Preventing Mould Growth in Your Property
If you’ve ever spotted mould in your property, you know the sense of dread that comes along with it. New Zealand is a humid, rainy, fairly cold country, which means that mould is a common problem for many property owners.
Mould can be daunting to deal with, but it is extremely hazardous if left to spread unchecked. Not only can mould damage your building’s structure, but it can also pose serious health risks to anyone in the building.
The name of the game when preventing mould growth is proactivity. As a property owner, you can do many things to mitigate mould growth and maintain a healthy environment for everyone in your building.
In this post, we’re reviewing everything you need to know about implementing mould prevention strategies. Read on as we cover the health issues associated with mould and our top recommendations for proactive strategies.
Breaking Down Mould: Understanding the Cause and Effect
Before discussing mould prevention strategies, we must first understand mould and how it thrives in a property. Mould is a type of fungus. Rather than growing like a plant, it reproduces through floating spores that latch onto porous surfaces and grow into them. These surfaces can include walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture.
One of the most important things to know about mould is that it thrives in damp, humid environments. If, for example, your property recently experienced water damage or has ongoing leaks, this can trigger a mould infestation.
Unfortunately, mould does more than harm the aesthetics of your home. Mould can be harmful to your health if left untreated. Some of these health issues include:
- Triggering allergic reactions
- Exacerbating asthma symptoms
- Causing respiratory infections
- Chronic lung diseases from long-term exposure
Mould Prevention Strategies for Property Owners
As we mentioned, the number one way to prevent mould from growing on your property is to be proactive. With that in mind, there are several strategies you can use to keep your property dry, clean, and mould-free.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Keeping your property ventilated is crucial for preventing mould growth. Damp rooms in your home or business breed mould, especially in the rainy season. This means airing out bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas using open windows or—preferably—exhaust fans.
This reduces humidity and encourages air circulation, discouraging mould from latching and thriving.
Address Water Leaks Quickly
Water leaks are one of the most common triggers for mould growth. If you notice a water leak on your property, it’s vital to address it quickly and dry the resulting water damage. Even if you repair the leak, leaving the water damage as-is will quickly invite mould into your property.
Ensure Your Property is Properly Insulated
Funnily enough, your insulation can affect whether mould ends up on your property. One of the best long-term mould prevention strategies is to ensure that your property is adequately insulated to prevent significant temperature differentials.
Poor insulation can contribute to condensation buildup, which immediately increases indoor humidity. This provides the perfect environment for mould growth, most commonly afflicting attics, basements, and exterior walls.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Finally, one of the most important things you can do to prevent mould from growing on your property is to keep it as clean as possible. Mould can build up in corners and on porous surfaces like window sills, countertops, and ceiling corners. Establishing a regular cleaning routine ensures mould won’t build up and spread.
We recommend using mould-inhibiting cleaners to kill any spores you find, helping to prevent regrowth.
Get the Professionals Involved
If you have a large mould outbreak or you’re unsure about how to manage a recurring mould problem, this is when it’s helpful to get in touch with the professionals in mould assessment. At Consultex, we use state-of-the-art equipment to conduct mould assessments that help property owners eradicate mould once and for all.
Our on-site team offers mould investigations and testing to confirm or deny the presence of mould on your property, complete with a full report on its occurrence. This includes the type of mould found, the likely causes, and our recommendations for full remediation. We can also connect you with our network of expert mould eradication companies, ensuring the job is done right.
Following the mould removal, we also offer post-remediation services to confirm all the spores are gone. We can assess your property’s air and swab surfaces, ensuring there are no lingering spores to recontaminate the property.
We understand how serious mould can be, which is why we offer investigations, testing, and post-remediation assessments to ensure it has a lesser chance of recurring. Keep yourself and the other occupants of your property safe while ensuring its longevity. With the right proactive mould prevention strategies, you’ll never have to deal with mould again.
Access professional mould prevention strategies from an accredited laboratory.
Ready to safeguard your property from mould? Contact us today to discover the best mould prevention strategies and ensure a healthier, mould-free living environment.