Preventing Mold During Winter Months
When dealing with trying to keep warm during these winter months, the last thing you may be thinking about is mold. But it could be time you put some thought into preventing the mold during these winter months. Most people think that mold pops up only when it is humid during our summer months. A lot of people don’t know that mold can accumulate during any time of the year, and winter could be one of the worst seasons for it!
Depending on where you live, you may have to take more extreme measures to prevent mold in and around your home. Where you have seen mold before may not be the same place that mold is growing now. It is important to figure out what is causing the mold, where it could be growing, and how you can prevent it from entering your home. The last thing you want to deal with come spring cleaning is having to throw things away due to mold damage!
What You Need to Know About Mold
Mold is not something you ever want to encounter in or outside of your home. It is a nuisance and can be very dangerous, depending on what kind you are dealing with. In your home, it can cause wood to decompose as well as rot your flooring, walls, and furniture. Mold can have horrible health effects on your family as well, from coughing and sneezing to skin irritation and trouble breathing. If you spot any mold in your home, call to have it checked out. Although some can be an easier fix than others, you need to determine the severity of the mold and figure out what is causing it.
Some places in your home that mold could be growing are interior walls, underneath cabinets, near your toilet or sinks, and even in the foundation. There are no limits to where humidity and moisture are hiding and where mold could be living. If you notice any new health concerns in your home, don’t count mold out! Even though it may seem like allergies, it could be something more. During the winter months, in most places, allergies are going to calm down. If you are still sneezing and coughing or having trouble breathing in your home, it is time for a mold test.
Can Mold be Worse During the Winter?
In the winter months, mold is still very relevant but could pop up in more unexpected places. When it is hotter and more humid, you will likely see mold in a variety of places in your home. In the winter months, you should take a closer look at attics and inside walls. Water condensation can create a perfect storm for mold. Most people think warm weather and extreme humidity are not factors; mold cannot grow, which is not true. The main aspect of mold is the presence of moisture. Humidity that is present can hit cold pipes. When this happens, condensation is present, and the insulation, pipes, and drywall can start to rot.
Did you know that mold succeeds best in temperatures between 60-80 degrees? So in your attic and walls that are warmer than outside are getting exposed to humidity and moisture… mold could be growing. When these places are getting hit with mold, it can be very hard to detect! If you plan to use your heat this winter, understand the condensation process that is happening within your home and where to look for mold!
How to Help Prevent Mold This Winter
What do you plan to do to help your home and all your belongings steer clear of mold?
The first thing to do is to check your insulation. Having proper insulation is very important because it is more susceptible to getting mold if it isn’t installed the right way. You also have to keep steam in mind. Steam appears in our bathrooms and in our kitchens. Steam needs to escape, and when it’s freezing outside, you tend to keep everything and everyone indoors! Getting the right ventilation in your bathroom and kitchen can help mold from growing.
Mold is a tricky thing. It can start growing now and not appear to you for months and months later. After a cold winter, you need to check your home for mold. Check your roof, your attic, your windows, or any area you think moisture could have appeared. If you see missing or loose shingles, be sure to replace them, so moisture doesn’t get into your roof. You should also look for any cracks or leaks in or around your chimney! Check your gutters, and be sure to clear any leaves or branches that are blocking the way for water to move the correct way. The last thing you should do is check all your windows inside and out! This is very commonplace for moisture to accumulate and mold to grow.
If you have concerns that you may have mold during or after these winter months, be sure to have your home inspected. The most important thing to know about mold is that it can be hard to spot and detect but needs to be rid of as soon as possible. Get your home tested for mold today by giving us a call!