Why It’s Important To Look For Mold In Winter
Now that summer has officially ended, the seasons are changing and that means that the temperatures are dropping. When it comes to mold growth, we often hear the misconception that “mold only grows in warm climates, so it won’t be a problem in winter”. The truth of the matter is that there is no perfect temperature to prevent mold growth. Many homeowners come to us this time of year because they are noticing mold in winter and that’s because even though it is getting colder outside, it is still nice and warm in your home.
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that feeds off of decaying organic material and while many types of mold are harmless, there are some that can cause health issues. Mold likes to grow in warm moist areas and can survive on all different types of surfaces. In addition to causing mold allergy symptoms like respiratory distress, this fungus can also cause damage to the areas of your home where it occurs. If you notice mold growing in your carpet or wood floors, it can cause serious damage to the structure of your home.
How to Spot Mold in Winter
Mold can come in a variety of colors and growth patterns. Mold in winter can appear black, white, yellow, green, brown, or gray. It typically appears to be fuzzy or soft and can grow in spots near and around each other. In order to stop mold in house fixtures, it is important to identify and safely remove the mold as soon as possible. If you are able to take precautionary steps to prevent mold in winter, you can save yourself the time and hassle of removal.
How to prevent mold growth
Increase air circulation
Using fans during the colder months may sound strange, but keeping the airflow moving can keep cold air from condensing in corners and closets. You should also take care to use exhaust fans when you are cooking in the kitchen or creating steam in the bathroom. These exhaust fans will help minimize condensation and moisture.
Watch for leaks
Leaks from the outside elements around doors and windows can let in excessive moisture and cause mold around windows in winter. Also, keep an eye out for pipe leaks that could lead to hidden mold growth under your sinks.
Reduce humidity
Investing in a dehumidifier can help you prevent the growth of mold in winter by reducing the overall moisture inside of your home. You can combine this with an increase in your home’s temperature to prevent mold growth.
Keep your flooring dry
Entryways are one of the best places for mold to grow due to the amount of moisture that is tracked in, especially on wet or snowy days. In order to stop mold in house flooring, we recommend that you use a washer friendly floor mat and use a vacuum on the area regularly.
When mold growth starts, cleanup costs increase significantly. Mold grows quickly! If you have moisture in your home or office call Pride Cleaning & Restoration ASAP.
