Is Mold a Winter Worry? Exploring Cold-Weather Mold Concerns

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth is usually associated with warm and wet weather. A common misconception is that cold weather kills mold, when in reality the spores may just go dormant, or, depending on the species, continue to grow during winter. SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is equipped with the tools and knowledge to help stop mold in its tracks. Keep reading to learn more about winter mold risks.

Winter Mold Concerns

• The most common types of winter mold include: Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Penicillium.
• Alternaria: is a type of fungi that thrives in cold temperatures, particularly when moisture is present. It is commonly found in bathrooms, on shower curtains and basement walls.
• Cladosporium: genus includes some of the most common indoor and outdoor mold species that can survive in cold temperatures. The most common ones to find indoors are generally brown to blackish-brown or greenish-gray in color.
• Penicillium: This type of mold is generally found on damp fabric surfaces, such as upholstery or carpets.
• Mold On Windows: Moisture collects on and around windows in the winter through condensation, which happens when warm air hits a cold surface. When the temperature drops during the winter, the warm air in your home deposits as water on the cool glass of windows, leading to moisture buildup. Keeping these areas clean and dry are important to stop mold growth. 
• Snow Mold: If it snows and white, gray, or pink patches remain in your yard after the snow melts, this may be a sign of snow mold, a type of lawn disease that can be treated with proper care.

Preventing Winter Mold Growth

If you spot mold in your Nashville home or business, your first step should be to call SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville for mold remediation. Mold isn’t just unsightly, it can cause many health problems and should be treated by professionals. Here are some tips to prevent mold from growing in the first place:

• Try to keep humidity below 50% throughout your home to not encourage mold growth.
• Inspect pipes for leaks regularly and fix faulty plumbing to prevent moisture from collecting.
• Use mold-killing cleaners in bathrooms and areas of your kitchen where moisture can collect. 
• Avoid having carpets or rugs near windows, sinks, or other places that tend to become wet.
• Always use a ventilation fan during showers or baths.
• Clean your gutters regularly to prevent moisture from building up on collected debris.
• Keep your home or business clutter free and get rid of old recycled material, newspapers, and any upholstery or fabric that has been exposed to moisture.

Our SERVPRO Belle Meade/West Nashville team believes that staying informed about potential hazards to your home can help you in the long run. Should you encounter mold, don’t fret! As experts in mold remediation, we will address the issue and make sure that your property is safe and sound once more. Call us at (615) 242-9391 or via our website. 

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