Are You Making a Mistake Now That Could Cause a Serious Mold Problem This Spring?

Although people may discuss mold more in the summer months, that doesn’t mean that ignoring an indoor mold problem in the winter will make it to go away on its own. Some mold problems may go dormant during the colder months, some may get worse, and some may even start before we see the first signs of spring.

It's true that some molds will go dormant during colder months. They will not continue to grow which will lead some homeowners to think that their mold problem has taken care of itself. Some may believe that the cold weather has killed off the mold. Although this could happen, the likely scenario is that the mold has become dormant. It's important to note that just because the mold isn’t growing doesn't mean it's dead. When the conditions are right, it will flourish again. Dormant mold may give homeowners a false sense of security.

Although it's cold enough outside that most molds will go dormant or die, we luckily live in temperature controlled homes. Our homes may be cooler and dryer in the winter, but there are still some things we do that inadvertently add heat and moisture. This added heat and moisture may be enough to allow an already established mold situation to get worse. Taking a hot shower in a bathroom that does not have an exhaust fan that vents to the outside can create a significant amount of both heat and moisture in an area. Dishwashers and other appliances can also release a lot of humidity into the air. If there is already a mold issue, this added moisture and heat may be just enough to keep the mold growing.

There are some situations where mold growth can actually start in the winter. Condensation can be a real problem in the winter especially around windows. When the cold air from outside comes in contact with the warm air from inside your home, condensation can occur. You may actually see droplets of water on the glass. This buildup of moisture can lead to mold issues.

There are a lot of steps you can take right away to combat the issue of mold. The biggest mistake you can make is to do nothing at all. If you have an exhaust fan in your bathroom or kitchen, use it. If your bathroom exhaust only vents to your attic, cracking a window during your shower may help. If you see condensation on your windows, dry the windows as quickly as possible. These steps are important, and may arrest the development of some mold, but to be really sure that your family will not be negatively affected by mold it is best to bring in Mold Solutions by Cowleys. And when it comes to mold, the sooner you get rid of it, the better!