The Curious Connection between a Wet Winter and Mold in your Home

1/27/2020

For many of us, it’s been a warm winter. That can be a good thing, with an extended temperate season for more outdoor activities and lower heating bills.

It can also be a bad thing, because a warm winter can mean mold in your home.

Identifying the Cause of Mold

There are a few things you need to grow mold.

You need oxygen and food. We all have plenty of oxygen in the home, and almost any surface will offer a cornucopia of food for mold. After that, you also need water and a temperature around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Soggy weather and slightly warmer temperatures are the hallmarks of a warm winter, which is why so many families struggle with rapidly growing mold in the home with wet winter weather.

Not to worry, there are a few strategies you can use to protect your family and home from mold in warm winters.

Stopping Mold during Warm Winters

The key to preventing the growth of mold in your home is preventing moisture from enters. There are simple steps you can take to prevent mold growth.

Inspect the Roof: Start with a thorough roof inspection. Even if you don’t have an active leak in your roof, seepage at a seam or from loose flashing can lead to a leak inside the wall, which can cause rampant mold growth.
Inspect the Basement: You should also check the basement, which can be an incubator for mold. Look for damp walls or cracks. Seal them to prevent moisture.
Inspect Windows: Windows can be another source of moisture or leaks in your home. Fix a leaky or broken window immediately to prevent the water that mold needs.
Fix Pipe Leaks: A plumbing leak can give mold everything it needs to grow and thrive. Make sure to regularly check your pipes and fix leaks as soon as possible.
Check for Water: After a rain, inspect the ground around your home for water pooling or collecting. That standing water can lead to mold. If you see some, divert it away from your home.

What to do if you have Mold?

If you find mold in your home, you’ll want to clean the area thoroughly. Make sure to cover your hands and face to prevent or minimize exposure. Scrub the mold using water and detergent on non-porous surfaces. On a porous surface, clean away the mold then let the area dry completely.

After cleaning, use a fan and open the windows to clear the area. Identify the source of the moisture, then repair or fix it to prevent a reappearance of the mold.

If you have any doubts about the remediation, or are concerned about your family, then contact a professional to inspect and correct any problems.