Where To Watch For Mold Growth in The Fall

If this becomes a regular occurrence, it might be worth looking into your humidity levels in your home. 

Mold and Humidity

Humid air contains more moisture than dry air, which can be a catalyst for mold infestations. A humidity level between 30-50% can help keep excess moisture in check in the majority of homes. Anything above that percentage can cause serious mold outbreaks that are tough to handle on your own. 

Gutters and Downspouts 

As the leaves start to fall, they will build up on your roof and in your gutters. Decay and decomposition is necessary for leaves during a regular life cycle, but if this process can’t happen naturally, mold can start to grow. 

If leaves become clogged in your gutters or downspouts, proper decomposition can’t happen and mold spores can take hold. While it may not seem like a problem to have mold outside, these mold spores can get disturbed on a windy day and can float into your home via an open door or window. 

Get in the habit of cleaning out your gutters regularly and pull any leaf buildup out of your downspouts. This not only reduces your risk of suffering from a mold infestation, but it also helps reduce your risk of suffering from water damage. 

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Basements and crawl spaces are always hot spots when it comes to mold infestations, but especially so during the damp fall season. As rain falls and decomposition happens outside, your lowest level becomes more vulnerable to water leaks. 

Any unexpected water or flood in your home can lead to mold infestations in just a few days. Consider adding fresh mulch around your foundation to help absorb any excess water and seal gaps or cracks early on in the season to keep your basement dry. 

If you have a crawl space, installing a vapor barrier can help prevent moisture from infiltrating this important area of your home. 

Plumbing Lines 

As the fall season progresses, it gets colder and colder outside. Most homes are equipped with a certain amount of insulation, but sometimes it’s just not enough. The cold exterior air can compromise water pipes that run along the exterior of your home. As the water comes into contact with this frigid air, it can freeze in your pipes. Frozen pipes can be a huge headache! 

If you notice that your water pressure is down or if you have a faucet that isn’t working at all, check your plumbing lines quickly. Frozen pipes can lead to leaks or bursts that cause water to spill out all over your home. Once the water is on your floors, a mold infestation becomes highly likely.  

Make sure your pipes have the right amount of insulation and that your home remains at a comfortable temperature, even if you leave for vacation or are away for a few days. 

HVAC System 

Your HVAC system works hard day in and day out to provide clean, conditioned air for you. It has an air filter that is designed to catch dust and debris as air passes through the system, but unfortunately, it can become overwhelmed during the fall season. 

Mold spores float through the air easily during the fall months and will get pulled into your HVAC system as it pulls in air from the outside. These spores can get stuck in your filter or can bypass it completely, only to settle into your HVAC vents. Over time, these spores can grow into a stubborn infestation that can affect your entire system. .

Signs of a troubled HVAC system include: 

• A short-cycling system
• Higher than normal energy bills 
• Strange smells or sounds coming from the unit 
• Uneven temperatures in your home

If this happens, you can expect a diminished air quality and a seriously strained HVAC system. 

Tackling a Fall Mold Infestation 

The best way to tackle an infestation is to prevent one in the first place. Keep your humidity levels in check, keep your gutters clean and flowing, and be sure to address any moisture issues in your basement promptly. 

However, mold infestations happen even with the best intentions. If you do discover a mold problem in your home, stay back and call a mold remediation team immediately. They will have the right gear and proper safety equipment to address the infestation completely without worry.