Do I Have to Worry About Mold in Colder Months?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

A lot of people think they are off the hook in colder months when it comes to worrying about mold forming in their properties. While it is slightly less common for mold to appear in lower temperatures, it is definitely possible. 

Mold requires three things in order to grow and survive- moisture, a food source, and the right temperature. There is a robust amount of different species of mold and most of them do thrive between the temperatures of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Each type of mold has a minimum and maximum temperature in which is is able to survive. 

It is also a common belief that mold dies in lower temperatures. This, too, is a misconception. Colder weather will "pause" the growth/spread of mold, but mold is opportunistic and waits for the right time to reactivate and thrive. 

Knowing that mold can still grow in the winter is even more of a reason to properly care for your properties and prep for the warmer temperatures as mold is likely to become more evident. Keeping a space at the right temperature isn't always enough- it is critical to control humidity levels to keep mold growth at bay.