Mold is a GROWING ISSUE for many Manhattan home and business owners/renters DURING WINTER.

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Mold needs moisture, warmth and food to grow, so why is it becoming such a problem for property owners during cold winters.

Mold needs moisture, warmth and food to grow, so why is it becoming such a problem for property owners during cold winters. Proper insulation is important to save on energy costs and keep you warm and cozy during winter temperatures, but without proper airflow and ventilation you could be creating a WINTER MOLD DISASTER.

Proper air circulation is crucial to avoid water and mold damage to your Manhattan residential or commercial property, especially during winter. Airflow and ventilation regulate temperature, removes impurities, prevents mold and creates a more healthy and safe breathing environment.

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan has your home and business mold disaster answers; our team can protect your property from additional water and mold damage we offer services throughout New York City. Our professionals are certified in mold remediation and removal, we are a trusted leader in the mold remediation industry and have been helping local home and business owners in this community for nearly 30 years. Our technicians are near you, and available to help access your property damage and provide quick and efficient mold remediation and removal services with highly qualified technicians and state-of-the-art tools and equipment. You can trust SERVPRO to work hard to restore your property, “Like it never even happened.”

While mold is generally thought to thrive during the warmer months, mold growth in the winter is now becoming a more common problem for home and business owners. Mold needs moisture, warmth and food to grow, during winter turning up the heat in your well-insulated and tightly sealed home or business may feel like the best way to shield yourself from the cold, but without proper ventilation that warm moist air can’t escape, especially in high-humidity areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, basement or attic it forms condensation on your windows, walls and other areas of your property that can cause water damage and mold.

Most Manhattan homes and businesses have numerous trouble spots for mold and moisture, in residential properties the places that get most easily affected by mold are bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, garages, and laundry rooms. In commercial or municipal buildings; bathrooms and kitchens, cafeterias, gyms with showering or pool areas, HVAC systems, and any area that has high moisture content will be an ideal breeding ground for mold.

Several factors lead to increased concerns about mold during the winter months.

For one thing, moisture conditions indoors can lead to the growth of mold and mildew; certain areas of the home may experience intensified levels of humidity because of a lack of ventilation. Bathrooms and kitchens are particularly susceptible to this problem; the accumulation of steam from showers, washing dishes and cooking in the kitchen all add moisture mixing with heated air. Moisture that travels through the air from your basement, bathrooms, or kitchen may condense when it meets a cold wall. Because of cold weather, windows aren't usually open, and condensation collects on indoor surfaces such as cold walls or windows and their frames, often creating ideal conditions for mold growth. With less than optimal insulation, mold can also growing during the winter on the inside walls, especially on the surfaces closest to the outside of your home or business.

Mold Prevention Tips: During Winter

Controlling moisture is the key to controlling mold. Generally, this is done in one of two ways. First, effectively dry and fix any leaks, spills, or other unintended instances of moisture. Second, utilize proper ventilation and air circulation in known moisture-prone areas. Being proactive in preventing costly damage or mold growth is the best way to feel confident that your home can handle the freezing elements and winter storms.

• Keep indoor humidity below 45%: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best way to control indoor mold growth is to carefully monitor and maintain your home's moisture level. If the humidity in your home rises, look for the sources of added moisture and address the problem as soon as possible. Place a dehumidifier in these rooms to lower the moisture level until a permanent solution is found.
• Increase Air Circulation: Ceiling fans, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and attic fans are ideal for improving air circulation in many of the troublesome areas for added humidity, warmth and condensation; bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can really help to remove moisture and promote air exchange while cooking and showering. It’s equally important to vent the attic space to prevent moisture and mold accumulation, and if you keep your dryer in the basement make sure it is properly vented to avoid moisture and mold concerns. On nice days when the air temperature isn’t too cold, consider opening a window or two for ventilation and fresh air exchange.
• Reduce Condensation Upgrade Your Windows and Insulation: Many homes and businesses don’t have proper insulation inside exterior walls or between the attic and living space, condensation can form on the inside of a cold, poorly insulated walls and windows, when in contact with warm, moist indoor air, creating an optimal area for mold growth. Insulating your plumbing can reduce sweat and keep them sage from water damage during the cold.
• Check for Potential Leaks and Repairs: Winter mold grows rapidly when there are leaks or water damage from winter weather disasters, such as burst plumbing pipes, or roof leaks following a freezing event. Water damage can be very dangerous to commercial or residential property, it can lead to the development of mold after as little as 24 hours and cause serious health effects and compromise the structural integrity of drywall, ceilings, floors, carpeting and other contents. The best way to minimize damage from a water emergency is to contact SERVPRO we have teams of professionals ready to restore and repair your home or business quickly and effectively.

More information about moisture control from energy.gov

SERVPRO IS ALWAYS HERE TO HELP WITH MOLD PROPERTY DAMAGE

Mold can be a major problem for residential and commercial property owners, using the prevention tips outlined above can help keep your property mold-free. If you do discover mold in your home or business, the best thing to do is call our professional mold remediation team at SERVPRO of Central Manhattan.

We use various containment procedures to prevent mold spore from spreading and we have specialized filtration equipment that allows our professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. The proper mold remediation solution for your home or business depends on the amount of mold growth and types of surfaces on which the fungus appears.

Our mold remediation team at SERVPRO of Central Manhattan has the tools and equipment to inspect and assess the damage and determine the best methods to contain and remove the mold, clean and restore your possessions and property additionally we can help identify the cause of the water or moisture problem so that it doesn’t cause additional damage in the future.