April Showers May Bring Mold Instead of Flowers

It’s no secret that mold loves moisture, and the rainy springtime weather could spur mold growth in your home. Not only does rain make mold worse, it can also cause leaks and floods that allow mold to keep growing after the rain stops. Heavy rain and mold allergies often peak during the spring, but if you’re sensitive to mold, the experts at My Pure Environment can help you start breathing easier.

Why does rain make mold worse?

Indoor mold loves rainy days. Dry, sunny weather will make mold spores go dormant, but rain has the opposite effect. Indoor humidity increases during spring storms, and along with warmer weather, it often creates the perfect conditions for mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere, and all they need to start growing is moisture, warmth, and some organic matter to feed on.

Does rain increase mold count?

Outside, rain will wash mold spores away. But inside your home, rainy weather could make mold spores multiply. Because the added moisture helps dormant mold start growing, mold spore counts tend to soar after it rains. The increased mold count from high humidity could affect your indoor air quality and make seasonal allergies worse.

How are rain and mold allergies related?

Because mold spores are airborne, they have a direct impact on your respiratory system. An increase in mold spores brought on by rain often triggers allergies and asthma in people with mold sensitivity.

Mold allergy symptoms often get mistaken for seasonal allergies, especially in the spring. Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose during the rainy season might be an allergy to mold rather than pollen.

What can I do to prevent mold in my home?

April often brings rain showers, drizzles, and thunderstorms to Spokane. Combined with the winter’s melting snow, there’s a high likelihood of water damage. When water from leaks or condensation seeps into your woodwork or drywall, it could make mold start to grow. After a season of heavy rain, it’s always wise to inspect your home for signs of mold and water damage.

How to prevent indoor mold after rain:

• Check for leaks in your roof. Mold loves dark, dusty environments, and can easily start growing on attic insulation when it gets wet.

• Check for condensation and damp spots in your basement. Running a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air and prevent mold growth.

• Replace the filters in your HVAC system and clean out any dust that accumulated over the winter. Spring is always a good time to schedule HVAC maintenance and ensure your air conditioning runs at peak performance during the summer.

• Get a free mold inspection from My Pure Environment. Most of the time, mold isn’t visible to the naked eye. It often grows hidden behind walls and under floors, and a musty smell might be the only indication. If you notice any funky smells in your home after a rain, call us for a professional mold inspection.

Mold Remediation in Spokane

If spring rains are making your allergies worse, it could be due to mold! Protect your health and your home with professional mold remediation. My Pure Environment offers effective, long-lasting, demolition-free mold removal for homes and businesses in Spokane, Washington and the surrounding communities. Your initial inspection is always free! Call (509) 213-1915 or request an appointment online today.

Photo by michael podger on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/05/2022.