Do I Have To Worry About Mold In The Winter?

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

You may be wondering if you really have to worry about mold in the winter. Well, turning up the heater in the coming colder months will keep you cozy and warm. But did you know that this very warmth also creates the perfect environment for a colony of mold? These infestations are both unsightly and unhealthy and can make life truly miserable for those who have an allergic reaction to these organisms. A mold colony can also spread quickly and secretly within your walls, compromising their strength and making your home or business unsafe.

Mold and its cousin, mildew, have recognizable differences. Mildew has a flat surface and will appear powdery. It begins growing with white coloration and will become yellow, brown, or black over time, while mold can be a wide range of colors and will have a fluffy appearance. The spores for both are everywhere, even in the air we breathe, and their risk increases when winter arrives since mold and mildew would much rather be where it’s warm when it’s cold outside (just like us).

Their growth can be prevented, however. Here are some tips for mold prevention this winter:

• Mold and mildew feed on any organic material. Old food, the rug on your kitchen floor, or wooden cupboards - it’s all fair game for these organisms. Make sure surfaces are kept clean and dry and don’t allow food to sit out and become moist and warm.
• Moisture condenses when it comes into contact with a colder area, so you will most likely see mold or mildew on tile grout, windowsills, and baseboards during the colder months. Taking care of leaks and areas that collect water right away will be a big help in keeping mold from becoming part of the family.
• Once a colony establishes itself you can’t ever get rid of it completely. Once the moisture, warmth, and food it needs are reintroduced it will simply start to grow again.

• Windows, exterior doorways, skylights, and indoor plumbing that are not properly sealed will produce conditions that are attractive to mold colonies. 
• Keeping the air dry in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms will be a big help when it comes to preventing mold this winter. Running these fans during times when the air is moist will do wonders. You can also use dehumidifiers in your home to prevent mold from establishing itself; follow the established recommendations for keeping your home at the proper level of humidity for this purpose. 

So, you see, you actually don’t have to worry about mold in the winter, if you take the proper steps to prevent it from colonizing. You will have to be vigilant, however. SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is here to help if you experience a mold or mildew invasion this winter. Call us for more prevention tips or for mold remediation. We are experts in this area!