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Can Mold Grow in My Home During Winter?

While it may seem that mold growth only happens in the summer when the weather is warm, that’s not exactly the case. The right conditions for mold can occur in any season, regardless of what the temperature is like outside. Cold weather can even create an ideal environment for mold growth in certain situations.

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Does Mold Grow During the Winter?

Mold can grow in the winter and just about any season or weather. As long as the right conditions are met in terms of excessive moisture and humid environments, mold will grow. Cold weather does not kill mold. All really cold temperatures do is cause the mold spores to become dormant. This means that when the temperature levels rise up again, the mold spores will begin to spread again. It’s best to prevent mold from growing in the first place, and that starts with maintenance before and when winter arrives.

There are even certain types of mold that can adapt to winter conditions and thrive. Cladosporium, Alternaria and Penicillium are common indoor molds that can appear in the winter.

Causes of Mold Growth

Poor Ventilation

A lack of sufficient ventilation is often the main cause of mold growth during the winter. Since most homeowners seal up their homes before winter arrives to try and keep the heat inside, this can have unintended consequences when there is a lack of adequate airflow.

High Humidity

If humidity levels rise dramatically in your home, it results in condensation on damp surfaces like the windows, bathrooms, attic, crawlspaces and basement. The longer the condensation stays in these areas, the higher the likelihood that mold will grow. Adding an exhaust fan to your kitchen and bathroom can help reduce condensation. You can also clean these areas and get rid of moisture routinely, but you’ll want to find the source of the condensation, which is more than likely the result of insufficient ventilation.

You might have windows and doors closed for a long period of time when it’s cold, which prevents fresh air from coming inside. Sometimes, there simply aren’t enough roof vents on the roof, preventing sufficient circulation and leading to mold in the attic. If you sense that your attic feels very hot or there is lots of condensation on your attic walls, it’s worth getting your attic and roof inspected by a professional who can determine if additional vents are needed.

Poor air circulation leads to high humidity levels and condensation on your walls, windows and pipes. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you should keep the humidity levels in your home between 30 and 50 percent. You can prevent mold growth in the first place by ensuring that your house has a good ventilation system that keeps humidity and moisture levels at a minimum. A ventilation system can also safeguard your roof, extending its longevity.

Lack of Insulation

If your home insulation isn’t properly installed, it can block the soffit vents responsible for letting outside air inside. Too much insulation can also block attic vents and air ducts that transport air from the HVAC system around your house. This is a common issue with improperly installed insulation and can cause all sorts of other problems as well.

If you think your vents are blocked off, you can use a leaf blower to blow the air and try to push the insulation out or call a contractor to do it for you to prevent further issues.

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Leaky Roof

Roof leaks can happen at any time, and if the winter months in your area come with harsh storms or hail that can damage your shingles, it can lead to a breach. As water enters your attic, this excessive moisture can nurture mold growth along the walls, especially the insulation. Unfortunately, when this happens, your options are quite limited. You’ll need to call a roofer to inspect the roof, repair any leaks and assess any water damage in the attic.

If your insulation has received extensive water damage, you may also need to get it replaced. That’s why it’s often best to have a professional contractor inspect your roof and make sure it’s in good condition before winter arrives.

Drafty Windows

The roof isn’t the only place that can allow water to seep inside your home. Take a look at your windows and look for gaps or cracks. Leaky pipes or pipes with condensation can be sneaky places where mold appears, and they aren’t always the most noticeable since they’re often out of sight. Have a plumber inspect your pipes to check their condition. You can also install insulation around the pipes to reduce condensation.

If you find mold, you can kill it with a combination of water and bleach or vinegar. Just ensure that you identify the main source of its growth to fully get rid of it, or call a professional to come and take a look.

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