As we welcome the refreshing breezes of fall, it’s the perfect opportunity to ensure your home remains a sanctuary free from mold and mildew. You might question why mold is still a concern as temperatures drop. While it's true that mold typically lies dormant below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, fall's fluctuating temperatures, lingering moisture, and reduced sunlight create an environment ripe for mold growth, especially around outdoor areas like patio furniture and amidst piles of fallen leaves and decaying debris. To compound matters, mold doesn’t vanish during winter; instead, it can spread, potentially leading to more significant issues as temperatures rise.
Here are some key strategies to keep mold and mildew in check as the seasons change:
Clear Debris from Exterior Walls Mold spores love to settle in warm, moist organic matter, making piles of decaying leaves an ideal breeding ground. Since spores can hitch a ride indoors through windows, doors, and ventilation systems, ensure outdoor debris is cleared away from your home's exterior walls to prevent mold infiltration.
Maintain Clean Gutters and Downspouts Clogged gutters filled with fallen leaves provide the perfect habitat for mold growth. Keep water flowing freely and away from your home by regularly clearing gutters and downspouts, minimizing moisture buildup.
Clean Outdoor Furniture Before stowing away your outdoor furniture for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning to remove outdoor grime, safeguarding it from mold and mildew during storage.
Inspect Plumbing Winter weather can wreak havoc on your pipes, potentially causing leaks or cracks. Moist areas resulting from plumbing issues can become breeding grounds for mold. Regularly inspect your plumbing to catch and address issues early, preventing mold and mildew colonies from taking hold.
Monitor Humidity Levels While winter often brings dry air, areas with humidity levels above 65% can create favorable conditions for mold growth. Consider using a dehumidifier in such spaces to lower humidity levels, making it more challenging for mold spores to thrive and reproduce.
Address Moisture Promptly Clean up spills and standing water promptly, as mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. Pay particular attention to areas around sinks, showers, and tubs, ensuring they remain dry and well-ventilated.
Promote Air Circulation Use exhaust fans or crack windows when showering, cooking, or washing dishes to encourage proper ventilation and prevent moisture buildup, thus deterring mold and mildew growth.
Establish a Moisture Barrier In basements or crawlspaces, establish a moisture barrier using materials like plastic sheathing or moisture-resistant paint, available at local hardware stores.
Implementing these preventive measures is crucial for keeping mold and mildew at bay. However, if you're already grappling with a mold issue, addressing it promptly is essential. The longer you wait, the more challenging it becomes to prevent mold and mildew from returning. Don't hesitate to contact Building Performance Solutions for expert assistance!