Mould is a major problem in many homes. It looks unsightly and it causes numerous health problems. Once you notice black mould growing on your walls, ceilings or soft furnishings, you have a problem and will need to take action immediately. Mould prevention is better than trying to find a mould cure. A reputable company will be able to help, but in the meantime, here are five reasons why your home has mould.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation is a common reason why mould problems begin. Modern windows are designed to stop drafts. Unfortunately, they are too efficient, so if you never open a window, moisture in the internal atmosphere will build up and mould spores will have the perfect breeding ground. This often happens in bathrooms where showers are poorly ventilated and the window isn’t opened.
High Humidity
If you live in an area of high humidity, such as next to a large area of water, you could have a problem with mould. Homes constructed on wet ground or close to rivers, lakes or the ocean, often have mould and damp problems. If the excess moisture is not ventilated properly, mould will soon begin to grow.
Leaking Pipes
A leaking pipe will lead to mould growth. Clearly most people would fix a leaking pipe when it’s in plain view because water leaks are terribly damaging, but if the leak is beneath a floor or behind a wall, a patch of mould on a wall might be the only sign you have a problem. The same applies to leaks through the roof, so if you spot a mouldy patch on a bedroom ceiling, inspect the roof as soon as possible.
Condensation
Condensation is a build-up of water on cold surfaces. In winter, condensation on windows is common, due to the difference in temperature between the indoors and outside. A bit of condensation shouldn’t be a problem, but if your home is not adequately heated, water will condense on cold concrete floors and old metal pipes, which will lead to mould growth in the immediate area, even if the cold spot is covered in carpet.
Damp Washing
It isn’t always easy to dry washing in winter. You can’t hang washing out on the line because it will never dry, so unless you have a tumble drier, your only option is to hang it over drying racks or radiators indoors. Your washing will dry this way, but drying the clothes indoors releases a lot of moisture into the atmosphere, and if the house isn’t ventilated properly, mould will grow on walls, carpets, curtains and other soft furnishings. If you do use a tumble drier, make sure you fix the vent properly, as any steam leaking out from the back of the machine will cause mould problems in the vicinity.
There are other reasons why mould grows, but never ignore damp, as it will affect your health. If you spot any, clean it up and deal with the underlying cause as quickly as possible.
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