The Biggest Misconception About Mold in Your Home

Mold can be a problem all year round

Everyone knows that mold enjoys moist, dark, warm. So, when winter rolls around, homeowners breathe a big sigh of relief because they can check mold off their list of potential problems in their home. This is a big misconception regarding mold and water damage.

It may be freezing outside, but inside your home that heater you just turned on is keeping the moisture problem going. Mold in your basement, attic, and walls loves your warm, cozy, winter home. Don’t think that winter gives you a break from toxic mold.

Tips to preventing mold and mildew by Swift Inspections

Making sure your indoor air quality is good and well ventilated can help reduce buildup of mold and mildew in the winter months.

Mold prevention in winter months

It’s more than just keeping the heat in and the cold air out. In the winter months, we ventilate our homes much less than in the warmer months. Windows remain closed for days reducing the amount of fresh air in your home. Fresh air provides circulation and will prevent the buildup of airborne spores that can lead to mildew and mold growth on your ceilings, walls and just about any surface you can imagine.

As you can see, winter is not time to relax when it comes to battling and preventing mold and mildew damage to your home. Even if you’re sure that all of your gutter and flashing systems are properly in place, invisible problems could still be inviting moisture into your home, if it wasn’t there to begin with. You’re lucky you’ll spot mold before it gets too serious both for you wallet and your health, but sometimes mold occurs in places that you can’t see. Mold caused by past water damage that wasn’t properly cleaned up or fixed can hide in walls, under your floors or inside your ceilings.

Tips to mold prevention in homes and commercial buildings in Colorado

Cleaning your gutters is the first step to preventing moisture from entering from the outside causing toxic mold and structural damage to your home.

A professional exterior inspection will tell you if, where and how moisture is getting into your home

If any part of your home has suffered from water damage, make sure that the area was properly dried and the cause of the damage properly fixed. And if you’re not sure, getting a professional inspection is a worthy investment. Best case scenario you find out that everything is tip top, and worse case you get to the root of the problem and have a chance to fix it properly once and for all.

And remember to open a window every now and again and air out your home. A little crisp Colorado winter air is good for the soul and your indoor air quality.