Regardless of temperature, mold can form in your home as it is a problem that can happen any time during the year. Mold can affect your health negatively, so it is extremely important to understand why mold forms in your home, how it can affect your health, and what you can do to prevent it.
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Does mold grow in the winter?
Yes, mold grows in the winter. Mold spores are everywhere – in the air and on surfaces – just waiting for the right temperature to begin growing. Cold weather doesn’t prevent mold from growing.
But mold growth can be slowed down in cold temperatures because it takes longer for the spores to germinate in lower temperatures than it does at room temperature.
Mold growth is also affected by moisture levels, so if there are no water leaks or other sources of moisture, mold won’t grow as quickly.
If you are allergic to mold, the symptoms will not go away during the winter. Because people commonly spend more time indoors, you could notice even more symptoms.
Conditions for mold to grow
There are various reasons why mold may form in your home. Here are a few:
Items that contain cellulose are present in your home:
Cellulose is a main food source for mold. It is present in most household items such as bread, fruit and cotton, wood etc.
Extra moisture:
If you have extra moisture in your home, it becomes a food source for mold. Most homeowners keep their homes between 60- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit which is an ideal temperature for mold to form.
During the winter, you may find moisture accumulating by the windows due to condensation. This is a source of moisture that can lead to mold growth.
Dim areas:
Most homes have areas that are not well lit such as hallways for example and mold can grow there quickly between 24-48 hours if they have the right conditions to do so.
Mold can cause major issues in your home if left unattended. These issues can range from health problems to major damage to your property and personal belongings. Here are some negative health effects mold can cause.
- Stuffiness – Mold can cause you to be nasally congested and for your throat to be sore.
- Allergies – Skin allergies are common when it comes to mold as it can cause dryness of the skin and rashes.
- Lung Issues – Constant exposure to mold can cause major health problems such as lung issues that can be life threatening.
- Food toxicity – If mold is ingested via food that has mold present, it can cause food poisoning which can be dangerous.
Mold prevention tips during winter
It is very important to immediately remove any mold in your home and prevent any future mold from forming. Make sure to keep yourself informed on how to recognize the signs of mold and react right away. Here are some things you should know about the removal and prevention of mold:
Regularly check for any moisture sources in your home:
You should always make sure to keep your home moisture free. Check if there are leaks or areas in your home that are damp. If there is excess moisture, you will also be able to smell it. It is crucially important to find where the leak is coming from and fix it as well as remove any moisture that has formed. Any plumbing issues that cause leaks can create major damage in your home.
Use a humidifier only minimally:
Due to dryness during the winter, many homes use a humidifier to help prevent dryness in their throat, nasal passages, and eyes. However, it is important to understand that if you reach too high of a level of humidity in your home, you have the risk of allowing mold to form. Keep the moisture level at 50 percent.
Clean and dry water damage right away:
If you are faced with water damage at your home because of a flood, it is important to react immediately. Everything should be dried properly and according to the specific materials it is made of. Leaving flood damage unattended will cause mold to form. Try to keep moisture away from carpets and other highly absorbent materials. If they do get wet, make sure you dry them right away to prevent mold from forming.
Proper ventilation is crucial:
Most homes have two areas, the bathroom and the kitchen, where there is always a presence of water and moisture. It is important to keep these two areas properly ventilated by opening windows and running the exhaust fans so that everything dries properly after washing. This prevents mold spores from spreading throughout your home.
Hire a mold removal specialist to remove mold from your home:
If you noticed mold in your home and you are not sure how to remove it, make sure to reach out to a professional mold removal company so they can properly remove it and ensure that it does not come back.
Upgrade your insulation:
Make sure that you have proper insulation for your home. Without proper insulation, it can be tough to keep condensation at bay which can cause mold to form and spread as cold interior walls are in contact with warm air inside the house.
Run your ceiling fans in opposite direction:
During the winter, you should run your fan in the opposite direction. This helps drive air upward instead of downward. Therefore, the air will blow upward toward the ceiling to dry any moisture in the air and prevent condensation.
Find a mold removal professional to help
If you’ve experienced mold in your home or business, make sure to reach out to ServiceMaster by Replacements today. We offer mold remediation services to homes and businesses in Neptune, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas. Using our high-tech technology, we will identify any mold growth in your home or business and mold removal specialists will use the proper equipment, chemicals, and processes to remove it and ensure that it does not come back.
To learn more about our mold removal services, make sure to call us today at (732) 842-6917.
