While winter may be in full swing here in Edmonton, mold prevention doesn’t get a snow day. The truth is, while mold thrives in warmth and humidity, it can still grow in a wide range of climates—including freezing Edmonton winters. Contrary to popular belief, mold doesn’t hibernate in the winter. It continues to grow in any pocket of trapped moisture throughout the home. Fortunately, understanding how to mitigate mold and knowing when to call a mold removal Edmonton specialist makes a real difference. 

In this short blog with Grimebusters, we’ll explore the best practices for reducing mold growth in your Edmonton home and when a mold inspection may be necessary. 

Does Mold Grow In the Winter?

Yes, mold absolutely grows in the winter. Mold doesn’t discriminate; it will inevitably grow if the right conditions are present. It’s something many residents don’t realize until they need mold removal Edmonton support. Winter brings new mold-related challenges for Edmonton homeowners, including freeze-thaw cycles.

Edmonton is no stranger to frequent freeze-thaw cycles. In fact, our city experiences an average of 91 freeze-thaw cycles per year. These cycles often occur between seasonal changes, typically lasting from November to December and March to April. These freeze-thaw cycles allow moisture to freeze, then thaw and grow. These cycles create ideal conditions for mold to thrive, especially in areas like floorboards, roof decks, attics, windows, and other spaces with outdoor exposure. 

Why Mold Matters in Winter

Let’s face it: Edmonton’s winters leave little opportunity for us to open windows and bring in fresh air when it’s 30 below outside. As a result, stale indoor air becomes the perfect environment for moisture to be trapped indoors. In turn, this lack of airflow ultimately accelerates the growth of mold. Add in trapped condensation, leakages, and the use of humidifiers to combat dry winter air, and it’s the perfect storm for mold to spread throughout the home. 

Tips to Slow Growth in Below Zero 

Here are some quick tips to reduce and prevent at-home mold growth:

Run your HRV

• Many Edmonton homes today are equipped with an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) unit, which helps reduce humidity by bringing in fresh outdoor air. If your home has one, ensure it’s configured to run in the winter. By utilizing the appliances your home already has, you can avoid the need for mold removal in Edmonton. 

Use Your Exhaust Fans

• Mold thrives in condensation. Keep it at a minimal level by ensuring you run bathroom fans and kitchen exhaust regularly. 

Consider a dehumidifier

• If certain rooms in your home are overly humid in the winter, running a dehumidifier when needed can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth. 

Inspect High-Moisture Areas

• Throughout the winter, make it a habit to regularly check areas with high moisture content. While not an exhaustive list, some of these areas may include window sills, washrooms, under sinks, and more. If you notice any leaks or condensation, dry the area immediately. 

When to Seek an Inspection

When it comes to restoring your home to a mold-free state, it’s a job best left to the professionals. So, when should you consider booking a professional mold inspection? 

In most cases, it’s best to schedule an inspection as soon as you notice any suspected signs of mold growth in your home. By seeking professional mold removal services in Edmonton as soon as possible, you can prevent further damage to your home and protect your health. At Grimebusters, we provide comprehensive mold abatement services from start to finish. After your consultation, we’ll complete your mold inspection with full lab testing. If your home has mold, we’ll complete our comprehensive five-step remediation process to ensure it’s fully restored to a safe condition. 

Winter Won’t Stop Mold. But We Will.

Don’t sacrifice your comfort this winter because of mold. At Grimebusters, we’ve been providing home remediation services to Edmontonians for three decades—and counting! We’re your local remediation specialists, offering trusted mold removal Edmonton services for cleaner, safer homes across the city. Contact us today to schedule your mold inspection and enjoy peace of mind this winter.