Frosty Foe: What You Need to Know About Winter Mold

Did you know that mold is not just a spring, summer, and fall problem? Most homeowners assume that mold issues vanish when the weather cools. In reality, the temperature outside affects mold growth, but it still poses an issue during winter.

Mold can grow on indoor surfaces, causing severe damage to your home and negatively impacting your health. Therefore, it is crucial to know how and where it can spread, even during the frigid months. Don’t let mold take over your home and health. Taking the necessary precautions today ensures your family and guests visiting during the holidays stay safe.

How Does Winter Mold Grow?

Contrary to popular belief, mold is not just a warm-weather issue! It needs three things to thrive: enough moisture, an adequate food source, and the right temperature. Despite the chilly temperatures outside, mold can still cause severe damage to your home and negatively impact your health.

Notably, winter mold exists primarily because of the temperature difference between your home’s interior and the exterior. As a result, water condensation quickly forms, which gives mold the moisture, food source, and temperature it needs to proliferate.

Where Do You Find Winter Mold?

A key area where mold grows in the winter is usually your windows, especially if they leak outside. Winter mold can also grow in the following places:

• In paints, wallpaper, or drywall
• From leaks in your roof
• Within insulation material
• Wherever flooding or moisture accumulation has occurred

It’s also important to note that mold can grow in hidden places, so keep an eye out for it periodically and double-check areas if you notice a distinct musty smell.

Clear your roof of snow, as the weight can cause leaks in your roof, letting mold grow. (L) Winter mold often comes in through windows, where condensation forms. (R)

How to Prevent Winter Mold

You can prevent mold growth in your home during the winter months by taking specific measures such as maintaining humidity levels below 50 percent throughout your home, inspecting pipes and fixing plumbing leaks promptly to prevent water from accumulating, and using a ventilation fan in high-moisture areas such as your kitchen and bathroom.

Clear your gutters and roof of any excess snow. The reason? Ice dams can form once the snow melts, preventing water from draining. This can result in roof leaks, enabling water to infiltrate your home and promote mold growth.

If you spot unsightly mold in your home during the winter, don’t attempt to remove it alone. IICRC-certified professionals have the experience and expertise to remove it properly and ensure it won’t return. 

Mold should be removed by professionals.

Need Mold Remediation This Winter? Call PuroClean of Central Southwest Houston!

As winter settles in, ensure your home remains a safe haven! If you suspect mold growth, don’t let it compromise your indoor air quality and well-being. Contact PuroClean of Central Southwest Houston, your trusted ally in winter mold remediation. Our skilled experts are ready to tackle mold issues head-on, using effective and efficient remediation techniques. Winter is the perfect time to address mold concerns before they worsen. Please call us at (832) 856-5900 today!