How Often Should You Get Your Property Tested for Mould?
Roughly 28,000 homes across New Zealand are always damp and sport visible mould, according to a Government-commissioned survey. This doesn’t account for the large number of businesses that struggle with mould, as well. In other words, mould is a pervasive problem in New Zealand.
One of the best ways to deal with mould is to stop it in its tracks as early as possible. Mould testing allows property owners like you to detect mould early and deploy a fast-acting treatment plan.
Read on for a full breakdown of mould testing and remediation. We’ve covered the main causes of mould, the long-term health effects, and how often to test your property to stay ahead of the curve.
What is the main cause of mould?
There are several different kinds of mould to look out for in a property. It’s not always easy to recognise, as the different species span everything from a gentle fuzz to spreading black spots.
The most common moulds afflicting New Zealand properties are black, green, or white.
- Black mould – generally caused by increased humidity levels in a property, which gives the mould the best environment in which to grow. This is well-known as one of the most harmful types of mould (and it is unfortunately very common).
- Green mould – also caused by excess moisture and humidity. Toxic varieties of green mould can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and runny nose.
- White mould – common it attics where humidity rises. White mould has health risks like any other, affecting breathing and triggering allergens in susceptible people.
As you can see, the most common cause of any kind of mould in a property is an excess of humidity or moisture without adequate ventilation. This is why mould is particularly common in basements, attics, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. It’s also common after leaks or as a result of condensation in old homes.
Unfortunately, mould can also grow quietly behind walls, becoming a serious problem before it’s ever obvious to the property’s occupants. The worse the problem, the harder and more expensive it is to resolve. Mould testing is the perfect way to detect mould that might be growing in hidden spaces before it can progress, regardless of the mould type.
Long-term health effects of untreated mould
Mould is a fungus that grows on and into surfaces, but it also emits little particles called spores. These spores are easy to inhale, especially if the mould problem is quite bad. Mould types that occur because of dampness or humidity can trigger certain conditions and worsen certain conditions for anyone who is frequently in the building.
Some of the long-term effects mould can cause if left untreated include:
- Nasal congestion and sneezing
- Coughing and wheezing
- Respiratory infections
- Worsening asthma and allergies
Mould hits people with compromised immune systems or existing health issues even harder. Because of the nature of the fungus, even small mould colonies can prompt these health issues.
How often to get mould testing for your property
With all of the negative effects of mould just waiting in the wings, it’s vital to stay on top of the issue with regular mould testing. The question is, how often should you do it?
In the first instance, if you suspect that there is mould in your property at all, it’s important to get a test as soon as possible. Mould can be indicated by a damp, musty smell, even if you can’t see the colony anywhere.
Otherwise, we recommend having a professional test your premises (either home or business) for mould at least once a year. This is best done in the winter months, as the cold temperatures and dampness of the season both encourage mould growth.
The Consultex Environmental team offers mould investigations and testing to confirm both the presence of mould and give you information about the type. We provide a detailed report as well as recommendations for the best way to get rid of the mould, which we call remediation.
What happens if we find mould?
If we find mould, it’s extremely important to get rid of any and all lingering mould spores on your property. Even one spore can be the start of a brand-new colony that will grow quickly. Our detailed testing reports usually recommend professional removal to make sure all spores are gone.
That said, we also offer post-remediation mould assessments once you’ve had a professional mould fumigation. Essentially, our fully qualified team uses state-of-the-art equipment to sample the air, swab sample surfaces, and visually inspect your property to ensure all mould has been successfully removed.
At the end of the day, regularly testing for mould stands to save you a lot of time, stress, and money. Not to mention, it prevents you and the rest of your property’s occupants from enduring the long-term health effects of growing mould!
Curious about your options? Consultex Environmental is here to help.
Access accredited mould assessment services from Consultex Environmental.
Suspect mould on your property? Don’t take any chances with your health or property. Contact Consultex Environmental today to schedule your mould assessment and remediation testing.