When people think about things growing, they usually think spring and summer. But mold is different. It can grow year round if the conditions for mold growth are right. It is important for all homeowners to know the conditions for mold growth as well as how to prevent it from growing in your home this winter.
Conditions for Mold
There are four different things mold needs to grow in your home. The first is available spores. Spores are microscopic particles in the air that cannot be seen. Unfortunately, they are everywhere and can float in and out of your home whenever you open a door or window. Another thing they need is food. Like all organic substances, mold needs organic matter to live on. Mold feeds off carbon atoms of organic matter so things like the oil from your skin or wood and paper can be enough to sustain mold for a period of time. Building materials are among mold’s favorite things to eat so eliminating mold food is virtually impossible. The third thing is temperatures. This fungus loves the same temperature humans prefer. Cold temperatures are not conducive for mold growth, but warm temperatures can help mold to grow. The last ingredient needed for mold to grow is constant moisture. While it isn’t true for all molds, most variations need considerable amounts for mold to grow.
Preventing Mold Growth this Winter
Unlike other plants in your home that go dormant during the winter, mold can continue growing as long as it has the four elements needed to grow. While most outdoor molds don’t grow in the winter, indoor molds thrive because of homeowners. When you turn on the heat to 70 degrees, mold will sigh in relief, knowing it will be able to grow through the winter. Another way we feed our mold is by adding humidity into the air. Air from your furnace can make the air in your home uncomfortably hot but when you add moisture into the air, it can make mold grow. To help prevent mold from growing, keep humidity in your home below 60 percent and place a dehumidifier in rooms that experience high humidity like basements and bathrooms. You should also set your ceiling fans to reverse so the warm air dispenses around the room. Don’t allow water to stand in condensation pans and make sure to clean your ductwork and filters regularly. Keeping your home dry this winter is the main part of helping to protect it from the “winter mold blues!”
Contact Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group
If you or a family member suspects the presence of mold in your home, contact the professionals at Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group. With more than 30 years in the mold remediation industry, we have the experience and tools to help you. Contact us at 410-258-3579 or 1-877-591-MOLD (6653).
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Tags: Household Mold, Information, Mold Growth