Mould Removal, Remediation and Waterproofing

You shouldn't regard mould removal as an isolated job. As well as cleaning mould from around your home, you must find out why it occurred. Only then can you take measures to stop it coming back.

Mould Removal

Mould removal is a relatively easy cleaning task. But like most other cleaning jobs around the home, you need to use the right product.

A water-based mould remover is the answer. This kills many different types of mould, including the black mould you encounter in and around your home. It also removes algae, another organism attracted to areas where moisture gathers.

Using a water-based mould remover is simple. You spray it on to the mould or pour it on using a watering can. You don't have to take any safety precautions, either. A water-based mould remover is safe around children and animals. It's non-toxic and odour-free. It doesn't contain the potentially harmful and bad-smelling solvents of chemical mould removers.

You can also use a water-based mould remover on just about any household surface. It's suitable for plastic, wood, tiles, concrete, brick, stone, plaster and marble.

Remediation

Unfortunately, though, you can't sit back once you've treated and removed the mould from your home. You have to find out what caused it.

A common cause is condensation. The steam from baths, showers and boiling pans on kitchen hobs raises the moisture levels in the air of your home. When this humid air comes into contact with a cold surface such as a mirror or window, it condenses into droplets of water. These run down and gather in small pools. These pools are ideal breeding grounds for mould spores.

Another cause of mould formation is the general dampness of a home. A damp course stops moisture rising from the ground into the walls. But you may have to contend with water from damaged plumbing, and rain from broken guttering and roofs. Rain may also enter a home through gaps in and around windows.

Water ingress of this sort is a major problem. It can soak ceilings and walls. It can even seep into carpets, curtains and furniture. Mould spores in the air settle on these damp surfaces and develop into unpleasant-looking fungi.

Waterproofing

You have to give mould spores as little chance as possible to grow in your home. First reduce condensation to a minimum. Make sure kitchens and bathrooms have ventilation. You should open a window when using these rooms or install electric vents to draw the moisture-laden air to the outside.

If you believe mould is the result of a damp ceiling or wall, find out where the water is coming from. It's not always easy to trace leaks from guttering, roofs and pipes. Be prepared to call in an experienced builder for advice.

Check the condition of windows and doors. Look both inside and outside. When you find a gap, try plugging it with a silicon sealant if the damage is slight. If this doesn't work, you might have to buy replacement windows and doors. This could prove costly, but waterproofing your home is essential to keep mould at bay.