Mould Removal
Mould in Your Home: What You Need to Know
Mould is a natural part of our environment. There are many different types of mould, and tiny mould spores are present in the air around us every day — both inside and outside our homes.
Under normal conditions, this is not usually a problem. However, when a building becomes damp, poorly ventilated or affected by excess moisture, mould can begin to grow and multiply.
This is when mould can become a concern.
Why does mould grow?
Mould needs moisture to grow. Common causes include condensation, poor ventilation, leaking pipes or roofs, penetrating damp, rising damp and moisture trapped within walls, floors or other building materials.
Mould can appear as black, green, white or other coloured patches and may have a musty smell. Its colour or appearance, however, does not tell you exactly what type of mould it is or how hazardous it may be. There are many different species, and they can behave differently depending on the conditions in the building.
Can mould affect your health?
For many people, mould may cause little or no noticeable reaction. However, exposure to elevated levels of mould and dampness can affect indoor air quality and may cause irritation or allergic symptoms in some people.
These can include coughing, sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, irritated eyes and throat, or worsening of existing respiratory symptoms. People who are particularly sensitive to mould may be affected more than others.
This is why persistent mould should not simply be regarded as a cosmetic issue.
The important thing is to treat the cause
One of the most common mistakes is to simply clean the visible mould and assume the problem has been solved.
Cleaning can remove mould from a surface, but if the underlying moisture problem remains, the mould can return.
A lasting solution starts with finding out why the area is damp in the first place.
Our approach is to look beyond the visible mould and consider the condition of the building. We identify potential sources of moisture, assess the extent of the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment to remove the mould and address the conditions allowing it to grow.
A healthier, drier home
Effective mould treatment is about more than making a wall look clean again. It is about creating a drier environment, improving the condition of the property and helping to prevent the problem from returning.
If you have persistent mould, musty smells, condensation or unexplained dampness, don't ignore it. Finding the cause is the first step towards finding the right solution.
Example of mould on wood displaying the fact that it can grow on many surfaces