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Mould Due To Condensation

Mould Due To Condensation

How Does Condensation Cause Mould?

Condensation is one of the most common contributing factors to mould growth within UK homes. Mould requires three things to grow: Food, Water and Warmth. If you remove just one of these factors mould will not grow. As mentioned above Condensation is a source of Water. Mould can use nearly any building material within the modern home to feed its self and most people enjoy living in a nice warm house. This leaves us with one option to stop mould growing … Water otherwise referred to as Damp.

What Is Condensation?

The online Cambridge dictionary defines condensation as: “the act or process of changing from a gas to a liquid or solid state”. In everyday terms the word condensation is used to describe water that has formed on various surfaces. The water forms due to warm wet air hitting a cooler surface or climate lowering the airs capability to hold the water. The air then reaches saturation point and the water releases in liquid form. Common examples of surfaces within the home on which condensation is commonly observed include but are not limited to: Windows, External Walls, Bathroom Mirrors, Bathroom Walls and Ceilings. The main reason that water is forming on these surfaces is due to their temperature. They are normally colder than their surrounding environment. External Walls and Windows For instance are colder than the warm centrally heated house due to them being in direct contact with the UK’s cold Winters. For condensation to form there must also be a source of humidity. A surprising source of high humidity within the home is in fact us! Humans lose a large volume of water purely through the process of breathing. Other common forms can include: Drying Clothes Inside, Cooking and Pets. It goes without saying that showering and bathing is another large contributing factor.

What Is Mould?

Mould as defined by the Oxford dictionary online: “A furry growth of minute fungi occurring typically in moist warm conditions, especially on food or other organic matter.” Mould can be observed in every walk of life. From the mushrooms you eat to the black patches we find within our homes.

Health Risks Associated With Mould

The internet is a web of false profits on the relative dangers of mould contamination within the home. The NHS’s summary is fairly clear cut. “Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.” This quote does however slightly downplay some of the more damaging side effects that are less common but much more worrying.

How To Combat Mould Within The Home!

As described above, the most convenient way for the homeowner and mould remediation technicians alike to prevent mould growth is to remove the source of moisture. If removal of the source is not achievable then mitigation is the best course of action. High Humidity within the property can be tackled via better ventilation or dehumidification. Condensation could also be an indicator of larger issues like leaking pipes or ingress of water from outside of the house. These can often be harder to diagnose and may need an expert to detect.

Why Hire A Professional?

The theory behind mould remediation is simple however, the practicality of implementing effective changes and carrying out work in a safe way is not only expensive for a one-time job it is also complex. The actual mould clean-up is in fact the most likely time for mould to release its spores and in turn harm the inhabitants of the house. This is why many people choose to not take the risk and hire a professional such as Rainbow International to take the stress away and ensure that the work is completed to a professional level. In the case of tenanted property’s, it is often necessary for the landlord to prove effective measures have been implemented.

Contact us for a quote or further advice.

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