BLACK MOULD ON WALLS
Black mould is a generic name used to describe the Stachybotrys Chartarum species of mould. Black mould in houses is a common issue where there is an excessive build up of moisture in the air; typically in warm, humid and damp areas of a property.
Instantly recognisable black fungus will spread across organic materials like paint, wallpaper and plaster. Black mould growth also leaves a lingering damp smell.
WHAT IS CAUSING BLACK MOULD TO GROW ON MY WALLS?
Generally speaking, black mould in houses needs a lot of moisture before it can germinate and grow. It may come as a surprise just how much moisture comes from everyday chores. Ironing, cooking, showering, washing and drying clothes are all sources of moisture for black mould. That said, property maintenance issues such as leaks can also be the source.
All the problems below can lead to black mould on walls:
CONDENSATION THROUGH EVERYDAY LIVING
Did you know an average five person household adds 5.5 litres of moisture to their property atmosphere every day? This, and other consequences of everyday living, can lead to excessive moisture issue within a property in the form of condensation and black mould growth on your walls.
LEAKING WATER IN YOUR PROPERTY
Black mould on walls can spread very quickly if your property has any water leaking as a result of a building or plumbing issue. Any leakage usually occurs under floor boards or behind walls, making it a great moisture source for black mould growing on walls.
HIGH HUMIDITY LEVELS
Due to poor weather in this country, it can be difficult to properly ventilate your property. It leads people into closing all their windows and turning the heating up. A classic mistake and exactly what the black mould on your wall wants you to do to help it thrive.
OTHER DAMP RELATED ISSUES
Sometimes the presence of black mould may be a tell tale sign to another underlying damp issue such as penetrating damp or rising damp. Generally speaking, the mould will be localised to a specific position on the wall if something other than condensation is the cause.
BLACK MOULD LOVES YOUR BATHROOM AND KITCHEN WALLS
The most common walls affected by black mould are ones exposed to excessive condensation, typically your bathroom and kitchen. Bathroom walls are often susceptible to black mould growth. Black mould in bathrooms is a common issue as wet surfaces and steam from the shower can cause condensation to form if the bathroom is not properly ventilated. Common signs of a black mould problem in the bathroom are black spots around the bath seal and between the tiles. Our Wise tip would be to wipe wet floors and keep a window open during showering. This will reduce the moisture and condensation levels and therefore black mould in bathrooms will be less likely to germinate.
Kitchen walls are also a hot spot for black mould due to high humidity levels caused by cooking and washing. You will most commonly find black mould around the corners of windows and behind kitchen appliances. Our Wise tip would be to cover pots and pans during cooking. Where possible, keep a window open to properly ventilate the kitchen.
It is important to remember that black mould can germinate in any room of a property. Mould on walls in bedrooms is a common occurrence and would suggest an ongoing ventilation or damp issue.
IS BLACK MOULD ON WALLS A HEALTH RISK?
It is important to note that health risks from black mould will only affect certain vulnerable groups of people. Black mould is unlikely to be the root cause of any illness, but people suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis can see their symptoms aggravated by living in a mouldy property. Due to the potential health risks from black mould, we would always recommend any signs of black mould on walls or anywhere in a property are treated immediately.
HOW TO GET RID OF BLACK MOULD ON WALLS
Removing the black mould from walls is a relatively easy task. Cost-effective mould control cleaners are available online and in DIY shops but you can only prevent the re-growth of mould on your walls by cutting off its main moisture supply. In our experience, this is usually the condensation levels and poor ventilation within the property. If you do not fix this, any mould you get rid of is likely to return.
STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BLACK MOULD REMOVAL?
If you feel you have a black mould problem that you cannot solve yourself or have noticed other signs of damp in your property, then call Wise Property Care today and talk to one of our condensation experts.
Alternatively, fill out our brief enquiry form below to get in touch with one of our damp specialists.
