Mold Growth in Winter

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

Most people think that you need humid, moist air in order for mold to take hold and grow. While this is true, many other factors need to be present for mold growth.

During cold winter months, when there seems to be little moisture in the air, mold will still grow in places where there is a sufficient source of food (dead organic matter) and the right temperature. This usually occurs in cold, uninsulated exterior windows and walls, including uninsulated closets along exterior walls, where building surfaces are generally cold relative to the indoor air temperature. Cold surfaces next to warm oftentimes results in condensation (moisture), which is necessary for mold growth. And while extreme cold, freezing, and heat can deactivate spores, it does not kill them.

In order to keep winter mold growth at bay, try to control humidity in crawl spaces, basements and uninsulated closets, insulate exterior doors and windows and remove any material that mold will grow on, such as paper, cardboard, wood and fabrics.

If you do suspect mold growth, make sure you call professionals such as SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch to take care of the removal and mitigation.