Can Mold Thrive in Colder Climates?

The days are growing shorter and the temperatures colder, which means winter is almost here. Flowers, grasses and bugs all die off when the frigid temperatures hit. Unfortunately, the chilly weather doesn’t have the same effect on mold. The climate and activity changes during the colder months can actually increase the likelihood of mold development. As it grows, the microscopic mold spores begin to break down and compromise the integrity of the surface. Many people will unknowingly breathe in a large amount of mold spores for months without ever realizing the negative effects it could have on their health.

Prevention is the only way to keep your home and health guarded against the impact of mold. Here are a few tips to help you thwart mold in its attempts to infest your home this winter:

• Prevent moisture: Mold only needs about 24 to 48 hours to grow after it lands on a surface. That’s your time to attack. Dry any damp materials quickly to keep mold from growing. Pay special attention to the carpeting around the front door as guests with wet shoes come in and out of the home. Damp basements and the walls next to windows are other common problem areas.
• Eliminate water leaks: Water leaks are among of the leading causes of mold growth. Leaking pipes, roofs, walls, taps and showers are all hotbeds for mold development. Inspect your home regularly to find any previously undiscovered leaks and fix them immediately. Call a professional for mold remediation in Portland, OR if you find any apparent problem areas during your search.
• Reduce humidity levels: There’s nothing mold loves more than high humidity. Mold can grow rampantly in areas with humidity levels higher than 55 percent. The mold problems only get worse during the winter season. The wet weather outside in combination with the heat inside can cause high humidity levels within the home. The usual solution of just opening a window isn’t really an option during the winter. Instead, use exhaust fans or a humidifier to alleviate the humidity levels in a steamy bathroom or kitchen.
• Stop condensation: Condensation forms on cold surfaces when the water vapor in the air starts to cool before it turns into liquid. Condensation is frequently found on frosty windows and metal pipes during the winter months. Warm condensation and trapped moisture can dwell inside the home for months, resulting in mold growth. Keep the temperatures warmer inside the home during the winter months to prevent mold growth. Insulating metal pipes and water tanks will also help keep them warm and stop condensation from forming.

Keep mold out of your home this winter and throughout the year with the help of the experts at Active Mold Control LLC. Our team of professionals will provide high quality mold prevention and removal services to quickly and efficiently ensure your home is dry, safe and mold-free. Call us today to learn more about mold remediation in Portland, OR—we look forward to assisting you!

Categorised in: Mold Remediation

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