Everyone can agree mold is a huge concern for any homeowner. Not only can it damage your home, but it can also cause a variety of health issues. And while most people believe mold to be a seasonal problem that goes away during winter, the reality is it’s still there. In fact, you would be surprised to hear that mold has a special affinity for winter. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, and let’s start off by checking out what is the main link between mold and weather.
The Link Between Mold Growth and Weather
It’s no mystery that mold prefers dark, damp, and humid environments, in which it is able to thrive without being disturbed. As a result, you would believe that mold wouldn’t show until summer when there is more humidity and hot temperatures. And even though June and July are two peak months for mold remediation requests, winter is still a mold-filled season. In fact, it gets so cold in MO and IL that mold may go dormant but it’s still there. Similar to how grass goes brown/dormant in winter and comes back in spring. Just because it’s dormant doesn’t mean it’s gone. But why is that the case?
Simply put, mold has the ability to grow even during winter as long as the indoor conditions are favorable. And, unfortunately, homeowners are the ones that usually transform their home into a mold paradise. They do that by cranking up the heat in order to compensate for the extreme outdoor temperatures. And while that in itself isn’t bad, the trapped heat and humidity from your furnace tends to leak into the attic where it condensates when it contacts the cold joists and sheathing. It can also condensate on ductwork. It usually doesn’t condensate inside the duct work because that’s where the air is frequently flowing.
Why Does Mold Thrive During Winter?
Although condensation is a big factor that promotes mold growth during winter, it is not the only cause. To put it simply, mold loves to feed on decaying organic matter, more specifically, dead plants. And what does the cold season have plenty of? If you’ve answered decaying plants, you’re already one step ahead of mold.
Final Thoughts
Overall, mold is a real problem that millions of people are dealing with constantly. And while sometimes mold can be easy to remove, it can require professional help. Luckily, you can always rely on a mold remediation company, such as Mold Solutions, to save your home from a mold infestation. Our team is ready to inspect, remediate and prevent mold infestations, regardless of their severity.
So, are you ready to protect your house and family from mold? Then don’t waste any more time and give us a call!
