Dealing With Mold in the Winter

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Fall may have just arrived, but the cold Winter months won't be far behind.

To many, mold is something people think is only battled during the Spring or Summer Months. Unfortunately, mold issues can easily arise throughout the Winter, thanks to risks such as the potential for burst pipes, increased condensation, and a greater accumulation of moisture from rain and snow. Regular home maintenance and monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of mold-related

Stopping Winter Mold

To prevent mold from becoming an uninvited guest in your home this winter, here are several steps you should take:

• Clean out the gutters. 
  Mold grows in moist areas, so regularly cleaning gutters will reduce the amount of standing water in which it can grow. If gutters overflow or water can’t drain properly, sections of your house can become damp. Removing blockages - such as ice buildup - will help ensure all water is draining properly, away from your house.
  
  
• Check all seals.
  Houses are designed to withstand a certain amount of moisture; houses are, to a degree, waterproofed and have certain places sealed to keep moisture out. These seals can, however, become worn down, which decreases their effectiveness. Windows are particularly prone to losing their tight seal, which allows rain and moisture from snow to seep in. Similarly, seals inside your house (such as those around sinks and bathtubs) should be checked regularly for leaks as well.
  
  
• Keep your roof clean and in proper order.
  When snow and ice build up too heavily on your roof, or heavy items drop on it (such as a tree branch falling from the weight of snow), leaks can develop. If your roof is prone to snow or ice buildup, you may want to talk to a contractor and look into options to correct the situation. If anything does happen to fall on your house, make sure the roof is checked thoroughly for damage and repaired as soon as possible.
  
  
• Reduce humidity inside your home.
  While you want to stay cozy in winter, a warm house surrounded by cold air can cause condensation and moisture build up. While there are typically structural elements of your home that should help moderate this, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure humidity levels remain low. Using a dehumidifier and exhaust fans can help keep excess moisture out. Make sure to clean up any wet items around the house, such as damp towels and bathmats.

Should you discover mold in your home, contact SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth at (207)947-0400!  Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."