Mold is an airborne fungus found naturally in the air. Mold can grow at any time, but it is more common in certain climates and seasons. Mold can cause damage to your walls, ceilings, floors, and personal belongings. Mold can lead to allergy-like symptoms, despite the misleading health risks. We discuss the worst seasons and answer the most frequently asked questions about mold.
What are the worst seasons for mold?
Mold is most prevalent in the spring and fall seasons. This time of year, mold growth is most likely to occur in the majority of the country because of the high humidity and temperature.
Mold is often viewed as a problem but it’s actually a sign of a water source. You should look for signs of moisture in your home during spring showers, winter thaws, and the humid summer months.
Mold concerns in the spring
Mold growth can be most severe in spring areas that have high water tables or heavy rains. Mold can also grow again in spring, just like plants. Mold can thrive in moist spring showers.
For signs of water, check your basement, attic, crawl space, and unused doors after heavy rains. Water and mold problems may be hidden in finished basements and attics. Check for signs of sagging or crumbling drywall, and smells.
Mold concerns in the summer
High humidity makes summer one of the most dangerous seasons for mold growth in the Southeast and Midwest. Mold growth is most common in bathrooms and kitchens that are already susceptible to high humidity. The problem is worsened by poor ventilation.
AC units can reduce humidity but the water that is extracted from the air must go somewhere. Water is usually routed to a drain. However, older units that are not maintained well may leak into crawl spaces or basements.
Condensation around windows and doors can also be caused by cold temperatures inside and outside. Mold can grow in either of these situations if the areas are not cleaned and dried regularly.
Make sure that weather sealing is done around doors and windows. Also, check that air conditioning drains work properly. In humid areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, install exhaust fans to improve the airflow.
What are the most common questions about seasonal mold?
These are the most frequent questions we receive about mold and seasonal mold growth.
What Humidity Does Mold Growth Take Place?
Although there are exceptions, mold can grow in humidity levels above 60%. Keep your home’s humidity between 30% and 50% in order to prevent mold growth. You should test several areas when you check the humidity in your home. The humidity levels in crawlspaces, basements, and attics can be significantly higher than those in living spaces. For the best results, let sensors cool down for several hours or overnight before testing for humidity.
What is the best temperature for mold growth?
While most molds prefer temperatures between 70 and 20 degrees Celsius, some molds can tolerate lower temperatures. Although room temperatures are usually lower than those in the home, appliances such as dryers and dishwashers can produce enough heat to increase temperature in small spaces. These appliances can provide enough heat to keep mold in check even during the winter months, provided they have water available and are humidified.
Is mold able to grow in cold temperatures?
Yes, mold can grow in cold temperatures. Unfinished basements will not get below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) even during extreme cold. However, dryers, hot water tanks, furnaces, and hot water tanks can raise the temperature to enable mold growth. Most living areas are maintained between 65 F/18degC and 75 F/24degC during winter. This is ideal for mold growth.
Is Freezing Cold Good for Mold?
The biggest myth about mold is that it can be killed by freezing temperatures. Although freezing temperatures can temporarily prevent mold growth, the mold will return to normal once temperatures are back up. Mold is highly resident, and can be killed by cold temperatures. The mold will reactivate itself once the water source is removed.
Will Heat Kill Mold?
Heat will kill mold, but it is only temporary. High heat is believed to kill mold because it usually evaporates the moisture. Mold appears to be dead because it is the moisture that causes it. The mold returns when the temperature and water levels return to normal.What are the Best Mold Removal Companies?
You can remove mold using a mixture of bleach and water. However, this is only temporary. Mold is always an indicator of moisture. To permanently solve the problem, you must address the source of moisture.
Mold will return if you don’t address the water problem. Mold can spread farther than your eyes can detect. Mold can grow in walls and under carpets, but you may only notice a few spots.
