Extensive mould due to lack of ventilation

So you have black mould, but why and what is it?

Mould and other fungi germinate from spores in the air we breathe! The spores can germinate and grow over a wide range of temperatures. Still, they particularly like the conditions in damp houses with high relative humidity – at temperatures between 0 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Moulds need three conditions to germinate and grow, these are:

• Anything organic, paper, leather, or cotton.
• The starch found in wallpaper paste.
• Food or drink spills.

• Like anything else, which is a living organism.
• From condensation/high humidity/cold surfaces.
• A lack of ‘effective’ ventilation results in ‘high relative humidity’.

Some mould spores can germinate at relative humidity as low as 70-85%. If the relative humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) is over 70% for long periods, moulds will thrive and spread. The type of surface and, more importantly, the extent to which it can absorb and retain water condensation and whether it provides the other two conditions mentioned are very important in how the mould growth will germinate, grow and spread.

Mould is unsightly, damages your property and personal belongings, and sometimes can result in ill health to people with allergies or asthma. Landlords, councils and housing associations are legally bound to clear any outbreak under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1998.

Olympic Construction can undertake works to remove unsightly mould and associated staining. The extent of the results will be dependent on the level of mould contamination and the nature of the building, so a survey must be undertaken by one of our qualified surveyors to establish the mould’s extent and the risk to the occupancy. Following the study, we will provide you with a full written report of the issues causing the mould and the level of any work required to remove and prevent further infestation.