Mold may not be top of mind for many homeowners in the Chicagoland area during the winter, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a problem. Melting ice, long bouts of rain, and snowstorms all lead to an increase in moisture both outside and in our homes—which help to create the perfect habitat for mold.
No matter what the season, mold is always a cause for concern, and can lead to several home & health issues, including:
- Wood rot
- Structural damage
- Increased asthma & allergy symptoms
- Poor indoor air quality
- And more
ARC Insulation can help keep your home safe from mold this upcoming winter with our insulation and mold services.
Does Mold Grow in Cold Temperatures?
While mold thrives in warm, damp environments, it won’t die in subfreezing temperatures. In the winter, mold simply becomes dormant, meaning that its spores will be ready to grow once again as soon as the temperatures rise. And while the temperatures outside may be freezing, inside your home is not. Most varieties of mold grow in the 60-80 degree range—which also happens to be the same range that many of us consider comfortable for our homes.
So, the threat of mold growth in your home does not disappear as soon as the weather turns. In fact, indoor humidity levels often rise in the winter with the use of humidifiers and an increased amount of time spent inside. Luckily, there are several ways that ARC Insulation can help you combat winter mold growth, so you can breathe easier knowing that your family and home are safe from its harmful contaminants.
How to Prevent Mold Growth in Winter
When you’re trying to keep mold out of your home, it’s important to focus on eliminating the sources that cause it to grow in the first place: humidity & moisture. ARC Insulation offers several whole-home solutions that can keep excess moisture out of your home.
Air Sealing
Homes with significant air leaks to the outdoors tend to have mold problems because those gaps and cracks allow moisture inside. By air sealing your home, especially in moisture-prone areas like your attic or crawl space, you’ll not only be reducing your risk of mold growth, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and more energy efficient home too.
Insulation Upgrades
Insulation creates a barrier between your living spaces and the outdoors, meaning it can play a huge role in how much moisture finds its way inside. Additionally, if your current insulation has ever been wet before, there’s a good chance that it has also grown mold. ARC’s comprehensive insulation removal and upgrade services can help keep your home’s moisture levels and temperatures in balance.
What if Your Home Already Has Mold?
If you’ve recognized signs of mold in your home, like musty smells or water leaks, don’t panic! Call in the mold remediation experts at ARC Insulation. Our experienced team will first isolate the contaminated area so the mold won’t spread further throughout your home. Once the mold is removed and the area is clean, we’ll get to the source of what caused it in the first place. We will then propose solutions to keep the mold from returning to your home and improve your overall indoor air quality, like duct sealing and air purification.
ARC Insulation: Your Chicagoland Mold Experts
With over 30 years of experience insulating and remediating mold in Chicagoland homes, our team has seen their fair share of winter mold. If you’re looking for a contractor that can provide long-lasting solutions and get to the real root of the mold problems you’re experiencing, give ARC Insulation a call. It all starts with a home energy assessment or mold inspection to determine where your home needs improvement.
