Black mould is a common indoor mould that grows in damp, dark and moist conditions. Walls, ceilings and floors can provide the perfect place for it to flourish. This is not only unpleasant but can cause a number of problems for homes – which is why it’s so important to understand how to remove black mould if you find it in your building.
When left unabated, black mould also causes decay within homes. This causes a range of damage from minor aesthetic issues like staining, to more significant problems like structural damage that results in costly repairs.
If you’re worried about black mould, don’t wait and risk it. There are several things you can do to get ahead of the problem before it becomes a bigger headache.
Understanding what causes black mould on walls in your home and knowing how to identify black mould are among the first steps you can take to prevent or stop the problem. Homeowners, tenants, landlords and property managers can be held responsible for out of control mould problems, so it is important to act quickly.
You should never just ignore mould in your home. Learn more about black mould before it becomes a significant problem affecting your home.
What is black mould?
Stachybotrys chartarum, more commonly called black mould, is a type of spore forming fungus that can grow indoors. It is characterised by a dark green to black appearance.
Black mould grows in damp and moist conditions. Often it will grow on walls and ceilings around bathrooms and kitchens areas but it can appear anywhere indoors given the right environment.
What causes black mould on walls?
Walls and ceilings are often the perfect growth medium for black mould because they are made from its favourite food source. Black mould thrives on organic cellulose as a food source which it can obtain from wallpapers and wood-based materials like fibreboard and plasterboard. However black mould can also grow on gypsum too.
Walls and ceilings are also prone to moisture from condensation, leaky plumbing or outside damage. This provides the ideal environment for black mould, because it loves indoors space where there is excessive moisture.
How to identify black mould
If you’re concerned about black mould, you need to act quickly. Black mould can spread rapidly from one area to another through its spores. If left untreated, black mould can damage your home.
If you think you have black mould look out for these signs:
- Musty smells in poorly ventilated areas previously exposed to moisture can give a great indication of mould growth. Sometimes black mould cannot be immediately visible, however it can give off a characteristic musty smell.
- Mould clusters that are dark green to black in appearance in areas such as walls, ceilings, carpeting, fabrics, upholstered furniture and wooden home features.
- Flaking paint, peeling wallpaper or darker than usual grouting between tiles in bathrooms, toilets, laundries or kitchens.
How to remove black mould
- Trying to remove black mould yourself can be tricky. Here are some handy tips to help you take out some of the hassle.
- Inspect the area and decide if it’s worth your while. If the problem is too big or too severe, call in the professionals.
- Try a concentrated mould killer solution, these are usually available in most hardware stores.
- Make sure you and your home are protected. Get the appropriate PPE and tarps to protect from incidental chemicals splashes.
- Apply the mould solution to the affected area, making sure you don’t miss cracks or crevices.
- Clean the area afterwards and allow plenty of fresh air in so no volatile chemicals and nasty vapours remain.
When done correctly the process still requires a keen attention to detail and time. To ensure that a home is inspected thoroughly, so no moisture or humidity prone areas are missed, a professional mould removal contractor should be contacted. Professional mould removal services can identify the root cause of the problem before completing the mould removal process. This helps homeowners prevent mould from becoming a recurring problem.
Contact the professionals at Mould Removal Australia
Why risk black mould growth in your home? Black mould needs to be taken care of immediately and properly. If you spot black mould in your home, protect yourself and make sure you call the professionals at Mould Removal Australia to remove it effectively.
For more information about mould and our services see our website.
Get a free online quote
If you have a black mould problem or any other type of mould problem, the professionals at Mould Removal Australia are here to help.
Mould Removal Australia services locations across Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens areas.
To get a free online quote, book an appointment or ask any mould-related questions, please get in touch using our Contact Form or call us on 1300 681 034 and we’ll get back to you very soon.
