What is Mildew?
Mildew is a term that refers to certain types of mold or fungus. Generically, it’s often used to describe the growth of molds and usually follows a flat pattern.
Although mold and mildew are treated as if they are the same, the two are actually different. Molds can thrive on organic matter such as clothing, leather, paper and ceilings, walls, and floors in homes that have moisture management issues. Mildew, on the other hand, can be found in shower walls, windowsills and other areas where moisture levels are particularly high.
Mold in Summer
Mold is said to thrive only in cold weather, but that is a common misconception. Certain types of mold can still grow in your home even during the hot summer months. These mold varieties prefer warm temperatures, so it’s possible that you have some growing in your home right now.
Reasons for Mold Growth in Summer
While mold and mildew can grow anytime of the year, it is more likely to thrive during certain seasons. Summer, because of its warmer temperatures, is the perfect time for some molds to flourish. Below are other common reasons molds can grow in summer.
1. High Humidity Level
Summer is perfect for some molds to grow, and that’s because the humidity levels at this time of the year is particularly high. When the hot weather outside combines with the cold indoor temperature, condensation around windowsills, and other insulation materials can happen. Under these conditions, mold will find the perfect home for growth.
A good means of mildew prevention in this case is to have certain appliances inspected regularly. For example, when water is extracted from your AC unit, this gets moved to a drain system. If your air conditioner isn’t well maintained, there’s a good chance that water will leak down your basement. This will consequently create an environment conducive to mold growth. To prevent this from happening, ensure that your air conditioning unit is working properly and all seals around the windows are in good condition.
2. Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation in the home can cause stagnant and moist indoor air to form. Mold spores that have made their way into your home through insufficient air circulation will naturally want to stay.
A simple solution to this is to open your windows. This should allow air to circulate freely in your home.
3. Favorable Temperature
Summer is a good time for mold spores to grow because they can thrive in temperatures between 32 and 100 degrees Celsius. Since they are light and microscopic, these spores can be easily carried by cool winds which often blow during summer evenings. Additionally, while mold usually thrives in darkness, some species can grow even when there’s light.
4. Constant Moisture
Moisture can be caused by many factors during summer. This includes condensation which can occur in insulation materials, the attic, windowsills, or other surfaces where moisture can get trapped.
Moisture can also form among dead leaves that fall on your roof gutter. This can be easily prevented by cleaning the gutters and ensuring that your roof is free of any dead leaves so the growth of house mold is prevented.
5. Water Leaks
Even in summer, rains can come, so it’s important to be aware of any signs of water leakage in your roof or attic. Water spots and discolored ceilings are two signs that a leak has sprung in your home. Although water in the ceiling can’t be noticed right away, it’s a good idea to do an inspection as soon as possible, especially after a heavy downpour, as an initial step to prevent mold growth.
How to Get Rid of Mold in Summer
The common belief that mold only thrives during the cold months is a myth. Mold can also be one of your unwanted guests during the hot summer months. That’s because some strains of mold require warm temperatures to grow, and you might have them in your home right now.
Whether it’s house mold or mildew, stop its growth this summer by observing the following:
1. You should maintain a clean home.
There are many reasons keeping your home clean and tidy is important regardless of the season. In the home, there are likely to be blind spots where moisture can grow and you don’t have a way of noticing them. A good example would be your HVAC system which has parts or areas which can’t be reached easily. These should be cleaned regularly as part of your mildew prevention measures, especially since the air conditioner is one home appliance that’s often filled with moisture.
2. You should keep air flowing in the home.
This can be done with the help of your HVAC system or air conditioner, but you can also try installing fans apart from keeping the windows open. The key is to keep fresh air flowing so rooms will not become stale and moisture will not build up.
3. You should control the home temperature.
The ideal temperature for mold growth is between 77 and 86° Fahrenheit, but summer can easily register a higher one, making it ideal for some molds to grow. Thus, your aim should be to keep the indoor temperature as low as possible during the summer months. Regularly monitor your thermostat and ensure that it’s set at 70 degrees which should be an effective means of how to get rid of mold or prevent them from growing.
4. You should use a dehumidifier.
If humidity is a problem in one area of the house, a common solution is to install multiple fans or adjust the HVAC system. However, a more inexpensive option is to install a dehumidifier in the problem area. A dehumidifier can be a powerful tool when wanting to regulate humidity level to prevent mold growth in a given space.
5. You should heat the floor and walls.
Although it might not sound like a good idea, adding heat on floors and walls below ground or near the foundation can help prevent condensation which occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces. Compared to the outside air, your floor and walls are usually much colder, an ideal condition for condensation to happen and consequently for mildew on walls and floors to grow.
6. You should remove porous materials from your home.
Removing porous materials is one of the best ways to prevent mold growth in summer. These are materials that have open spaces where external matter can enter. Good examples of these are paper, sponge, cardboard, and untreated wood. They should be disposed of properly if they are no longer being used as they can serve as potential home for molds.
Contact Deep Water Emergency Services & Restoration for Your Mold Problems This Summer
Summer is a time to relax, but it should also be a period when you need to check the home for signs of trouble like molds. Deep Water Emergency Service & Restoration is the company that can help you out with this type of problem.
Our team that handles mold mitigation in Denver, CO, can work on identifying the mold strain that you have in the home and provide you with the most appropriate solution. We also have experts in water and fire damage restoration who will guarantee excellent service. Call us now!
