We associate summer with fun and vacation time but summer can also be that time of the year when we have to deal with mold issues. We can’t ignore mold since it can be the cause of numerous health problems, the most common being allergies, and also cause significant damage to our property. Mold thrives during the summer because of our warm humid climate here in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Northern Georgia.
Summertime Humidity and Mold Growth
Poor Ventilation
The high humidity levels we experience during the summer and early fall months are ideal for mold growth. Nowadays, with most of our homes having sophisticated HVAC systems, we don’t ventilate our homes as much as we should to keep these temperature control systems working efficiently and economically. This can sometimes mean that we may not have a free flow of air to keep humidity under control.
Condensation
What’s more, when we experience hot temperatures outside and maintain colder temperatures in our indoor environment, we get condensation around window sills and insulation materials. To prevent mold growth we need to be extra careful to regularly clean areas of possible condensation.
A/C Drainage Issues
During summer our air conditioning (A/C) systems produce moisture that needs to be drained. It is not unusual for poorly maintained or older systems to leak. Unfortunately, these leaks may be in locations where it is difficult to detect, like basements and crawl spaces. Consequently, the moisture creates a conducive environment for mold growth. Therefore, we need to keep up with A/C maintenance and ensure our system is working properly.
High Temperatures
Summertime temperatures are ideal for mold growth since mold thrives in warmer temperatures. Also, during the summer the mold spores tend to spread easier or more readily since there is more air movement due to opening our window more frequently to allow a cool breeze into our homes. As a result, we should try to maintain constant lower temperatures, at about 70 degrees to discourage mold growth (there are mold varieties, however, that can thrive in low temperatures).
Actions that Can Help Minimize Mold Growth
Maintain Low Humidity Levels
Most central A/C units are able to lower humidity levels. They basically condense the humidity into a liquid that is drained outside our homes. So, if you have the proper HVAC system in your home, you shouldn’t have humidity issues. You can also deal with humidity by purchasing dehumidifiers that can be strategically placed in your home to prevent moisture build-up and maintain proper humidity levels.
Installing hygrometers (humidity sensors) in our homes to measure relative humidity is also a good and inexpensive idea (you can buy reliable electronic hygrometers for less than $20). This way, we can monitor the humidity and take the necessary steps to reduce moisture in order to prevent the growth of mold.
Ventilate
In high humidity areas of our homes like bathrooms, the kitchen, basement, and attic, we need to have proper ventilation systems such as exhaust fans. When we have these ventilation systems, we can minimize moisture build-up.
Clean
Mold needs warm moist environments to thrive but it also needs food sources. If we clean our homes thoroughly on a regular basis by cleaning any dust or dirt, we make it harder for mold to grow. It’s difficult to clean crawl spaces but we can at least clean well the spaces we have easy access to so we can minimize mold growth.
Dealing With Summer Mold Issues
If we do notice mold growth in your home, it is important to deal with it immediately before it gets worse. The most effective way to deal with mold issues is having professionals like BioTek Environmental mold inspection and remediation specialists evaluate the mold issues and suggest the best solutions for our situation. Mold can affect our health if it is not removed properly from our living environment. The best way to remove it is with professional mold remediation. Do-it-yourself products will not be as effective nor will they provide you with any guarantees that the mold won’t return again soon. Professional mold remediation companies like BioTek Environmental provide guarantees for their work. In fact, at BioTek Environmental, we provide you with the best and most comprehensive warranties in the industry.
Call BioTek Environmental Inc any time of the day or night. Contact us online to protect your home or business from mold infestations or call us at 866-630-7340.
We provide mold inspection, mold removal, and mold remediation services to Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg, SC. Our Clean, Green Restoration methods employ EPA registered and environmentally safe chemistries to help our customers reclaim their property from mold removal, and flood and fire damage in the safest ways possible.
