Jun 184 min read

Summertime

Updated: Aug 6

The first day of summer is Thursday, June 20. This day is also known as the summer solstice and occurs when the Sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. At this point the North Pole is tilted toward the sun at its most extreme angle. And therefore, this is the longest day of the year.

The sunny days of summer bring high heat and humidity. With warmer temperatures and summer rain comes the risk of mold. This fast growing mold poses a risk to your family’s health and can cause damage to your property.

Summertime is the ideal season for mold growth due to high levels of humidity. This can be made worse with poor ventilation which does not allow the free flow of air. Hot temperatures outside and cooler temperatures inside can lead to condensation around the windowsills and insulation materials. Poorly maintained or older A/C units may cause leaks to basements and other spaces which can create a conducive environment for mold.

Molds spores thrive profusely during summer. Since mold spores are lightweight and microscopic, they can easily be carried from one place to another by a breeze or a mild wind. Mold requires a source of food to grow. Therefore, mold spores migrate in search of organic materials such as paper, wood, insulation materials, and cardboard.

Many circumstances can cause moisture during summer. The differences in temperature between the indoors and outdoors can cause condensation within insulation materials, the attic, windowsills, and other surfaces that may trap moisture. Leaves in gutters can also cause molds to grow because they tend to trap moisture between them and the gutters. It is important to clean and clear your roof gutters to help stop mold from growing there and finding its way into your home. Moisture can also be trapped in the attic depending on the roofing materials used and the quality of construction.

Areas of your home which are poorly ventilated can lead to stagnant moist air. When there is not much circulation of air, mold spores which came in cannot get out where they then begin to feed and grow on organic materials. To help prevent this it is a good idea to open your windows for the circulation of air in your home during summer when it is not too humid out.

Check for signs of leaks in your roof and attic which can be discolored spots or water stains on the ceiling. Even though you cannot see water coming through the ceiling it is important to have these areas checked and repaired as soon as possible, if you see some water intrusion indicator signs, to prevent mold growth.

Also, since mold thrives well in moist or damp environments, you should reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Not only should you check for any water leakages from the roof and attic but also in your basement and other areas of your home. By having all air conditioning units working properly and making sure the seals around windows are in good condition can be a big help also to prevent summer mold.

While the temperature does play a part in mold growth, the humidity level is the main aspect you should be controlling in order to keep your home healthy. So with the heat, humidity, and a damp, dark area an environment is created for the growth of mold. In an enclosed darker area, like a basement, it is important to run a dehumidifier and keep the humidity down.

Humidity Control For Your Home Summertime:

Get a Dehumidifier - The best way to reduce indoor humidity is to use a dehumidifier.
Use an Air Conditioner - An air conditioner helps reduce indoor humidity as it creates cooler air while removing warm humid air.
Fix Leaking Pipes - Repair any leaks and wrap exposed pipes with insulations. This will help with condensation.
Keep Gutters Clean - Gutters are a common cause of indoor water leaks and this effects the humidity level and your health.
Open a Window - Opening your windows and letting in the fresh air will help lower the humidity levels in your home unless it's humid outside that day.

Mold can grow at any time of the year but summer can be a challenging time. Factors such as summer rains, high humidity levels, and hot temperatures outside can make its growth more prevalent. While causing allergies, respiratory issues, and flu-like symptoms, mold can destroy your wallpaper, wooden furniture, and carpets. Therefore, it is essential to prevent mold in the house before it causes extensive damage by taking some precautionary measures.