What is Mould?
Mould is a fungus that thrives in moist conditions. It comes in a variety of colours, black, green, brown, grey and white. The most common mould types found in homes are Cladosporium, Penicillium and Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mould). While it might seem harmless at first, mould can quickly become an unwelcome guest if left unchecked.
Why do we get mould?
Mould develops when there’s an increase in moisture in the air. Everyday activities like cooking, showering, drying clothes, and even just breathing indoors can all raise humidity levels, making it easier for mould to grow.
Without proper ventilation, humidity builds up and turns into condensation. That condensation is exactly what mould needs to start to thrive in the cold spots in your home.
What are the signs of mould?
There are several signs that mould might show you that it’s starting to make itself at home. Look out for:
Condensation
When humid air isn’t ventilated, water droplets can form on windows and walls, this is an early warning sign that mould could be lurking in your home.
Black spots on the walls or ceiling
These dark marks appear on cold spots in your home, usually behind furniture, near windows or on ceilings. This is because when condensation builds up and there’s a lack of ventilation, it needs to go somewhere, so it settles on these cold areas in your home to grow and thrive.
Damaged walls
Bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper are signs that mould is beginning to break down the surface. If left untreated, this can leave your home vulnerable and could cause further damage.
Why doesn’t mould grow in spring?
Mould thrives in moist and damp conditions, which is why winter is the ideal season. During winter, we keep our windows closed and turn up the heating, causing humidity levels to rise inside the home. The cold outdoor temperatures lead to condensation, and without proper ventilation, this excess moisture can quickly turn into mould.
In spring, warmer weather means the temperature inside and outside is more balanced, so condensation is less likely to form. Plus, we open our windows more often, allowing fresh air to circulate and excess moisture to escape, slowing down mould growth.
How to Stop it From Coming Back
To get rid of mould, you need to remove the spores, not just clean away the visible marks. Using a product with fungicidal properties will ensure you tackle the mould at the root so it kill the surface mould and the hidden spores. We would recommend our Mouldfix Scrub Out Mould Growth, which removes existing growth, and our Mould Resistant Emulsion helps prevent its return.
We would also recommend ventilating your home, whether that’s opening windows and trickle vents or installing ventilation systems in your home. This will help keep fresh air in your home.
Be proactive. Stop mould before it gets started.