WHAT IS BLACK MOULD?
Mould is a type of fungus that comes in many shapes and colours including green, black, grey, or even brown.
Black mould is particularly unsightly and can eventually cause permanent damage to your home’s panels, paint, furnishings, clothes, and other belongings.
If you find black mould, its removal is critical when maintaining your property, mainly because the mould indicates problems with moisture in the home. If left untreated mould can lead to expensive repair bills and a lowering of your property value
Effective mould removal requires a multi-prong approach and is best undertaken by professionals to help reduce black mould exposure, prevent further spread within your home and minimise contact with mycotoxins.
If you need immediate help, we offer professional black mould removal services all across Australia
Your average DIY approach will not get to the root of your mould problem and will at best only temporarily remove the mould stains and may even spread the mould spores.
If you try and undertake mould removal yourself you also risk overlooking the deeper cause of your mould problem. The reality is black mould can indicate serious structural issues or leaking plumbing in your home.
If left untreated these leaks can create extraordinarily expensive repair jobs down the line. And guess what; some insurance companies may refuse to pay out for this type of damage.
BLACK MOULD REMOVAL FROM WALLS
Black mould loves walls because:
- Furniture, drapes and other objects close up to walls prevent adequate air movement and promote mould growth
- Potential plumbing leaks within walls support mould growth
- Damp insulation retains dampness and makes a wonderful home for mould
- Leaks around window and door frames can lead to mould in wall panels
Walls are common sites for mould growth, especially in corners or where furniture and poor ventilation allows mould to flourish. When allowed to do so, people and pets within the home may start displaying black mould symptoms, caused by an excess of mycotoxins.
Check regularly behind curtains, wardrobes, and pictures for signs of toxic black mould. Black mould around window or door frames or near the ceiling could indicate structural problems that allow moisture to leak into the wall.
If you have mould in wet areas such as bathrooms or laundries this could indicate a plumbing leak.
BLACK MOULD REMOVAL FROM CEILINGS
Ceilings are prone to black mould issues because:
- Warm air accumulates near the ceiling creating a cosy environment for mould particularly in bathrooms where the air is especially moist
- Ceiling areas usually lack adequate ventilation
- Ceilings are prone to mould growth from leaking roofs or plumbing
- Storm damage commonly damages roofing and causes water damage to ceilings
Black mould on the ceilings maybe the first sign that you have a serious problem such as a leaking roof or plumbing.
It’s important to identify the cause of ceiling mould quickly before serious damage is done to ceiling panels and roofing structures.
Black mould on the ceiling is also commonly associated with bathrooms where rising steam and poor ventilation create the perfect conditions for mould growth and the spread of mycotoxins.
BLACK MOULD REMOVAL FROM WINDOWS
Windows and doors are potential happy places for black mould because:
- Poorly installed windows allow water into the wall cavity
- Condensation collects on windows and drips onto wooden window frames (often untreated timber)
- Inadequate flashings allow wind-blown rain to enter wall cavities
- Drapes absorb window condensation and promote mould growth
A prime area for mould growth on windows is behind drapes and in the corners of window frames, which is where most people first find black mould.
Poor ventilation and excessive condensation are the usual culprits but there could be more serious problems that need to be remedied for mould removal to be effective, minimising exposure to black mould- which can cause health issues.
BLACK MOULD REMOVAL FROM GROUT
Black mould loves grouted surfaces because:
- Grout surfaces often experience steamy and moist conditions (bathrooms, kitchens)
- Grout can be difficult to clean and to remove all food and dirt traces
The grouting between tiled surfaces is another common mould problem area. Remedial action may need to include improving ventilation with extractor fans or other ventilation aids.
BLACK MOULD REMOVAL FROM FABRIC
Fabrics such as curtains, clothes, sofa backs are prone to black mould because fabrics:
- Absorb moisture from the atmosphere
- Provide an sheltered breeding ground for mould
- Are frequently in areas of poor ventilation such as wardrobes or against walls
When you find black mould on fabric, effective mould removal from fabrics usually needs three things: remedying issues such as condensation and poor ventilation, removal of the mould, and cleaning mould stains.
BLACK MOULD REMOVAL FROM SHOWERS
Shower trays, walls, and ceilings are the perfect space for black mould growth thanks to:
- Near constant warm, moist conditions
- Relatively low light
- Poor ventilation
Mould frequently inhabits shower tray stalls especially where panels overlap the shower tray or where silicone sealant has been used and also in the ceiling where steam collects.
Make sure you always use the extractor fan or open a window when showering to allow steam to evaporate. If more ventilation is needed that should be remedied before mould removal takes place.
There is a lot of potential for plumbing leaks around showers and bathrooms too and this possibility should also be ruled out before mould remediation takes place.
POROUS SURFACES
Porous surfaces and mould often go hand in hand because porous surfaces:
- Absorb and retain moisture
- Suffer from poor ventilation
- Cannot be easily cleaned
IS BLACK MOULD DANGEROUS FOR MY HEALTH?
Black mould exposure may make existing health conditions worse.
Black mould produces millions of microscopic airborne spores known as mycotoxins, and these may cause problems for people with weakened immune systems or for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma – with common black mould symptoms being itchiness, rashes, difficulty breathing and allergic reactions.
Government agencies recommend the removal of mould from homes because of the associated risks for such people. So if you find black mould in your home, it’s best to have it professionally removed as soon as possible.
WHAT CAUSES BLACK MOULD?
Mould is a type of fungus and like most fungi thrive where damp conditions exist. Humidity and rising damp are probably the two most common causes of mould growth.
This is particularly true in NSW, Victoria and Queensland where climatic conditions include wet seasons or wet winters, tropical storms, and high levels of humidity.
Old, heritage homes and buildings make up a large part of Australian housing and the dated construction techniques contribute to a mould epidemic.
Poor design and the lack of underfloor insulation allow moisture to seep up through the floor. This is particularly true in some of the low-lying valley population centres where flooding and storm damage is an almost annual event.
High levels of humidity or moisture in the home is a major cause of mould problems.
The use of certain types of heating such as unflued gas heaters tends to generate excessive condensation and this will contribute to any mould problem on your property. Using a dehumidifier can help.
Avoid turning your air conditioning down to low in the summer because the extreme variation between outside and inside temperatures will create condensation.
How to prevent mould from coming back?
- Avoid using unflued gas heaters, which produce a lot of moisture.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors.
- Use your air conditioner on “Dry Mode”.
- Install a good exhaust fan in your bathroom.
- Fix issues related to a leaky roof or broken pipes.
- To avoid mould growth It’s also important to vacuuming and dusting regularly in your house.
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