The heat and the connection to mold is not an adequate way to handle a mold problem, since it doesn't actually remove spores from the affected space. That said, heat, humidity, and a humid, dark environment provide a perfect recipe for mold growth. The moment you notice that mold is growing anywhere in your home, you shouldn't panic. Doing something that you think will help kill mold could actually make things worse. It's a great idea to contact a local professional right now.
You don't know the extent of the mold and you'll want to know what repair or remediation is needed. Assuming that you can handle the mold yourself is probably a bad idea. Does heat kill mold? Yes, extreme heat or cold can kill most mold spores. It is best to use a professional company to clean. Summer is one of the ideal seasons for mold growth due to high humidity levels.
The condition can worsen even more with poor ventilation, making it difficult for air to flow freely. High temperatures outside and low temperatures inside can cause condensation around window frames and other insulating materials. These areas should be cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth. Water extracted from the air by air conditioning units is generally directed to a drain. However, old or poorly maintained units can cause leaks in basements and other tight spaces, creating an environment conducive to mold.
To avoid summer mildew, you should ensure that all air conditioning units are working properly and that all the sealed ones around the windows are in good condition. Not all parts of the United States experience freezing temperatures during the winter. This makes it difficult to actually kill mold spores. Extreme variations in winter cold, especially when they fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, are harmful, but the spores may not die and may wait for the house to warm up or for the warmer months to come out of hibernation. Temperature alone isn't enough to address a mold problem. It is also necessary to treat the source of the mold and to employ preventive measures.
Just because the mold has been “cooked”, the dormant mold will still be present and will not magically disappear by magic. It's the same reason why if you have a flood in your house and there's already mold, the emergency drying company won't install fans. Most likely, some materials in the room will remain damp, creating a favorable place for mold growth. Temperatures have to rise above 100 degrees or below freezing to effectively kill mold spores. Unless the area affected by mold is already a containment zone with air scrubbers configured to capture mold spores, units that blow out hot air aren't the best idea.
Temperature has a drastic effect on the way mold grows, but it's not just a seasonal problem. If your home is poorly ventilated, you may have increased humidity and a need to remove mold from ducts. There's a misconception that mold only grows during the warm summer months, but this isn't the case. However, industry standards always recommend removing the mold and not simply leaving it idle. Some remediation companies claim that if you have dead mold inside your walls, it won't affect you.
When mold is found on moving objects, it makes sense to place it on various household appliances. Mold can cause serious damage to your home, either by ruining the carpet, causing drywall to bubble and decay, creating stains on ceiling tiles, or infesting ducts. Many find that window panes are a key point of moisture accumulation, creating an opportunity for mold to grow and spread. However, the same debris and dead leaves from the gutter can also generate mold underneath, and the spores can be carried through the air and land elsewhere to form new colonies. High temperatures outside can also encourage mold growth, as it takes a few days to grow and increase its number. This makes it difficult to remove mold from the environment, as there is pet dander, dust, dead skin cells and other particles suspended in the air throughout the house that can feed a mold colony.
How Can You Prevent Mold Growth?
The best way to prevent mold growth is by controlling humidity levels in your home or office space.Make sure that all areas are well-ventilated so that moisture doesn’t accumulate in any one area for too long. Additionally, keep an eye out for any water leaks or spills that could create an ideal environment for mold. If you do find any water damage or signs of mold, contact a professional immediately so they can assess and remediate any potential issues.
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