At What Temperature Does Mold Grow

There is a common misconception that mold grows only in the summer. Although mold growth can be affected by temperature, it is not a problem that only happens in the summer. If the right conditions exist, mold can grow throughout the year. Mold can be unpleasant, unsightly and dangerous to your health. You can avoid disaster by knowing where to look in the different seasons. This post will discuss the relation of climate, temperature, and mold.

A General Overview Of Mold Growth And Temperature

Mold requires oxygen and water for growth, but it also needs a food source and a temperature that is compatible with its environment to thrive. It’s possible for mold to remain dormant until conditions improve.

What Is The Best Temperature For Mold Growth?

Mold won’t grow below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Many refrigerators are set at 39 degrees. The ideal temperature for mold growth should be between seventy-7 and eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially true when there’s a lot humidity. To effectively kill mold spores, temperatures must rise to at least one hundred degrees.

Are You In Need Of Mold Removal?

Find out what you can do now by answering a few questions!

Food Sources
Mold needs to have the right food source in order to thrive. It will grow on materials and places that can absorb organic matter. Mold removal can be difficult from an environment because of the presence of pet dander and dust, dead skin cells, or other airborne particles, that can all feed a colony. Although it does need water and oxygen to survive, it needs only a very low level of oxygen. This can lead to mold growth in attics, basements, under sinks, HVAC conduit work and bathrooms.

Health Effects

Mold can cause serious damage to your home. It can ruin your carpet, cause drywall to bubble, determinate to crack, stain ceiling tiles or infest ductwork. Mold spores can cause serious health problems if they are left untreated. Mold spores can cause respiratory problems in people who are exposed. These conditions include wheezing and coughing as well as fatigue. Other symptoms of toxic ingestion include persistent headaches, runny eyes, watery eyes, and skin rashes. No matter the season, mold can have a serious impact on your health.

Winter Months & Mold Growth
Mold can still be grown in winter as long as there’s enough moisture, plenty of food, and the right temperature. There are many types of mold. Each mold species may be better suited to cold temperatures. Although there are minimal requirements for most fungi types, these conditions often correspond with the temperature that the average home maintains all year. Your thermostat should be set between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to allow mold to thrive. Some parts of the United States do not experience freezing temperatures during winter. It is difficult to kill mold spores because of this. Extreme cold temperatures, particularly when below 32 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, can be damaging. However, the spores might not die and can wait for the home to warm up or for warmer months before they emerge from hibernation. Mold problems can’t be solved by just adjusting the temperature. It is important to address the root cause of mold as well as preventive measures.

Increasing Moisture
The fall and winter bring an increase in precipitation and dew, which creates water films on various surfaces. Window panes are often a major source of moisture. This allows mold to grow and expand. As the warm air in the house comes into contact with the cold outside glass, windows can collect a lot condensation. This clash can lead to water vapor being deposited on surfaces. Mold can easily be seen along windowsills and frames.

Persistent Allergy Symptoms
Winter is a time when people spend more indoors. This could lead to an increase in allergy symptoms. This could lead to a problem in the air quality of your home. The heat can spread the spores to other parts of your home, making it more difficult to fix the problem.

Summer Months & Mold Growth
The mold growth rate is generally accelerated by the warmer temperatures in the summer months. The air is warmer and more humid, which increases the chances of colony growth. The minimum temperature required to kill and stifle growth is met in very few places across the United States. This leaves many vulnerable to possible infestation.

Ventilation Issues And Moisture Buildup

Poor ventilation can lead to an increase in humidity. You may also need to clean out your ducts. To properly circulate vapors, there must be air flow. If this is not possible, condensation can build up in windowsills or basement windows. An HVAC unit can extract water from the air. However, if it is older or doesn’t direct the water to a drain, the chances of leaks and overflowing drip pans are greater. Mold can grow from moisture.

Mold Growth And Its Spread

The perfect temperature for mold growth is summer, but the cool breezes and wind that blow through the house are ideal for spreading mold spores. Mold thrives on damp carpet, cardboard, insulation, and wooden support structures. Mold can quickly multiply and grow rapidly, putting your home and health in serious danger. You need to be vigilant if you find mold in dark areas in your home. Although you may not be able to smell the moldy odor immediately, you should look out for signs of water damage or a possible water leak.

Roofs And Exterior Mold Growth
It is amazing how many places mold can grow in the summer. A windstorm can blow away roofing tiles, or cause a limb on the roof to break off and allow in rainwater. However, rainwater can back up in the gutters and flood onto the roof. The excess water can seep into the attic through cracks and seals along the roof line. The same debris and leaves can also cause mold beneath. These spores can then be swept into the air to create new colonies.

Mold Growth In Small And Dark Areas
Especially during rainy seasons, be aware of crawl spaces underneath the house and in your basement. These darkened areas can trap moisture and mold quickly. The musty smell may be noticeable when you walk around the house, or under the floor vents. Rodents and small animals can get under your house, causing holes in the ductwork. This could expose it to moisture. To prevent any debris or decay from building up around your HVAC unit , be sure to thoroughly clean it. This will reduce the chance of mold spores being trapped in the air and forcing their way into your home.

All Year Round Mold Removal

If you suspect mold growth, it should be addressed immediately. Mold can grow quickly when conditions are favorable. You need to have a plan in place to deal with it, regardless of whether you live in rain, snow, hail or blistering sunlight. Contact 911 Restoration of East Dallas for help to address your issues and prevent any serious damage or health concerns.