Unfortunately, mold is a common problem in many homes. While some seasons are worse, mold can grow in your home anytime. We explain when home mold is the worst and how you can stop mold year-round.
What Are the Conditions for Mold To Grow?
There are four conditions that mold needs to grow in your home. Since you can really only control one of them, indoor mold is extremely common. Here are the conditions that mold needs in your home:
- Oxygen – Much like us, all molds need oxygen to survive. Unfortunately, the air around us contains 21% oxygen, which is perfect for mold growth.
- Food Source – It also needs food to eat. However, mold can decompose any organic materials. Almost everything in your home is food for molds, from your carpeting to your walls.
- Temperature – Most molds prefer temperatures between 77° F and 86° F. However, it can grow at many different temperatures. It can grow at almost any temperature above freezing with enough food and water.
- Source of Moisture – The only condition for mold growth you can control is moisture. Since it needs a water source to thrive, limiting moisture, humidity, and condensation is the only way to fight against mold. Also, clean up the damage immediately if you have a flood or sewage backup.
How Do You Control the Conditions for Mold?
Unfortunately, you can do nothing to control the first three conditions. Limiting oxygen can slow mold growth, but we also need oxygen to survive. Also, nearly all building materials are made of organic matter. So mold considers almost everything in your home a food source.
As with limiting oxygen, regulating the temperature isn’t an effective way of controlling mold. Unless you want to live in a freezer or like consistent temperatures over 100° F, there is always a risk of mold in your home.
The only way to control the conditions for mold growth is to address excess moisture. You can limit the risk of indoor mold growth by reducing indoor humidity and preventing condensation.
Always use an exhaust fan with showering or cooking to remove moisture vapor. Run a dehumidifier to keep the humidity level below 60%. Also, use ceiling fans to improve air circulation and keep your home moisture-free.
While opening windows will improve air circulation, it can also introduce mold spores. Since dormant mold exists in the air, it can blow through a window and find a place to grow. Only open windows if you have good moisture control in your home.
When Is Home Mold the Worst?
Home mold is usually the worst from early spring through middle fall. Across most of the country, temperatures and humidity levels are perfect for mold during this time of year.
However, mold can appear in any season if the conditions are right. With just a little bit of water, mold can grow quickly. Even in the middle of winter, window sill mold is common because of condensation.
What Causes Home Mold in the Spring?
Spring is usually the worst season for home mold in the Southeastern United States. The moderate temperatures and high humidity increase your chances of mold inside or even outside your home. While sunlight can slow mold growth, it can come back weeks or months later.
Limit the chances of mold in the spring by checking for water leaks in your basement, crawl space, and attic. Look for sagging drywall, soggy carpet, and musty smells.
Also, mold spores are often at their highest levels in spring. This can lead to an increase in allergic reactions or asthma attacks.
Mold exposures can range from mild to severe, depending on your allergies. Those with compromised immune systems and respiratory diseases are more susceptible to mold health risks.
Why Do I Have Mold in the Summer?
Summer mold is mostly found in homes in the country’s northern half. High humidity, heavy rainfalls, and condensation from air conditioners can all cause mold. Summer mold is most common in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
You can prevent kitchen mold during the summer by using your exhaust fan. Also, remember to clean underneath cabinets with soap and warm water. Prevent bathroom mold by cleaning your shower and toilet regularly with bleach.
What Causes Fall Mold in My House?
Mold is usually worst in fall across New England and the Pacific Northwest due to the high humidity from heavy fall rainstorms. Mold can grow anywhere in your home where water sits for more than a few hours.
The best way to prevent it is by using a dehumidifier and cleaning regularly. Check your basement or crawl space regularly and use exhaust fans in both the bathroom and kitchen.
Is It Possible To Have Winter Mold Inside My Home?
It’s a huge mistake to think you cannot have mold during the winter. While mold does not grow well in the cold, most of us keep our homes in the 60s. And that’s a perfect temperature for mold to grow.
Mold around the windows is common during the winter. However, it can grow anywhere that cold outside air and warm inside air meet. Make sure your check around doors and vents too.
Talk to a local pro now. Certified Restoration Local mold removal specialists offer thorough mold assessments and fast, free quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Conditions for Mold Growth
These are some of the most common questions we get about mold and seasonal mold growth.
Does Heat Kill Mold?
While heat does kill mold, this is not an effective way to deal with a problem at home. You need temperatures between 140°F and 160°F to kill mold, which might also start a fire.
Despite this, many people mistakenly think that turning up the heat will take care of their issue. The heat dries out the water problem, so the mold goes away. But this is only temporary. As soon as the water comes back, so will the mold.
At What Humidity Does Mold Grow?
Mold will usually grow if the humidity is above 60%. However, humidity is just one of the conditions mold needs to grow. With enough water or sewage, it can grow regardless of the humidity level.
You can help prevent home mold by keeping the humidity between 30% and 50% to prevent mold. The humidity can vary from floor to floor, so check every level of your home separately.
At What Temperature Does Mold Grow?
Most types of mold prefer temperatures above 70°F, but some molds will tolerate lower temperatures. While room temperatures may be lower, appliances like dishwashers, dryers, and hot water heaters can generate enough heat to raise the temperature in small areas. With a constant source of water and the right humidity, the temperature boost from these appliances is enough to maintain mold even through the cold winter months.
Does Mold Grow in the Cold?
Yes, mold does grow in cold weather. Even during extremely cold periods, most unfinished basements won’t get colder than 50°F. Furnaces, hot water tanks, and dryers can boost the temperature enough to allow mold to grow. Most people keep their homes between 65°F and 75°F during the winter, which is perfect for mold growth.
Does Freezing Cold Kill Mold?
One of the biggest myths is that freezing cold kills mold. While freezing temperatures will temporarily stop it from growing, it almost always returns when the temperature returns to normal. Mold is resilient and takes more than cold weather to kill it. As long as the water remains, mold will return once it thaws.
If your mold problem keeps coming back, we can help. Call 1-888-681-1071 for a free estimate on expert mold removal services.
