Rated ExcellentTypes of Mould and How to Prevent Them
Mould is a dangerous and toxic substance that can grow in your home. Mould generally thrives in damp and dark areas and once it starts growing, it can be really hard to get rid of it. Britain, in particular, is notorious for mould because of the frequent wet and rainy weather. It’s important to try and implement measures that prevent the growth of mould. If you’re looking to find out more, then please read on to learn about types of mould and how to prevent it in your home.
Common Types of Mould You Can Find in Your Home
Different types of mould have different effects on your health and thrive in different environments. Being aware of some of the types and the properties they have will help you identify rooms which may be at risk of mould growth. It will also help when thinking about how to treat the mould if you notice one of your rooms afflicted by it. Some common types of mould include:
1. Alternaria
This tends to be powdery or velvet like and has a greenish colour. You’ll find this type of mould lurking in damp and dark areas, like under the sink or in the shower area. This type of mould can also cause some asthma-like symptoms such as: coughing.
2. Cladosporium
This type of mould tends to grow on upholstery and fabric as opposed to on walls and surfaces. But it can also grow under floorboards or in cupboards. It also grows in all kinds of climates, irrespective of temperature. Think you may have cladosporium in your home? Look out for a green or brown suede like mould.
3. Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium is often found on walls and ceilings, particularly underneath old wallpaper. As this starts to grow it is pink in colour and as it ages it turns a brown or black colour. This mould can be very dangerous as if touched it can cause skin and eye infections.
4. Black mould
Black mould has a slimy textures and as the name suggests is black in colour. Although sometimes, it can also be a very dark green. It often grows on natural materials such as wood, paper, and cardboard and needs high humidity levels to grow.
Causes of Mould in the Home
There are many factors that cause mould in the home. The two most common factors can be seen below and they are caused by a number of things such as the weather, the structural conditions of your home, and everyday activities like showering and cooking.
Humidity levels from damp weather and everyday activities
The British weather is always changing and this constant change in temperature can create a lot of humidity. Everyday activities in the home can lead to increased humidity levels. Things like drying clothes with the radiator on, bathing, and cooking can raise the humidity levels to more than 70%.
Condensation is a big cause of mould in the home
This usually occurs in the steamist room in your house, which is often the bathroom. Condensation often happens when moist air comes up against a cold surface, like a wall or mirror. The problem is when this happens on a regular basis and the surface stays wet and damp for a prolonged period of time.
Ways to Prevent Mould in the Home
It’s also useful to think about preventing mould from growing, rather than simply solving the problem when it arises. Below are some easy ways to prevent the growth of mould in your home.
1. Install insulation to your garage, loft, and walls
Insulating your home is so important. Insulation keeps your house warmer and this includes keeping the inside surface of the walls warm too. As we know, condensation builds up on colder walls, so insulating a whole property reduces risk as your walls will be warmer and condensation will be less likely to accumulate. There are different insulation materials for different parts of your home from underfloor insulation to wall insulation.
2. Draught-proof your home
It can be easy to forget about the small gaps and cracks in your home. Many of us underestimate the effects gaps in our home have on the condition of our property. Make sure the joints arounds your windows and doors are properly sealed. If your house is riddled with little openings - this is particularly common in old houses- it is a good idea to fill them in using sealants. Doing this will increase the warmth in your home without the need to put the heating on and cause condensation to build up.
3.Maintain an airflow throughout your home
Ventilating your home without making draughts is a great way to prevent mould build up. There are some really easy steps you can take to maintain a fresh air flow in your home, and the great thing is, these steps are free and don’t take any time. You can begin by opening up windows around your house to keep your rooms light and airy. It’s also a good idea to close the doors in the bathroom and kitchen when they are in use, as this will stop moisture leaking into other rooms.
Many of us also pack our wardrobes and cupboards so they are completely full. Unfortunately, this stops air flow and can lead to things starting to smell and then build up into mould. You can simply unload some of your cupboards or add breather holes to them so air is encouraged in.
4. Let natural light into your rooms
As we know, mould thrives in dark spaces. To combat this make sure to open your curtains and windows throughout the day. This will encourage a natural flow of light and fresh air, which will make it harder for mould to continue growing. Rooms that have no access to natural sunlight may be particularly at risk. Why not consider installing a window to these rooms?