Why Is There Mould In My Home?
Mould is a fungus commonly found in homes that thrives in dark and damp conditions. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be a danger to your health – when breathed in, spores can increase your risk of respiratory problems. There are various reasons as to why you may be experiencing mould. Here are just a few solutions that could be worth looking into.
Ventilate your home
The most common reason for mould growth is a lack of ventilation. Without ventilating your home, moisture has no way of escaping. This moisture could be produced by having a shower, boiling pans of water or simply by breathing.
Opening windows is a simple way to ventilate your home. Extractor fans can also be useful in rooms such as the bathroom and the kitchen for pumping unclean air out (almost all modern homes have these, but not everyone switches them on).
Look for leaks
Leaking water could be causing dampness, which could be responsible for mould growth in your home. This could be a plumbing leak from a pipe or an appliance or it could be a rainwater leak from a damaged roof or a gap in a window frame. By finding the source of the leak, you can get the problem repaired.
Leaks need to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further water damage. Such repairs can be expensive – you may want to look into personal loans or ask a friend/family member for support. If you can’t locate the leak, a professional may be able to help you.
Check for rising damp
Rising damp occurs when water seeps up from the ground and permeates the foundations of a building. This results in dampness around the base of ground floor walls, which can lead to mould.
Most homes have a damp proof course fitted to prevent rising damp. Check that your home has one of these fitted or that your damp proof course isn’t broken – a professional installer of damp proof courses will be able to help you in this regard.
Stop hanging wet clothes indoors
Wet clothes give off vapour as they dry, which can lead to mould growth.
Avoid hanging wet clothes on clothes horses or on radiators indoors. You’re better off investing in a tumble dryer or hanging wet clothes outdoors.
Buy a dehumidifier
It’s possible that your home may naturally have a humidity problem, especially if you’re located near a large body of water or marshlands. This humidity could be contributing to mould growth.
A dehumidifier may be able to reduce humidity levels in your home. Consider looking into different options including electric dehumidifiers, candles and sponges.
