Can Mold Still Grow During a Frigid Winter? | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

Got Mold? We can help!

Mold demands three important ingredients in order to thrive and spread. Excess moisture, the
right location for growth and the ideal temperature all combine to produce the ideal setting for
mold to wreak havoc on your home. So, this must imply that mold gets cold feet during the
winter, right? Wrong!
Mold growth isn’t a seasonal issue. Even when temperatures drop below mold’s sweet spot,
there is still a risk of growth. You need to be aware of a number of factors that make mold a
year-round threat.
Winter weather doesn’t give your Sioux Falls home a break from the risk of mold development.
To keep mold at bay this season, make sure you understand how mold can grow even in
subfreezing temperatures.
Does Mold Freeze Up in the Winter?
Cold weather might not scare away mold completely, but it can slow it down. If your home
already has a mold problem, cold weather does not kill the spores; instead, they become
inactive until the conditions are right.
A sudden increase in indoor temperature and winter weather threats that create excess
moisture are two factors that keep pesky mold at work during the cold months.
Indoor Heating Creates the Perfect Environment
When winter arrives, we use many different heating appliances to make sure our homes stay
warm and cozy. When indoor heating is turned on and the outside temperature is cold, excess
moisture is created, which can result in condensation build-up.
Thanks to this rise in condensation, mold growth around your windows is very common
throughout the winter. Keep an eye on your window sills during these cold months and seal up
any cracks to prevent water from leaking inside.
Winter Weather Brings Water Into Your Home
It should come as no surprise that severe water damage problems could result during these
cold seasons. Sioux Falls’ winter weather brings hazards such as snow and ice storms and
freezing temperatures. When water damage strikes and goes unnoticed, mold is sure to follow!
Snow melt, a frozen pipe rupture and ice dams are just a few of the issues that could send
water straight into your home, increasing your chances of mold growth. When water makes its
way indoors, humidity increases, allowing mold to develop even faster.
If you detect mold growth in your home this winter, call our SERVPRO experts. We can perform
professional remediation and get you back to your cozy home in no time.