Indoor mould growth is a problem for almost every homeowner or tenant. Regardless of how new or old a house or property is, given the right conditions, mould growth will form. But why and how does mould grow exactly?
Mould flourishes in dark, moist and/or poorly ventilated spaces. In homes, mould can spread rapidly due to its spores, which are like tiny mould seeds. Once mould growth is established, mould can cause a number of issues in a home.
Mould is unsightly, causes staining and damages indoor paint work. Mould is smelly, and can give homes an unpleasant musty smell. Mould decays organic building materials, so if left untreated, excessive mould can cause structural damage to homes.
This is why homeowners, tenants and property managers need to be vigilant against mould. Depending on the cause of mould problems, any party could be liable for mould removals or the resultant home damage.
Understanding more about how mould grows and why are among the first steps you can take to protect yourself and home from mould problems.
What is mould?
Mould is a spore forming fungus. Mould is a natural and major part of the ecosystems, helping to decay organic materials like wood. While it is an important part of the natural ecosystem outdoors, indoor mould is unpleasant and can damage homes.
Types of mould on walls
There are 100,000s of species of mould, coming in all varieties of appearances. Some recognisable common species that appear in homes are listed below.
Alternaria
Commonly grows in bathrooms and under sinks.
Aspergillus
Commonly grows on walls and on building material.
Cladosporium
Commonly grows on poorly ventilated fabrics, carpets or wooden surfaces.
Penicillium
Commonly grows in water damaged fabrics, building materials or home areas.
Stachybotrys (Black Mould)
Commonly grows on damp and wet walls, carpets and around areas like laundries and bathrooms.
How does mould grow?
Mould reproduces, sprouts and grows from the spores it produces. These spores are like tiny seeds that float through the air or cling to things and are dispersed throughout the environment. Once a spore lands somewhere, it waits until the conditions around it are right and then mould begins to grow.
Mould growth requires the right temperature, oxygen and most importantly food and water. This is why indoor damp and moist spaces can provide an ideal environment for mould growth and why growth is often visible on walls and ceilings. Moisture provides mould spores with water, and organic building materials, such as wood, provide mould with plenty of food.
Unfortunately, this means that mould eats away at the building structures it grows on. This causes a path of destruction. As mould runs out of food in one area, it spreads out in search of more food and destroys more and more in the process.
Why does mould form?
Mould is simply the visual sign of excess moisture. Its growth depends on many different factors and environmental events. The most common cause of mould growth in our homes is due to condensation – many people do not realise just how much condensation can be created by normal everyday living! Condensation is normal in a home but it should dry up before midday or mould may start to grow.
In a mouldy home, identifying any source of condensation should be a priority. Once identified, some very simple lifestyle adjustments should address the issue and make your home much drier and less susceptible to a mould growth.
Where can mould grow?
Mould can essentially grow anywhere given the right conditions. Most homes are already at the ideal temperature for mould growth so generally all that is required is excess moisture and a food source.
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are often the first places to find indoor mould because of their indoor plumbing supply. Indoor plumbing can condense, leak or not adequately dry: all of which promotes mould growth. Ceilings and walls are often affected because they are often made from organic materials that mould can grow on. However, mould can grow on carpets, furniture, clothing and appliances.
How to prevent mould growth indoors
- The best way to put a halt to indoor mould growth is by simply avoiding conditions that favour mould growth.
- Find and attempt to remedy the reason for any excess moisture to the affected area. This might include clearing gutters and fixing any insufficient or broken plumbing.
- Keep the area well ventilated by allowing fresh air and opening as many doors and windows. Allowing air flow through the area helps to dry off any excess moisture.
- Allow natural light into the area by opening curtains and blinds during the day. This can help dry the area and even help to stop the spread of mould spores.
- Regularly vacuum, sweep, mop and declutter your home. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can stop mould spores from multiplying and spreading.
How to get rid of mould
If you’re in doubt, call in the professionals. We can help to remove the problem and let you know how to stop it returning in the future. Here, we provide some handy tips on how you can tackle the mould.
- Investigate and assess the mould problem – if mould growth is extensive well beyond your windows, consider professionals mould removal services.
- Make sure you get a concentrated mould killer solution. These are often available in most hardware stores. Some DIY solutions at grocery stores are not strong enough so make sure you get the right product.
- To avoid chemical splashes, get the right PPE for yourself and some tarps to lay around to protect your home and furniture.
- Apply the mould killer solution to the moulded affected area and wait for up to 30 minutes for it to work.
- Clean any residual mess and make sure to let plenty of air into the area to get rid of any remaining volatile chemical vapours.
Get in touch with the experts at Mould Removal Australia
Some mould problems are stubborn and require expertise. If mould growth is continually troubling you, Mould Removal Australia has a range of services for you. We provide inspections and reports, offer removals, and can also provide you with feedback on how to best prevent mould from reoccurring at your property. We have years of experience and knowledge to help tackle your mould problem.
Get a free online quote
Do not hesitate, contact Mould Removal Australia now before mould takes hold in your home.
Mould Removal Australia services locations across Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens areas.
If you have any mould questions, or for a free online quote and to book an appointment please get in touch using our Contact Form or call us on 1300 681 034.
