Mold Growth in the Winter

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

In the cold winter months, mold tends to grow in homes with poor ventilation, high humidity, and unresolved water leaks. The insulation in our homes that help keep cold air out, also trap and harbor a lot of moisture.  This creates an environment that causes excessive mold growth. This is why proper home ventilation is important to help keep mold from spreading and growing. Here are some helpful tips to prevent mold growth in your home during winter:

• Keep indoor humidity below 60% if at all possible. High humidity makes it easy for mold to grow. Using a dehumidifier will help bring the moisture down if the moisture in the air is too high. If you use a humidifier, make sure it does not exceed the appropriate moisture level.
• Make sure you home is properly ventilated. Open a window or use an exhaust fan when showering or cooking. Make sure that the vents are not blowing air in enclosed spaces, such as the attic or crawl space.
• Clean carpet regularly. Make sure to clean carpet regularly so mold doesn’t have a chance of growing and spreading throughout your home.
• Have your roof and gutters inspected and maintained regularly. Repair roof leaks immediately and keep the gutters free of debris to provide proper drainage.
• If your basement has high levels of moisture make sure to check for leaks. Having your outside drainage system inspected regularly will help prevent leaks and mold growth. Since the basement is a prime area for built up moisture, having a dehumidifier in your basement would help maintain moisture build up and create a healthy environment in your basement.
• Insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing or bursting. Pipes that freeze are more likely the pipes that are exposed to cold air, such as water supply pipes.

During winter, mold growth can happen and will happen if you do not take the steps to prevent mold growth in your home. For any mold remediation services please feel free to call your local SERVPRO at (662)-287-7881. We will make it look "Like it never even happened."