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How To Prevent Mold Growth During Winter

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It’s winter. You’re safe from mold…

Or so you think!

Mold growth doesn’t only happen during hot and humid months. Winter is also a time of year in which mildew and mold can flourish, especially when you crank up that heater. There are a few different causes of winter mold growth and some easy as pie ways to keep your home free of the unhealthy and pesky fungi. One key thing to remember is that preventing a moldy situation is much less time-consuming and cost-effective than dealing with an already moldy situation.

The following are common sources of mold that can grow during the colder months.

  • The trapped heat
  • Condensation on window sills and on walls and fog on windows
  • Dead and decaying matter from outside (leaves, plants, dirt)
  • Wetness coming from the outside in (rain, snow, sleet, mud)
  • Winter storms
  • Frozen pipes that burst and cause water damage

Now that you are aware of some of the ways your home can be a host for mildew and mold during winter, be prepared to become proactive and take the necessary steps to winterize your home.

The EPA recommends the following:

Ventilation and dehumidifying are key! Run the exhaust fan in your bathroom and kitchen when those rooms are in use, keep the ceiling fan on low, and when it is wet outside, turn a dehumidifier on in rooms with windows to the outside. Condensation and dampness are much more likely to happen in rooms that have windows and even though they may be sealed, moisture can still creep in.

Inspect for leaks and cracks which will allow moisture to enter into your home and obviously dry and repair these immediately if dampness and damage are found.

Examine all areas that have potential access to outside air such as a basement, attic, or crawlspace. Even if these areas have been professionally sealed off or insulated, it is beneficial to do an all-over check at least twice a year. You can also run a dehumidifier in these areas as well.

Inspect these areas for damage after a winter storm: roof, gutters, downspouts, siding, windows, and doors.

Cover water pipes with insulation. It’ll be like being wrapped up in a cozy, warm blanket.

If the weather isn’t too cold, open doors or windows to add in extra air circulation.

Just because the winter months are among us, does not mean that we are safe from mildew and mold. These fungi flourish on warmth and moisture and are on the hunt for somewhere to thrive. Don’t let that place be your home!

If you end up having a winter mold situation and are in need of a cleanup and restoration specialist, don’t worry—Restoration Certified Specialists, Inc. will take care of you! They have been proudly serving the Santa Rosa and North Bay areas since 1975.

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Simple Fixes For A Cold Crawl Space

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Christmas may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean Jack Frost is done nipping. We never really know what he holds in his little bag of winter tricks, so keeping our homes prepared for colder weather is a lot like the gift that keeps on giving. If your home has a crawl space, one good way to be ready for lower temperatures is to ensure that it is clean and dry.

A crawl space is generally the place underneath the house where electrical wiring, water pipes, and heating and cooling systems are located. If this area is ventilated, cold air can enter through the vents, and it is carried throughout the rest of the house by the stack effect. Plainly put, air travels upward from the crawl space and infiltrates the rest of the house. Along with the cold air, there is the potential for dust mites, mold, and offensive odors to be carried throughout your home as well. However, protecting your home and family against these threats in cold weather is as simple as following these few basic steps.

Keep Crawl Space Vents Closed

According to the Department of Energy, most building codes require vents in crawl spaces, but they can create issues with mold growth and moisture from damp outside air. Depending on climate and the type of floor in your ventilated crawl space, it is likely to be cold and wet in winter weather. Keeping the vents closed can prevent cold air from entering as easily. Not only does this decrease the likelihood of excessive moisture, but it will also help prevent dust mites from traveling into your home with the outside air. Mold growth can cause bad odors and pose potential health risks. A closed vent in existing homes, or an unventilated crawl space in new ones can decrease your family’s risk to health problems. Additionally, closing crawl space vents can save on heating costs, as a colder house usually translates into extended use of a home’s heating system.

Insulate Your Crawl Space

No one enjoys walking on a cold floor in the winter. Floors located directly above the ceiling of your ventilated crawl space can be insulated to prevent air from seeping through cracks in the flooring. However, energy.gov suggests insulating foundation walls as an alternative to floor insulation in both ventilated and unventilated crawl spaces. Rigid foam insulation board, as opposed to fiberglass, is recommended for this because it does not absorb water and is less likely to support mold growth. The experts at RCS can answer any questions you have about best practices for insulating your crawl space.

Install Vapor Barriers

Water vapors and condensation from winter weather conditions will cause a build-up of moisture in a damp crawl space. A simple moisture control fix is to have vapor barriers installed. Comprised of foil sheeting or plastic material, vapor barriers help to prevent moisture from evaporating into the air that moves from the crawl space into other areas of your home. They can also help to avoid wood rot, rusting on metal fixtures and pipes, and damage to drywall areas. Properly managing the amount of vapor allowed into your crawl space helps keep heating costs down because heating and cooling systems will not be required to run as long or work as hard. There is also less risk of electrical wiring problems resulting from excess moisture when vapor barriers are present.

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your crawl space if appropriate moisture controls are not in place and if it is not properly insulated. Who really wants to come in from the cold, only to be met by more cold air and a foul odor inside their home? Managing the air flow into your crawl space, effectively insulating it, and installing vapor barriers can significantly decrease the likelihood of that happening. Maintaining a clean and dry crawl space can reduce heating and cooling costs, keep you and your family warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and keep the air you and your family breathe healthier year-round. Contact Restoration Certified Specialists in Santa Rosa, CA. today for your free quote on a crawl space cleanup.