Mould Prevention and Control

Mould is a fungus that grows in the form of multi-cellular filaments called hyphae, resulting in discoloration of the affected area. While mould grows mostly on food items, it can also flourish in homes. In either case, it can potentially cause health problems and needs to be dealt with appropriately. When occurring in buildings, mould can cause damage to the structure and surfaces and it is very important to prevent and control any fungal growth as soon as possible. Mould begins to grow indoors when mould spores come into contact with wet substances or surfaces. Removing a mould successfully after it has settled can be a strenuous task, so prevention is the key.

MOLD PREVENTION

Remember mould spores cannot thrive in the absence of moisture. Keep the sources of moisture – leaks, spills, condensation, and humidity – under check to make sure your home remains dry all year round. Here are some ways to curb moisture indoors and prevent mould growth.

Identify problem areas in your home and correct them:

Inspect your home for signs of leakages in water supply and waste lines. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, utility sinks and laundry areas. Repair any leaks in the plumbing and dry the area thoroughly. Repairing the pipes and faucets for leaks might cost just a few dollars up front, but if left untreated you may have to replace the entire unit to get rid of the mould.

Dry wet areas immediately

Mould cannot grow in the absence of moisture, so clean water leaks or spills right away. Seepage into the basement after a heavy rainfall or water accumulated in the laundry from a leaky pipe should never be left untreated for more than 24 to 48 hours.

Proper ventilation

A proper ventilation system plays a key role in keeping your home moisture free, since it allows fresh air to circulate in the entire house. Even if your rooms do not have a proper ventilation system, your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room should.

Direct water away from your home

Make sure the ground around your home is properly sloped away from the foundation; otherwise, water may accumulate around your home and seep into the basement.

Clean and repair roof gutters regularly

A leaking roof is usually the basic cause of mould formation. Make sure you regularly remove leaves and pine needles from the roof gutters and perform any necessary repairs at the earliest.

MOULD REMOVAL

In case you have a serious mould problem, you will need to hire the services of qualified, professional mould removers.