As the temperatures drop, you may often find yourself cranking up the heat in a bid to keep warm and toasty this season. But while you’re winterizing your homes by blocking out chilly drafts, you could unknowingly be causing mold in your home.
Mold spores will spread rapidly where there's excess moisture and humidity, especially in warm rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. And if you don’t take action to get rid of mold, these spores can spread and cause potential health issues — or damage your home.
But, how do you know if you have mold in your home? Perhaps the most obvious sign is small black spots on silicone seals — but some are not so obvious. We asked an expert to share the hidden warning signs of mold to look out for and why.
1. ‘Weeping’ windows
Many households will notice trickles of water on the inside of the window glass on a chilly morning. And if you don’t crack open windows for airflow, this can result in excessive condensation, which promotes mold growth.
“This type of condensation is perfect fuel for mold,” states Winston Osborne, Technical Director at Atlas Aluminium. “This happens because high internal humidity meets a cold window surface as your windows are failing to keep the cold out and the heat in, creating a thermal bridge.
"The glass surface temperature is dropping below the 'dew point' of the air inside your home, causing moisture to settle, which is step one in mold growth. While heavy condensation on windows can be a risk factor for mold, it is worth noting that not every instance of significant condensation will necessarily produce mold.”
If you do see condensation, you mustn’t let the water sit. First, wipe it away immediately with a dry microfiber cloth, keeping the area as dry. By removing the moisture source, you reduce the risk of mold growth on surfaces.
Similarly, check that you don’t have cracked silicone seals around your existing windows or doors. This could let cold air and moisture enter directly into your home, resulting in mold. If you do spot damaged rubber seals, however, replace these as soon as possible.
“These seals are cost-effective to replace compared to the cost of dealing with mold,” adds Osborne. “Promptly replacing faulty seals prevents cold air and moisture from infiltrating the home's structure and creating a thermal bridge.”
2. Musty smell
If you notice a musty or strange odor when you enter a room, chances are, you might have mold. “That musty odor is the unmistakable sign of hidden mold activity, often trapped behind plaster, wallpaper, or inside the wall near windows and doors,” adds Osborne.
“The smell is produced by Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds, a chemical byproduct of the mold consuming organic materials in a concealed area.”
Despite the chill outside, it’s important to allow airflow into the room by opening windows and doors for some time. This could prevent moisture and any risk of mold developing.
“Home occupants must commit to opening windows daily for short periods, such as 5-10 minutes, to allow rapid cross ventilation and cycle out moisture-filled air,” suggests Osborne. “This is especially vital after high moisture activities such as cooking, drying clothes indoors, or showering.”
Where you have exhaust vents, these should also be used while the room is still damp. Alternatively, if your room doesn’t have any windows or you have high-humidity areas, investing in one of the best dehumidifiers can help. These appliances are designed to reduce the humidity of a room by filtering out moisture from the air, and you’d be surprised by how much they can collect.
3. Bubbling paint or wallpaper
Another warning sign of mold is bubbling paint or wallpaper. This could indicate that there could be water or moisture coming from under the surface that needs to be dealt with immediately
“Is the paint or wallpaper near your external frames starting to bubble, peel or blister?” says Osborne. “This phenomenon often signifies water penetration or serious structural dampness, which is distinct from surface condensation. The moisture is coming through the wall or frame either due to a structural leak or due to the thermal properties of the wall being heavily compromised, allowing moisture to be absorbed and push the surface material away.”
Again, it’s important to keep the area dry and well-ventilated at all times. One handy tip is to avoid pushing large items of furniture, such as wardrobes or sofas, directly against cold external walls. You need an adequate gap to allow proper air circulation, so hidden condensation and black mold won’t grow unnoticed behind the furniture.
If you suspect you have a serious mold problem, however, always contact a professional to inspect your home and give proper guidance.
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