Had a similar issue myself—thought I was being smart sealing everything up tight, then ended up blocking off a soffit vent by accident. Who knew attics were so picky about airflow? Learned my lesson after a pricey mold cleanup... roofing pros exist for a reason, I guess.
You're definitely not alone on this one—I can't tell you how many times I've inspected attics where DIY attempts at sealing vents ended up causing more headaches than they solved. Attics are surprisingly finicky about ventilation and moisture control, and mold remediation bills aren't cheap, as you've unfortunately discovered. Glad you found a roofing company that treated you right; sometimes it's worth paying the pros to avoid those expensive "learning experiences"... trust me, I've seen plenty!
I've been wondering about this myself—how tricky can attic ventilation really be? I tried sealing some vents last summer thinking it'd help with energy bills, but now I'm second-guessing that decision. Haven't noticed mold yet, but reading your post makes me think I should probably check again... Did you notice any early signs before things got bad, or was it just suddenly obvious you had a problem? Maybe it's time I call in someone who actually knows what they're doing.
Sealing attic vents to save energy bills... sounds logical at first glance, but it's a bit like wearing a plastic bag to stay dry—technically works, but you'll regret it later. Proper attic ventilation is crucial for moisture control and temperature regulation. Early signs aren't always mold; sometimes it's subtle stuff like condensation on nails or a musty smell. I'd recommend checking your attic again, especially after temperature swings. Better safe than sorry, and cheaper than replacing insulation or dealing with mold remediation down the line... trust me on that one.
You're spot-on about the subtle signs like condensation on nails. I've lost count of how many times I've been called out for "mysterious" leaks or mold issues, only to find someone tried sealing vents thinking it'd help. Ventilation isn't intuitive, so I get why folks try it... but man, it can cause headaches later. Good on you for catching it early and spreading the word—saves a ton of hassle (and cash) down the road.
