As the snow starts to fall and temperatures begin to drop, molds are the last thing that we think about. It is surprising for some to find out that mold can grow even in cold temperatures.
The question is, are we ready to prevent mold growth in our homes?
To keep ourselves warm, we need to turn up the heat in our homes which unfortunately creates an ideal situation where mold can grow.
Mold damage restoration services have a great demand during the winter months because mold growth continues to be a problem contrary to popular belief.
If you live in a state where heaters are turned on frequently, mold can start growing on your inside walls. Areas that are prone to mold infestation are those surfaces closest to the outside of your home.
The wet season during winter is where mold growth is prominent because of the melting snow and ice coupled with warm indoor temperatures.
Extreme temperatures during winter don’t eliminate molds but only make them dormant. They will grow and multiply once more as soon as the temperature rises.
As mold grows, it will cause damage to building materials, which necessitates replacement
What Happens to Mold in Winter?
Some homeowners believe that mold is a seasonal problem that disappears when the weather gets cold. Low temperatures do affect the way mold grows, but it does not mean that mold disappears in winter.
Mold can grow in cold temperatures, contrary to what other people may think. There are three things needed for mold growth: moisture, temperature, and food source.
There are types of molds that are more likely to grow in the winter months than others. Each mold type has a minimum and maximum temperature range for growth.
When leaves and plants start to decay, mold spores are released into the air as a consequence. When it comes to our homes, heaters create an ideal environment for mold growth.
Modern homes are designed to keep warm air inside. The humidity and temperature imbalance created in some areas lead to the perfect conditions where mold can grow.
The bad news is that the right temperature conditions for mold growth are within the range of making our homes comfortable during the cold winter months.
Cold weather does not eliminate mold, which is why mold damage restoration is essential once you notice mold growth in your home.
Professional mold removal experts need to perform a thorough inspection to find out if mold has invaded your home.
Prevent Indoor Mold Growth During the Winter Months
Preventing mold growth in the winter season may be a little different compared to the warmer months because the low temperatures make us change our routines.
The key to removing mold from your home is controlling humidity levels and preventing the build-up of moisture.
Here are some tips you can follow to help prevent mold growth.
- Keep all areas of your home clean and moisture-free
- Remove fallen leaves that are piled up and trap moisture
- Provide adequate air circulation in your home by keeping windows open or turning on your exhaust fan when you cook, shower, or wash the dishes.
- Cut off the water supply to broken pipes and appliances
- Insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing
- Vacuum floors to remove potential sources of mold growth
- Make sure that seals on windows and doors are intact and moisture is not seeping through any cracks
- Dry out areas in your home where you notice moisture build-ups like walls, windows, and pipes. Check for sources of moisture like leaks and cracks.
- Keep indoor humidity levels below 40%. If you use a dehumidifier, make sure you don’t go above the set levels
- Make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated.
- Check your HVAC system and air ducts for mold before turning up the heat
If you have done all these tips and still discover mold growing in your home, you better call the experts who specialize in mold detection and removal.
Once the source is found, the extent of damage will be determined before proceeding with the mold removal process.
The safety of your home and its occupants are a priority in mold removal. We need to ensure that the problem doesn’t occur once more.
Importance of Mold Damage Prevention
Besides being an eyesore and smelling pretty bad, molds can cause costly damage to your home.
Mold can cause plenty of problems when it starts growing and spreading inside your home. Aside from damage to the structural integrity of your home, they can also cause health problems.
Molds can cause throat irritation, nasal stiffness, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation.
If you notice mold contamination, you should call a professional mold remediation company to manage your problem.
The purpose of mold remediation is to prevent future mold damage, remove existing mold, and prevent the spread of current mold.
A quick response is needed because mold spores can spread quickly. Having a mold removal company on speed dial is a good idea.
Conclusion
Mold damage restoration is essential during the winter season as well as in the warmer months. Mold growth is a year-long problem given the right conditions.
Cold and wet winter months create the right atmosphere for mold growth.
At the onset of mold growth, you should call a mold removal company at once to fix the problem. Mold spores spread fast, so time is crucial to nip the issue in the bud.
A DIY mold removal project doesn’t always work. It is ideal for experts to handle the job. If you notice mold problems that keep on recurring, it’s time to call the pros.
When mold spores are living within the material of your drywall or wooden surfaces, a DIY cleanup is nearly impossible.
Mold removal experts have the experience, training, and proper equipment to treat, reduce, and control mold safely and efficiently.
Make your home a safe haven once more by calling in the experts for mold remediation services.