Why You Need a Mold Inspection This Winter
Posted in Mold, on December 14, 2020
Winter seems like the least likely season for a mold inspection in Toronto - but it’s actually just as common to find mold growth in the winter as it is in the summer! This may seem counterintuitive for some readers, but mold can grow just as well (if not better) during the cold months as it does during the warm. Here are some of the most common reasons you need mold testing in Toronto this winter.
1. We spend more time at home
Even if you love to hit the ski slopes or go for a snowy walk, the truth is that we all spend more time indoors during the winter. This extra time inside equals greater exposure to indoor air pollutants like mold, and this can mean more frequent symptoms or uncomfortable acute reactions.
2. There is less airflow
During a Canadian winter, we all have our windows and doors shut tight and our furnaces cranked up - keeping us warm and toasty indoors. But, especially in newer homes that are sealed up tightly, this often results in the reduced fresh air. Instead of new air being introduced from the outdoors, the same air is often recycled throughout the home all winter long - helping to spread the infestation and effects of mold growth.
3. There is increased humidity
Winter air is dry, which can make our skin and eyes uncomfortable. To combat this, some people buy stand-alone humidifiers or install one on their furnace - but it’s important to balance your indoor humidity at 50% since it’s one of the primary causes of mold growth indoors. Wet snow pants, boots, or drying laundry indoors can also increase indoor moisture levels.
4. Mold causes flu-like symptoms
One of the most common reasons for mold inspection in Toronto is persistent feelings of congestion, running nose, headaches, nausea, and other symptoms that are associated with the common cold or COVID-19. Mold often goes undetected for a long period of time because people think they’ve just got a lingering cold and it’ll clear up on its own - but if this sounds familiar, or you’re worried about COVID-19, mold testing can help you get back to feeling yourself.
Mold Growth in Winter
While it’s true that mold growth is more visible during the hot, humid, and warm days of summer, it doesn’t stop growing when the seasons change. Mold growth in the winter can be slower or faster, more toxic or less toxic, and more damaging or less damaging - you just don’t know until you’ve had it professionally inspected and tested.
Mold testing can help determine what type of mold is present, how bad the infestation is, and can give you valuable insight into how best to remove and remediate it so that it’s gone for good. If you’d like to know more about protecting your home from mold growth or to book mold testing in Toronto, get in touch at 416-414-5690 or request a free indoor air quality consultation by email.