Mould Myths and Solutions
Mould Myths and Solutions
Mould Can Only Grow Where it is Wet
While mould initially needs moisture to start growing, this is incorrect. Once mould has started growing from an initial moisture source, the surface area can completely dry out, but the mould will continue growing because it takes moisture out of the surrounding air. The surrounding air would need to have less than 4% relative humidity for the mould to die off.
Our Home Ventilation Systems ensure that your home remains dry, without condensation, so that mould growth cannot occur.
I Can Just Paint Over the Mould
Paint, even mould-resistant paint, is actually a food source for mould. While the mould may initially disappear, it can actually eat the paint, and will eventually reappear. Painting or redecorating over mould is an expensive process, and essentially a waste of time, as in a few months the mould will inevitably reappear.
The mould needs to be removed, and the source of the problem fixed, before it is worth spending any money repainting. Ventilation usually offers a permanent solution for mould growth (in the absence of leaks and other structural problems). By lowering the humidity inside your home, and resulting condensation, mould should not begin to grow.
Mould Can Be Removed with Bleach, Vinegar or Oil of Cloves
Mould feeds on bleach, vinegar, oil of cloves and most other household cleaners. Typically, household cleaners are not effective in killing mould and may actually exacerbate the problem if not dried quickly.
Chlorine bleach is not an effective or lasting killer of mould and mould spores. Bleach is good only for changing the colour of the mould. Three weeks after treatment with chlorine bleach, mould may return just as strong as before. Every product found in your local supermarket or at your local hardware contains either bleach, chlorine or ammonia as its main active ingredient. Chlorine bleach is ineffective in killing mould for four reasons:
- Chlorine is too diluted and thus too weak to permanently kill mould.
- Chlorine constantly escapes through the plastic walls of its containers. What little killing power it does have is diminished significantly as the bleach sits in warehouses and on shelves.
- Chlorine's ion structure prevents chlorine from penetrating into porous materials such as drywall and wood.
- Chlorine bleach is not registered with the EPA as a disinfectant to kill mould.
Removing mould, without fixing the underlying problem and removing the source of water, will inevitably result in the mould growing back. Talk to us about our ventilation products to learn how we can help.
A Clean or New House Will Prevent Mould Growing
New homes are often more likely to have serious mould problems than old homes due to modern construction materials, such as drywall, which absorb more moisture than older products and take longer to dry. Many of the products we now build houses with contain nutrients which mould loves.
New homes are typically sealed far better than older homes. With very little fresh air exchange, moisture created by living can build up. When mould and damp begins to escalate, it becomes concentrated, causing potentially serious health problems such as asthma attacks and allergies.
Mould is not caused by dirt or bad housekeeping. Mould is caused by excess moisture. Too much humidity in the air can encourage mould to develop no matter how clean your house is. Our Home Ventilation Systems will improve your indoor air quality and lower your humidity.
