Most people think that mold is a seasonal problem and as soon as the weather cools down they will disappear on their own but in reality weather does not affect their growth and it is a year-round problem. Mold can not only damage your home but can also affect your health. It is very crucial to be aware of them- how they grow and where they are living in your house. Keep reading to learn more about molds. We are going to answer the top five winter mold questions.
1. Can mold grow in cold temperatures?
The answer is Yes. There are three things required by the mold to grow:
- Moisture
- Adequate food source
- Right temperature
There is a misconception about their growth, that mold grows in warm temperatures. There are different types of mold requiring different conditions to grow and some of them grow in the winter months.
2. Does mold die in the winter?
It is the biggest misconception about mold, that they will die naturally in winter. Mold spores wait for the right condition and then begin to spread. Extreme weather conditions do not kill mold. However, they can be temporarily deactivated. Mold spore does not die even if the temperature is below freezing. In such a temperature they become dormant and wait for the right weather to spread again. Merely controlling the temperature will not solve this issue. The key is to remove molds from the house by taking professional help.
3. Why does mold grow on windows in winter?
Window panes are the ideal places for the mold to grow because during winter months dew and precipitation are collected due to the condensation on the windows that allow mold to grow and expand. Due to the dropped temperature in winter, warm air comes in contact with the clod window glass and deposit water vapor which leads to moisture building up around your windows.
4. Do mold allergies go away in winter?
People have noticed a decrease in the symptoms of their allergies during the winter months. Sadly, people suffering from mold allergies often experience extreme symptoms during winters when they remain indoors for a longer period.
5. How do you prevent mold from growing in the winter?
Luckily, there are certain precautions that you can take to keep mold away from expanding during winter. These actions will also help in preventing mold allergies.
- Keep the humidity below 50% throughout the house at all times.
- Check out all pipes and fix all plumbing leaks immediately to prevent water from collecting.
- You can use mold-killing cleaners for cleaning bathrooms and areas of your kitchen where moisture usually collects.
- Do not keep carpets or rugs near windows, sinks, or other places that tend to become wet.
- Check out the air ducts and change the filters on your furnace on regular basis.
- Prefer using a ventilation fan during showers and baths.
- Try to get rid of old recycled material such as newspapers that has been exposed to moisture.