Can Mold Survive the Frost?

It is a common misconception that most people believe that mold cannot survive the frost. The truth is that mold growth is affected by seasonal change, but it does not mean that it goes away in the winter.

While summer welcomes more mold into the home due to the increased moisture and humidity in the air, mold can still thrive in the winter season and cause severe damage to your house as well as your health. Let’s take a closer look at mold and its relationship with the cold weather.

How can mold survive in cold weather?

Mold grows on the walls, furniture, wood, floors, rooftop, etc. From every corner of your house to anywhere you can possibly imagine, mold can grow. There just needs to be moisture or humidity, a small food source, and the perfect atmospheric temperature for mold’s growth. Therefore, it does, no matter what season of the year it is. Mold can survive in all seasons, including winters.

The standard room temperature is ideal for the growth of mold. This is the reason why mold is so commonly found around the house, even in cold weather. Apart from this, there are various kinds of molds that are well-suited to the cold temperature. This means that these specific kinds of molds are more common in winter than in any other season.

What happens to mold in the winter?

While it is not possible for molds to die or stop growing in the winter season, some molds can slow down during this weather.

If you have been told by a random stranger from the internet that molds tend to die in the winter season, there is no scientific proof of that.

Mold spores are known to survive even in extremely cold temperatures. They may slow down when this happens due to the lack of humidity in the atmosphere. However, as soon as this changes and slightly favorable conditions, mold spores will proliferate and spread like wildfire.

This proves that a temperature change is not the solution to getting rid of mold from the house. Mold growth primarily relies on humidity and moisture in the air, and that is something you need to be careful about, not the winter weather.

Where is mold most likely to grow in the cold weather?

When the winter season starts, you will find mold growing most commonly around the windows. This is because in the winter season, dew and fog cause precipitation, and you can see extra moisture collecting around your windows. This becomes the new breeding ground for mold for this season.

In addition to this, when we turn on the heater in winters, the temperature fluctuations in the room create further condensation around the windows and other metallic objects. This makes these areas and surfaces more susceptible to mold infestation.

What mold allergies are common in winter?

Just like any other season, mold growth is bound to cause several adverse effects on your health. The most common symptoms and allergies include sneezes, flu, cough, dry throat, irritated eyes, burning nose, skin irritation, and breathing issues.

If you are asthmatic, the chances are that the mold will aggravate breathing issues and put you at a greater risk for asthma attacks.

What can you do to avoid mold infestation in the house?

Here are a few preventive steps you can take to control mold growth and spread in your house:

• Keep a check on humidity levels and ensure that moisture in the air is below 40% throughout the day.
• Be careful about water leakages and faulty plumbing jobs as it not just puts you at risk of mold growth but can also cause water damage or flooding.
• Use mold-repellent products for cleaning your floors, walls, and other surfaces.
• Remove carpets or floor mats from under the kitchen sink or bathroom basin as they can collect extra moisture and become breeding grounds for mold
• Check and clean your air ducts on a regular to avoid moisture collection around them
• Install exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to keep the area as dry and moisture-free as possible
• Inspect your drainage lines and regularly drain and clean them out to avoid extra dirt and slime build up around the corners
• If there is any damp or damaged furniture or other items lying around the house, including old magazines, clothing, rugs, cushions, etc., throw them away immediately or else mold spores will grow on them and begin spreading to nearby areas
• Open the windows and terrace of your house on a regular for ventilation and regulating the humidity levels inside the house

Call in Professionals to Remove Mold from Your House

Get in touch with a professional mold removal company like 911 Restoration of Richmond to get rid of mold from your home. Mold does not only ruin your home and personal belongings, but it is also a constant hazard to your health.

911 Restoration of Richmond are experts in the field of professional cleaning and mold removal services. They will ensure that mold is removed from each corner and nook of your house and that you do not have to deal with this nuisance for a long time. So, please hurry up and call them right away.