18 Jan 7 Tips to Keep Mold from Growing During the Winter
The winter season is upon us, and you might think that you don’t have to worry about mold in your home or workplace right now. After all, mold needs warmth to grow and it can’t grow in the cold…right? Not so fast! Today the experts at Pure Maintenance NE answer the question “can mold grow in the cold?” and offer some professional tips on keeping mold at bay during the winter.
Can mold grow in the cold?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes—mold can live and thrive even during the colder months of the year. In fact, some types of mold like the cold and will continue to grow in spite of low temperatures, which is why you can sometimes find mold in your freezer.
There is no low temperature that actually kills mold. Most molds will stop growing when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, that cold temperature does not kill the mold—it only makes it dormant. As soon as temperatures rise, the mold will continue to grow.
Another thing to remember is that mold growing inside your home still receives warmth when you have the heat on. Even when it’s below 40 degrees Fahrenheit outside, your home still has the warmth mold needs to spread. Here are a few pro tips for stopping the spread of mold during the winter.
Seven Tips for Putting Mold on Ice During the Winter
1: Check for Window Condensation
When the cold air from the outside hits one side of the glass, and the warm air from the inside of your home hits the other side, condensation forms on the inside of the window. If this moist build-up stays on your windows, it can seep into the wall or window frame and become a great place for mold to start growing.
2: Check Your Humidity Levels
Mold loves air humidity levels of 60% or higher. If your home thermostat allows, try to keep humidity levels between 30% to 50% to prevent mold growth. In bathrooms and laundry rooms, where humidity levels tend to be high, try to keep the doors and windows cracked and a fan running to release and dry any residual moisture.
3: Keep Carpeting and Rugs Dry
If you have carpeting or rugs in areas with high humidity, underneath windows where condensation can collect and drip down, or in entryways where snow from boots can accumulate and melt, make sure to keep them clean and dry at all times. Carpeting and rugs are a favorite place for mold to grow and you do not want to give them a reason to start.
4: Keep an Eye on Your Attic
As everyone knows, warm air rises while cold air stays towards the ground. This means that the humidity created in your home rises towards the ceiling and eventually penetrates the attic. The combination of warm air, moisture, and insulation materials in your attic makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold. Attics are also more prone to leaks in the winter from snowstorms and heavy rains. Check regularly for high humidity levels and any signs of water damage.
5: Insulate Your Pipes
When it gets below freezing outside, water pipes can burst and leak. We suggest insulating the pipes in your home, both inside and out. Insulating your pipes will help prevent water damage and flooding in your home.
6: Be Conscientious about Mold Allergies
While seasonal allergies usually take a break during the winter, mold allergies do not. Indoor mold sticks around all year long, and because people tend to spend more time indoors in the winter, increased mold exposure often makes allergy symptoms worse.
7: Make a Springtime Appointment
After the winter is over, we get a lot of calls from home and business owners in need of mold remediation services. When the weather begins to warm up, any mold that was lying dormant during the winter starts to spread quickly, causing increased allergies and bad smells. Proactively scheduling an early spring check-up will help you resolve any mold problems before they can get worse.
Mold Remediation Services All Year Long
Can mold grow in the cold? Yes. Does the cold kill mold? No! It’s important for home and business owners to remain diligent all year long to ensure that indoor mold does not become a problem. If you suspect that you have indoor mold, you need a certified mold remediation specialist to perform a thorough examination so you can get the problem taken care of right away. Call Pure Maintenance NE at 401-205-3825 to schedule a free mold inspection today.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
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