The SWL Guide to Mould: What, When & Why
Is your home or workplace slowly being overtaken by mould? Perhaps you have noticed suspect spots growing and spreading across your walls, near windows and in the bathrooms/washrooms?
If so, don’t worry; you’re not alone. In the UK, the growth and spread of mould are most common in the colder months. With various other contributing factors, like the current cost of living crises, it seems to be even more common than ever before. At SWL, we are the experts in all things ventilation and heating services, so many of you have been coming to us for the answers.
To help you understand your current mould problem, we’ve answered all the most frequently asked questions here. Plus, we have provided the tips and advice you need to get started fighting the mould!
What is Mould?
If you’ve never noticed mould in your home or workplace before, you may initially be shocked at its appearance. We don’t blame you. It can be quite upsetting to find, as mould appears in black spots or even furry growth. However, it can also look like orange, green, brown and white specks.
Mould is a fungus that grows in damp and humid conditions to break down dead organic matter. These materials could include wallpaper, carpet and wood, which mould feeds on when our homes offer the optimal mixture of moisture and warm air.
Why is Mould Such a Problem at the Moment?
Now more than ever, mould, condensation and damp are taking over our spaces. Recent research by Utilitia Energy has found that 24% of homes have mould issues. But it’s not only our houses that are at risk of mould.
Office buildings, warehouses and more businesses are at risk of mould developing in our properties. This is because we are sealing up properties to be in line with government standards through the likes of loft and cavity insulation, air-tight laminate flooring and double glazing. These may offer benefits in some respects but also effectively create sweatbox properties where mould thrives.
In addition to this, we are also battling the cost of living crisis, which has seen many businesses and homeowners alike trying to save pennies where possible. Like, for example, minimising running costs of heating and keeping windows and doors shut to avoid losing warmth. Similarly, due to costs, the public has been slow to fix issues in our properties, such as plumbing leaks and broken extractor fans.
All of this and other contributing factors have meant that mould and damp are much more prevalent issues.
Is Mould a Health Risk?
So, if you have found mould and are wondering if you can just leave it be to go away on its own. We’re sorry to tell you that you will be waiting a long, long time and doing damage to your health in the meantime.
Unfortunately, once the mould is present, it won’t just go away on its own. So, once you spot it, it's time to take action.
Until you do, and if the mould is left to spread, it will pose a risk to your health, both physical and mental. Here is a list of just a few of the health hazards that can be brought forward by mould:
Worsening Asthma & More Frequent Attacks
Respiratory Infections
Allergic Reactions
Wheezing, Sneezing & Coughing
Depression
It is also important to note that these symptoms can be much worse for some. Children, the elderly, and those with existing conditions and weakened immune systems may suffer more.
What Can You Do to Stop Mould Spread?
By now, you’re probably ready to find out what you can do to eliminate your mould once and for all. Well, it can be tricky to remove the mould and stop it from returning, but we can help at SWL.
Firstly, you want to remove the mould already present, which you can do in homes with a mould and mildew remover. Alternatively, you can mix a natural spray using vinegar and borax. However, this is only effective for small patches of mould. If you have a problem in a business property, like an office, you should enlist the help of our expert team.
Mould & Air Quality Surveys
At SWL, our team of consultants will visit your property to conduct a mould survey, including testing the air quality. We want to find out if the mould is toxic, and we will get these results from the lab.
We take the mould samples from a surface. However, we can also offer mould sampling from the air, which is used to determine if any mould spores are potentially being inhaled by your property inhabitants.
Create a Healthy Atmosphere
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to create and maintain a healthy and thriving environment on your property, you might be interested in Heat Recovery.
This system allows you to keep your property well-ventilated, which means removing moisture from the air in your home while maintaining the heating you have already paid for. It is the perfect combination to retain heat in your home safely, preventing conditions from becoming warm and damp.
However, suppose heat recovery is not the right option for you. In that case, PIV systems can also eradicate high humidity in your home or building.
Stop the Return of Mould
If you are still concerned about the return of mould on your property, keep this golden rule in mind. As long as you maintain your property’s humidity levels below 50%RH, mould cannot breed or grow.
The best way to maintain this is with mechanical ventilation to control the property atmosphere, which we can help you with at SWL Services. Along with a few lifestyle changes, of course!
Say Goodbye to Mould with the Help of SWL
Put a stop to your mould problem today with the help of SWL Services. Our expert team can provide maintenance solutions that can help you reverse the impact of mould on your property through various methods.
Whether you’re interested in heat recovery systems or a ventilation solution, we can help. Contact us today for more advice and information on the best course of action for your mould, damp and condensation issues. Our friendly team are on hand to help.