While we often think mould grows more in warm weather, Calgary’s cold and snowy winters can actually make it more likely to show up in your home. Using heat indoors creates more moisture from snow and ice, which helps mould grow. This can change your indoor air quality and could become a health hazard for your family. Let’s look at why this happens in winter and talk about simple steps to keep your Calgary home free from mould.
With Calgary’s long winters and lots of snow, it’s easy to think that mould is not a big issue. But that’s not the case. Winter often leads to closed doors and windows. This traps moisture inside. When there is little ventilation and the heating system dries the air, it becomes easy for condensation to form.
Mould grows best in warm and damp places. So, these conditions make a perfect breeding ground for mould spores to land and increase, especially in areas that have more moisture.
Calgary’s weather affects the indoor humidity levels in homes. When cold outdoor air comes inside, it has low moisture. When this air is heated, the humidity level drops even more. This dry air can feel uncomfortable. Because of this, many people use humidifiers to add moisture.
While humidifiers can help with dryness, they should be used carefully. Using them too much can make the indoor humidity too high. This can cause mould to grow. It’s important to find a good balance between comfortable humidity and too much moisture.
Aim to keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. You can use a hygrometer to check humidity levels. This will help you know when to adjust your ventilation and humidifier use.
Mould spores are always in the air, looking for damp places to grow. In Calgary homes during winter, it can be easy for mould to develop. This is especially true in areas with moisture build-up, condensation, and poor ventilation.
Bathrooms and kitchens are main spots for mould. They have a lot of humidity from showering and cooking. Condensation on windows and walls also gives mould the perfect place to grow, especially if homes are not well insulated.
Basements are often cool and damp, making them another good spot for mould. They can be especially prone if there have been leaks or flooding in the past. Lastly, attics may seem dry but can still have mould, especially near vents or places that lack good insulation. Here, warm air can escape, causing moisture to build up and eventually condense.
Exposure to mould spores can cause health problems. These can range from mild allergic reactions to serious breathing issues. People with allergies, asthma, or weak immune systems are most at risk. Common signs of mould exposure include a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, skin irritation, and a persistent cough.
Sometimes, being around certain types of mould for a long time, like black mould, can create serious health risks. Black mould removal is important. This kind of mould can release harmful substances that worsen breathing health.
If you have ongoing symptoms and think you have been around mould, it’s important to see a healthcare professional. Finding and treating mould growth early is key to keeping your living area healthy.
Stopping mould from growing is better than dealing with it later. You can’t get rid of all the mould spores in your house, but you can make your home a place where they can’t thrive. There are easy and effective ways to keep your home mould-free during Calgary’s winter season.
You can lower the risk of mould by managing moisture levels well, making sure there’s good ventilation, and fixing any issue spots in your home.
Controlling indoor humidity is very important to stop mould from growing. In Calgary’s winter, it can be tough to keep a good balance between comfort and low enough humidity to keep mould away. Try to keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. This is a healthy range.
Think about using a dehumidifier, especially in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. Dehumidifiers help remove extra moisture from the air. This makes it harder for mould to grow.
It’s also important to have good ventilation. Open windows for a short time each day, even when it’s cold outside. This allows fresh air to come in and helps lower indoor humidity naturally.
Bathrooms and kitchens create a lot of moisture. So, it is important to have good ventilation in these areas. Always run exhaust fans when you take a shower or a bath. This helps to take away steam and extra humidity. Keep the fan running for at least 30 minutes after showering to make sure all the moisture is gone.
When you cook, especially when boiling water or using the stove for a long time, turn on the stove’s exhaust fan. This helps to send moisture and cooking smells outside. If your kitchen doesn’t have an overhead fan, try opening a window a little when cooking. This helps air circulate better.
Along with exhaust fans, it’s good to have proper air circulation in your home. This can help reduce moisture buildup. You can use ceiling fans even in winter. They help move air around and prevent damp spots from staying still.
Gaps and cracks around windows and doors let in cold air and moisture. This can cause condensation and mould. Before winter arrives, check your windows and doors for leaks and drafts.
Seal any cracks or gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. This will help stop air and moisture from getting in. Pay special attention to windowsills, as they can get too much condensation. Good insulation around windows and doors keeps temperatures steady and reduces the risk of condensation.
Also, look at your exterior walls for any cracks or gaps where moisture could come in. Sealing these spots is key to keeping your home dry and free from mould.
Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping the air in your Calgary home clean and controlling humidity. Over time, dust, dirt, and mould spores can build up in the filters and ducts. This can lower how well the system works and may spread harmful particles in the air.
To keep everything working well, you should have a qualified technician check and maintain your HVAC system every year. This includes cleaning or changing the air filters regularly, especially during the winter months when the system has to work harder.
Taking care of your HVAC system helps improve indoor air quality. It also controls humidity levels, which lowers the chance of mould growing in your home.
It is very important to recognize the signs of mould growth. Some signs are easy to see, but others may be harder to notice. If you spot any signs of mould, try to get professional help right away.
ResQ Pro Restoration can handle any mould issue, no matter the size. Our expert team will look at the problem closely, fix it properly, and give you advice on how to prevent it in the future.
Mould often hides in places we can’t see, but there are signs to look for. Visible mould can appear as black, green, or white spots or patches. If you see these, take action right away. You might also notice a musty smell, even if you don’t see any mould.
If you have unexplained health problems, like allergies or breathing issues, especially in certain rooms, mould could be the cause. Look for water stains, peeling paint, or uneven walls. These can mean hidden mould is growing because of moisture.
If you ignore these signs, the problem will get worse. This can lead to more health risks and expensive remediation efforts. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to call a professional mould inspector right away.
Don’t let mould grow in your Calgary home. ResQ Pro Restoration can help you keep a healthy, mould-free living space for your family’s well-being all year. Don’t ignore the signs of mould. Reach out to us today to keep your home mould-free this winter!
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