How Seasonal Changes Can Increase Black Mold Risks

Household mold can grow in a rainbow of colours and textures, but at MoldTech, we become extra concerned when we see one specific shade: black mold. Calls for mold removal in Vaughan tend to increase during seasonal changes, when shifts in indoor humidity or airflow happen as windows and doors are opened or closed. We specialize in black mold removal and mold testing in Vaughan, helping families identify these shifts and changes that can trigger mold. 

Understanding How Mold Thrives

Mold needs three key ingredients to grow: Water, warmth, and organic matter. Unfortunately, these three ingredients are common in every room of the home. 

Water can enter your home in many ways. There are the necessities, like the kitchen or bathroom, but there are also accidental exposures, like a leak, spill, or flood. Our homes change in temperature all year round: without an air conditioner, rooms might grow uncomfortably warm and humid in the summer, but in the winter, we artificially maintain a constant, even heat. Unfortunately, mold likes a comfortable 20 degrees just as much as we do!

Lastly, mold is a living organism, and it must eat to survive. Mold eats organic materials like wood, paper, and textiles. Our homes are full of organic materials from the paper on drywall to flooring to the soft furnishings on our floors, furniture, and window coverings. 

As long as the conditions are right, mold can begin growing at any time of year on any of these materials. In fact, some species of mold can activate within 48 hours of exposure to moisture, making mold testing an essential tool after a flood or pipe burst. 

How the Seasons Affect Mold Growth

• Spring: Spring showers bring more than just flowers; they can increase your risk of mold growth, too. Snow melt and runoff can lead to damp basements and attics, and the increase in warmth helps spores bloom. 
• Summer: Warm air holds more moisture, which is why July feels so sticky. Airborne moisture can move around to where it’s not wanted, and in poorly ventilated rooms, this moisture is the perfect trigger for mold growth. 
• Fall: As the temperatures cool and we close windows and doors, we risk sealing moisture inside our homes. Autumnal storms and plenty of outdoor natural decay mean that increased spores are floating about, too. 
• Winter: Winter’s cooler temperatures can create condensation when warm air meets a cold surface. Condensation often happens in basements and attics, rooms that suffer from reduced ventilation during the winter months. 

How Seasonal Mold Affects Your Home and Health

Just as the mercury rises and falls, so too does your risk of mold growth at home. Repeated exposure to moisture caused by seasonal changes can cause black mold to spread deeper into your home. Some of the common symptoms reported before black mold removal include:

• Sneezing or nasal congestion. 
• Headaches and brain fog. 
• Coughing or wheezing. 
• Itchy, watery eyes. 
• Skin dryness. 
• Fatigue

The symptoms of mold exposure can mimic many common viruses or other medical conditions, which is why we suggest mold testing for people who notice symptoms that change, appear, or disappear in specific rooms or when they leave the house. It’s important to address mold before it becomes a year-round problem — while these symptoms may not sound severe, they can seriously impact your life and create a great deal of discomfort. 

Professional Prevention and Remediation

The MoldTech team has been helping families eliminate black mold in Vaughan for over a decade. Using the latest in mold remediation technology and best practices, our friendly and helpful team can help diagnose the where, why, and how of your mold infestation and propose safe and effective treatment strategies. No matter what time, year, or season you find yourself in, professional mold removal in Vaughan has positive long-term outcomes and can help you increase the health and safety of your home. Protect your home in every season: contact MoldTech today for professional mold inspection and remediation in Vaughan.

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