences. The chart below shows some of the major differences. Attic sheathing and framing.

What to do if you spot mildew in your attic. What is the difference between mold and mildew. According to a 2017 unicef report dampness and mold raise the risk of developing asthma by up to 50 percent. 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.

Mold and mildew are two very similar kinds of fungi which prefer growing on moist and warm places. 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. Powdery mildew can be easily recognized as white or gray patterned splotches on plant leaves. Yet there are some more detailed specifics in the appearance of the fungi.

Differences between mold and mildew in appearance. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth usually with a flat growth habit.

Is there a difference. 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. Mildew is a kind of mold which means mold and mildew have a lot in common.