Mold thrives in humid conditions, making summer the peak season for indoor infestations. In Chicagoland, homeowners face particularly high humidity levels during the hottest months of the year, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Understanding the risks of summer humidity and taking proactive steps to prevent mold is essential.
Chicagoland summers bring an abundance of heat and moisture, with temperatures often reaching up to 92 degrees Fahrenheit and average humidity levels hovering around 80 percent. This combination of intense heat and moisture creates muggy conditions that not only feel uncomfortable but also pose a risk of property damage.
Why does indoor mold thrive in summer?
Mold spores require minimal nutrients: an organic food source, oxygen, and consistent moisture. The latter of the three contributes to humidity which feeds mold. Damp environments, coupled with drywall or other nourishing matter, create the perfect conditions for mold growth.
Humidity itself, however, does not cause mold growth. Rather, high levels contribute to their proliferation inside homes that lack proper ventilation. Moisture is more plentiful in hot air than cold air; as a result, homes become more hospitable to mold during the balmy summer months.
It’s important to note that mold can potentially develop in any season, winter included. Chicagoland winters are also humid. However, the excess indoor moisture in the summer creates a greater risk for the development of mold colonies and their subsequent expansion.
Home experts advise keeping indoor humidity levels low. Exceeding the recommended humidity levels increases the chances of mold growth. High relative humidity, such as levels over 60 to 70 percent, encourages mold growth. Mold, though, can grow anywhere with a constant supply of moisture.
Summer storms increase the level of humidity, both indoors and outside. Given the higher amount of moisture in the air, mold has even more opportunities to flourish inside the home. In fact, summer is Chicagoland’s wettest season, contributing to high humidity levels and worsening mold allergies.
How do homeowners detect mold in summer?
Signs of mold are often clear, but not always. Homeowners should use their senses, both olfactory and visual, to detect mold growth. For example, mold gives off a distinct musty smell, which some liken to earth or dirty, wet socks. Smelling this odor can indicate mold on the premises.
After a Chicagoland summer storm, the house may reek of mold. Precipitation, and the damp conditions it causes, accelerates mold growth indoors and the spores thrive. People with mold allergies may notice that their symptoms worsen after summer rains—another indication of mold inside the home.
Homeowners can also see mold colonies, which appear as splotchy patches. These fuzzy patches vary in color, depending on the specific type of mold infesting the home, such as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, or Stachybotrys. Mold growth may appear black, green, pink, and brown.
How do homeowners prevent summer mold?
1. Increase Ventilation
Proper ventilation is the solution to many mold challenges. Increase ventilation by running the exhaust fans in the bathroom during a shower and for 30 minutes afterward. Turning on the fans in the kitchen while cooking also releases moisture from the air.
The dryers and stoves should be vented outside to prevent mold buildup indoors. Summer is an ideal season to open the windows, which allows fresh air to enter and circulate. Opening windows when weather permits reduces indoor humidity and keeps mold at bay.
2. Repair Leaks
Fix any leaks promptly. Moisture can drip from a leaky roof, walls, and water pipes. Areas with moisture accumulation are prone to rapid mold growth. Also properly seal windows and doors to prevent moisture from entering the home during the area’s summer storms.
3. Remove Condensation
Be vigilant for condensation inside the home and wipe it down immediately to deter mold. Condensation occurs primarily on cold surfaces, such as windows and walls. But water droplets can also form in the bathrooms and kitchen after showers and cooking, respectively.
4. Clean Regularly
When cleaning areas with high risks for mold, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, use commercial mold-killing cleaning products. Or utilize homemade solutions. White vinegar is a natural remedy for killing mold, especially on hard surfaces. Baking soda produces similar results, while also deodorizing.
Bleach is the most well-known product for eradicating mold. The solution is effective on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as tiles, glass, and countertops. Since bleach releases fumes, it’s critical that homeowners prop open a window to increase ventilation while cleaning.
5. Renovate with Mold-Resistance Materials
Chicagoland homeowners with renovation plans should opt for mold-resistant paint and drywall in high-humidity parts of the home as well as those prone to mold, like basements and bathrooms. Choose plastic or metal furniture, as these materials are less susceptible to mold growth.
While indoor mold is a common problem during Chicagoland’s hot and humid summers, homeowners can prevent pesky outbreaks by following the above tips. If mold occurs nevertheless, it’s time to call in the mold remediation pros at ServiceMaster S&R Systems.
Professional Mold Removal
Our experienced mold removal technicians arrive promptly after your call. We assess the home to determine the extent of mold growth and pinpoint the cause of the infestation. Once the moisture source is located, we repair it immediately to stop the spread of mold.
Mold colonies may be visible or concealed. Our specialists work with high-tech equipment to detect the presence of mold, whether it grows behind walls, beneath carpets, or under wallpaper. We eliminate both hidden and visible mold and perform testing to ensure all traces are removed.
During the mold removal process, technicians carefully prevent cross-contamination. We seal off the affected spaces so that airborne mold spores do not travel to other parts of the home. Once the mold is removed, we clean and restore damaged belongings and areas of the home.
ServiceMaster S&R Systems is the most efficient mold removal company in Aurora, Illinois, and the surrounding communities. Don’t delay removing mold, as the infestation will spread. We provide emergency mold remediation services, whether it’s summer or winter. Call us when mold strikes!
