Many people think that mould in a house is just something you have to put up with. In some cases, depending on its location, people don’t realise they have mould in their house. And even if they do, they don’t know how to find the cause.
But having mould in your house can a sign or a more serious underlying issue and so you should investigate.
Several things can cause mould to appear. The most obvious is excess condensation which can appear on windows and walls of houses that are not properly insulated or ventilated. Mould can also be a symptom of damp caused by leaky pipes.
Mould can cause health issues. Clean the mould as soon as possible
If you find mould in a house, you can try and clean it with a solution of vinegar and water. A better option might be to have professional cleaners do the job, especially if the mould if on soft furnishings like curtains.
You must also tackle the other part of the problem which is the cause of the mould.
If the mould is developing because your home is generally damp, then try to make it warmer and drier. You could add insulation, close up gaps around windows and doors and make sure that the home is properly aired regularly to reduce condensation.
If the damp is being caused in a certain area by a leaky pipe behind a wall or a spot where rain is getting in, then you need to fix the problem as soon as possible.
If you are a landlord, then you have a duty of care to your tenants. You must also consider the improved standards for insulation in a rental property to ensure your property is warm and dry.
InnoHome can help you find out if you have mould in a house or other damp problems in your home
If you think there may be mould in a house you are looking to buy, then get our building inspector us round to do a pre-settlement house inspection. We can also help you with a building inspection of a property you currently own if you think there is a problem.
With his experience in the building and inspection industries, Kevin knows exactly where to look for problem areas and what the telltale signs of mould or damp might be. These can include:
- mould stains or watermarks on ceilings and walls
- damp marks on the floor or around the skirting
- musty smells
- rotting timber
Often though, the problem is not obvious. As part of your inspection, we will carry out moisture testing. Our usual process is to do non-invasive moisture testing which will not damage the property. If necessary, we can also carry out thermal image moisture testing which uses special camera technology to show moisture levels. In serious cases, invasive moisture testing may be necessary however this does involve drilling small holes.
If required we can take a sample of the mould and send it to a lab for testing for you.
With our knowledge of building construction, we can also suggest repair options and on-going maintenance options.
Worried about mould in a house? Arrange your house inspection today.