There are millions of microscopic mould spores on every surface in every indoor space in Britain (homes, offices, hospitals etc). This is completely normal and it is completely unrealistic to think any property is ever free of mould spores or dust mites for that matter.
Black mould will develop in any property where indoor environmental conditions allow.
Black mould requires 2 things to develop. Food and water. Indoor environments are bountiful sources of food for mould - dead skin cells and other organic material. Water comes from the humidity of the indoor air and this is the most important point.
Black mould will develop when the relative humidity exceeds 80% for long periods (min 6 hours) or if there is surface water from condensartion or structural leakage. Duct mite populations will start to increase at similar thresholds.
The relative humidity of the air is affected by temperature (as well as moisture content) and there are mould spores on every surface. When indoor air passes over cold surfaces its temperature drops in those places which means its relative humidity rises in those places and if it rises above the 80% threshold for long enough it will start to feed the mould spores at those places. Its like watering plant seed in those places. Similarly if the relative humidity doesnt reach the 80% threshold for long enough no mould growth will happen even though the mould spores are there.
In Britain we experience cold indoor surfaces (windows, external walls, window surrounds etc) during our colder months typically from Oct-Mar which explains why so many people experience condensation and mould problems during this time and not during summer. If your problems happen during this period your strategic problem is undoubtedly humidity related and not structural.
The only way to permanently prevent mould growth, dust mite issues and even condensation is to change indoor environmental conditions so that they cant happen. This is what Better Indoors solutions do.
Most British properties and well insulated but poorly ventilated. This derives from the fact that building firms and specifiers generally choose the cheapest method of compliance in Building Regs which for Part F means intermittent extractors and most crucially natural background ventilators which are notoriously ineffective especially in properties with higher occupancies. This leads to humidity and IAQ issues especially during the colder months including mould growth and dust mite issues.
The biggest problem with the practice of opening windows and natural background ventilators is the uncontrolled heat loss that is inevitable with their use which maintains higher indoor relative humidity levels whilst costing £££ and keeping properties cold and uncomfortable. Occupants have no choice but to use them to get ventilation but the heat loss exacerbates the problem during the colder months.
Put simply, Better Indoors retrofits avoid these fundamental causal practices by improving ventilation performance that avoids all the heat loss and allows occupants to close windows from Oct to Mar saving £££ in energy costs and maintain warmer more comfortable homes.
The purpose of opening a window, trickle vent or airbrick is to create supply ventilation. This is at best hit and miss in terms of performance which is a problem in itself (most stakeholders from the specification side of the industry dont consider the practical realities and consequences) but its the uncontrolled heat loss that makes a humidity problem worse not to mention the £££ in wasted energy, energy costs and occupant discomfort in winter.
Local heat loss in the vicinity causes relative humdity, which is usually elevated, to rise even further, which brings the thresholds required for mould growth, dust mites and condensation closer.
Better Indoors retrofits avoid unnecessary heat loss as windows, airbricks and trickles can be kept closed from Oct to Mar saving £££ in energy costs and maintaining warmer more comfortable homes.
These practices are not recommended. They are not permanent and they negligently ignore the other major indoor health risk of dust mites yet they are frequently carried out by stakeholders.
When you clean away or paint over mould without addressing the cause of the mould growth its only a matter of time before new microscopic mould spores land on the newly cleaned/painted surface and they will start to grow again.
Anti-mould paints contain an active agent that kills new spores as they land on the newly painted surface but this agent loses its efficacy after a short time after which new mould development will start again.
The only way to permanently prevent new mould growth is to establish environmental conditions that dont support it. This is what Better Indoors solutions do.
We are experts in the diagnosis and understanding of how and why mould growth happens. We provide permanent preventative solutions and industry leading mould cleaning services. Come and speak to us to learn how we will rid your home of mould.
Unsure if black mould is a problem for your property? Here are a few key signs:
If your walls, ceiling, or floors smell damp and musty, this can be a key indicator of a black mould problem that you can’t yet see. That overwhelming smell can mean mould from condensation and/or rainwater ingress and/or leaking plumbing is trapped somewhere in your home, releasing spores and worsening the problem over time.
Headaches, coughing and generally feeling under the weather are likely consequences of mould spores (and VOCs). If you feel sick when you’re at home but completely fine when outside or elsewhere, this can indicate a potential mould problem. It’s important to get your property checked for your health as soon as you possibly can.
Tell-tale dark mould patches of creeping mould around skirting boards and windowsills strongly indicate an active mould problem. You may need to pull furniture out or move fixtures and fittings to find mould, as everyday objects can easily hide it. If mould isn’t caught early, it can cause direct damage to your belongings, from shoes and clothes to furniture and books.
If you believe you have a black mould problem in your home, leaving it to grow is the worst thing you can do. When you find mould, you should follow these steps below to seek fast, effective removal:
Lack of ventilation leads to condensation, which is a key cause of black mould. If possible, ventilate the area well to prevent spread while you seek expert help. This may mean continually running an extractor fan, opening windows, or keeping your door open where possible.
Once you’ve ventilated to prevent mould spores from becoming trapped in your home, the next step is to contact a trained professional. Better Indoors has extensive experience in mould remediation services, allowing us to act quickly with the best equipment to resolve mould issues.
To prevent mould from returning, you may need to improve ventilation or measures to reduce that risk. Our specialist team would be happy to advise you or your landlord on constructive ways to prevent black moulds, such as installing vents, a new extractor fan, or other ways to reduce the need for repeat black mould cleaning services.
Our friendly, professional team are the ideal choice of mould removing service in Britain. Call our specialist team today if you’re struggling with mould or you think you’ve spotted the early signs of mould within your walls. We’ll arrange a survey on-site as soon as possible, allowing us to eradicate any signs of mould carefully and effectively. With exceptional reviews online and plenty of happy customers, we’re the ideal choice for black mould removal near you.
Mould is caused by an excess of moisture that becomes trapped within a space. Any water can be a source of mould, from rising damp in a property’s foundations to water leaks. Condensation is a common cause of black mould, particularly in winter, where many households reduce ventilation by closing windows and doors.
Mould can grow and multiply to excess in moisture-rich conditions with poor ventilation. Warmth and humidity can worsen pre-existing mould, but it’s not just the mould you see that can be an issue. Lack of ventilation in basements, attic spaces, drywall, ceilings, and floor spaces can quickly lead to invisible mould that you’ll smell before you see.
With the proper professional care and treatment, mould isn’t something that always comes back. If ventilation is a problem, you or your landlord may need to carry out specific changes to reduce the risk of repeat mould problems in the future.
Mould is considered a Category 1 risk, defined by the HHSRS, or Housing Health and Safety Rating System. This means that the presence of mould is as severe as asbestos and can cause serious harm over time. Health problems associated with damp, mouldy indoor spaces include upper respiratory issues, headaches, and potential allergic reactions.
If you are a tenant with a mould problem in your property, your landlord is required to clear it professionally as part of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1998. Our team works with landlords across London to clear mould from properties ready to be let out, as well as removing mould from the homes of long-standing tenants. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
