What is mould and how does it grow?

Mould appears in homes that are damp or have extensive moisture in the air; this can happen in new and old homes, regardless of size or location.

In order to grow, mould requires a number of conditions in its environment, these include:

• Mould spores (This is where the mould grows from originally)
• A dark and warm environment (Generally mould will not grow in cold temperatures)
• Oxygen
• Moisture

Moisture is the defining factor that differentiates between a home with mould and a home without; in essence, whether your home has mould or not depends on whether there is moisture. In addition, poor ventilation and condensation can add to the growth of mould.

How to prevent mould from growing in your home?

Mould Control Surface Cleaner

If you have noticed that mould has started to grow in some areas of your home it is important to try and reduce this as much as possible and to attempt to remove it. Mould can cause health related problems, especially in people that suffer from problems such as asthma or allergies and can cause skin reactions and eye irritations in some people.

• Condensation – Condensation is one of the main causes of mould growth in today’s homes. Condensation forms on cold surfaces when warm air cools and turns to a liquid state. In order to reduce the chance of condensation in your home, and in turn mould growth, is to keep room temperature’s warmer and by reducing your home’s humidity.

• Ventilation – Humidity also adds to mould growth in homes and the best way to reduce humidity is through ventilation or a dehumidifier; ventilating your home involves removing excess moisture in the air through an installed ventilation system.

However, it is important to remember that getting rid of mould spores completely is not possible as they are naturally found all around us, both indoors and out. The key to decreasing the chance of mould in your home is to keep humidity and moisture at appropriate levels. Humidity in your home should always be 45% – 55%, combined with adequate ventilation. This will keep your home mould free.

Now that you know what mould is and how to prevent it, have a look at the actual steps you can take to prevent future mould, damp and condensation problems.

3 steps to getting rid of mould for good

Suggested Products:
1. Mould control cleaners and paint additives from Kair
Link: Mould Control Products

2. Heat recovery ventilation from Kair
Link: Heat recovery ventilation

3. Loft mounted ventilation units from Nuaire
Link: Loft mounted ventilation

4. Ventilation units for properties without lofts from Nuaire
Link: Other Ventilation units