How Winter Can Lead to Mold Growth in Your Minneapolis Home

Because mold typically grows in moist, warm environments, most people don’t watch for signs of spores during the cold winters of Minneapolis. However, with severe winter conditions approaching, know that mold can cause problems in both the winter and summer months. As long as you use a heating system, your home is at risk. Here is how winter can lead to mold growth in your Minneapolis home.

Roof and Attic Leaks

To stay warm when temperatures plummet, you will most likely set your furnace pretty high and keep your home toasty. If you don’t want this warm air to escape, you need to make sure that your home is tightly insulated. This is especially important in an old houses where the roof may have leaks, gaps, or compromised shingles.

As warm air rises to your attic, it can escape through the fractured areas. Then, if there is snow on the roof it can melt and seep into your home through the same spot. This can be disastrous if the water seeps into your attic. Not only could it ruin special possessions, but it could also spread to other parts of your home.

The new moisture, coupled with the warmth of your home, provides a perfect breeding ground for mold. Before we get too deep into the expected snowfall, do a thorough inspection of your roof and attic to prevent this from happening.

Siding, Doors, and Windows

If you have any loose panels of siding on your home that you have been meaning to fix, address the problem ASAP. Like cracks in your roof can release warm air, your home’s heat will escape from these compromised panels.

This could lead to water infiltrating your home and eventually mold growth. Additionally, make sure that your doors are as sealed as tightly as possible. Not only will this keep the cold air out, but it will also keep outdoor moisture from seeping in.

The same goes for your windows: if they are not completely airtight, they can cause condensation, which in turn can lead to mold growth.

Basements and Crawlspaces

Cracks in your basement’s foundation or walls are major red flags for mold risk. If you have pooling of any kind, your risk also jumps up significantly. These areas provide entryways for melting snow and water to enter the home, and mold can begin to thrive. Similarly, you should have your crawlspaces examined at the first sign of any pooling water.

Restoration 1 of Greater Minneapolis is there for you every step of the way through any winter mold catastrophe. Our team can handle fungus growth at any time of year, so if you run into a infestation this season, don’t worry. Do yourself a favor and take appropriate measures to ensure nothing leads to water damage and mold.Call us today at 612-200-2302 to schedule your service or a preliminary mold inspection.

About The Author

David Tynes is the general manager of Restoration of Greater Minneapolis. David has years of experience in home and commercial restoration, and he is certified as a restoration professional by the IICRC.