4 min read
Many homeowners believe mold is a seasonal problem because it thrives in environments with excess moisture and high temperatures. Early spring to mid-fall is considered the mold season in the US. People typically only watch out for potential microbial contamination and enlist mold remediation in Metro Detroit around this time.
While temperatures do affect microbial growth, it pays to know that the colder parts of the year also create ideal conditions for mold to grow.
How Mold Grows in Colder Temperatures
Three things are required for microbial growth: enough moisture, the right temperature, and organic materials as a food source. Since homes generally have plenty of wood and paper products for mold to feed on, all it takes is dampness and high humidity for it to grow and multiply.
With Metro Detroit’s cold, windy, and snowy winters, you may have to heat your home frequently to stay warm. When the warm air inside your home comes into contact with surfaces closest to the cold temperatures outside of your home, condensation can form. Moisture can ultimately collect on and around these surfaces, turning them into breeding grounds for mold.
It’s also worth noting that cold weather does not kill mold. During months with lower temperatures, mold spores simply become inactive. They wait until the temperature rises again and the right conditions reappear before growing and multiplying. As the contamination spreads, mold will keep consuming and breaking down the materials on which it grows.
Where Mold Can Grow in the Winter Months
During winter, microbial growth due to condensation is more likely to occur in areas hidden from view. As such, you’ll want to pay special attention to the basement, the attic, and areas inside your walls and cabinets.
Warm air rises, and when it reaches your roof’s colder surfaces, condensation can settle on your wooden rafters and insulations. The same can happen to your home’s plumbing system. If you have pipes running through walls with poor insulation, water can condense on the cold pipes and encourage microbial growth.
Plumbing issues can lead to undetected microbial growth and make you vulnerable to structural damage and health risks. A professional mold inspection and restoration company in Metro Detroit will be able to detect and address an infestation in your home, even in winter.
Preventing Mold in Winter
Ensuring proper insulation is one of the best ways to protect your home from mold during the colder months. Properly insulated walls prevent condensation and keep excess moisture from settling on your surfaces. Of course, there’s also the added benefit of reducing your heating bills.
Improving ventilation and air circulation can also keep contamination at bay. Turning on an exhaust fan or opening a window while cooking or taking a hot shower ensures the warm air is vented out of your home.
Moreover, it helps to be wary of water damage and potential microbial growth after a winter storm. Any damage to your home caused by the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can introduce water and moisture into your home. This damage can progress and go undetected until spring, so it’s best to watch out for signs like damaged shingles and water stains on ceilings.
Here are some more pointers to remember to keep mold out of your property:
- Ensure your indoor humidity level stays below 50%. If you must use a humidifier, ensure it does not produce excessive humidity.
- Avoid storing paper, books, and clothing in humid areas of the house, like the basement, as they can serve as food sources for mold.
- Repair any leaks and faulty sealing as soon as possible.
- Clean and dry out any condensation on windows, doors, or walls as soon as you notice them.
Let Us Help You Keep Your Home Warm, Comfortable, and Free of Mold
Contrary to popular belief, mold is a year-round problem that can strike your property even during the colder months. Thankfully, understanding how microbial growth can occur in your home during winter and learning practical ways to prevent it can help you get started on the right track.
Sometimes, however, mold can still find its way in and affect your property. In these instances, don’t hesitate to ask for help from certified companies like Restoration 1. Enlisting mold inspection and removal services from a reliable team can return your home to normal and eliminate your long-term contamination concerns.
Get in touch with Restoration 1 today for safe, efficient, and thorough mold remediation in Metro Detroit. We mobilize quickly and use advanced equipment to keep your home healthy and comfortable in winter – and through the rest of the year.
