A Guide to Mould Removal

Mould is one of nature’s most insidious and resilient creations; drawn to moisture in both indoor and outdoor environments, it is generally innocuous, but can become a real problem when it invades man-made structures and living spaces. Mould removal is the best solution when this occurs.

Causes and Conditions

Mould requires a source of water to establish itself in an environment; indoors, this moisture may result from poorly ventilated buildings, leaky faucets and pipes, or condensation. Cellulose is an easy material for mould to feed off of, and is found in wood, cardboard, and the paper facing of drywall. This combination of moisture accumulation and common building materials creates an ideal environment for mould, putting residential homes and small businesses at high risk of developing mould problems.

Types of Mould

When diagnosing a mould problem, it is common to differentiate between two types: toxic mould and nontoxic mould. Toxic is of course the most dangerous; these strains of mould produce mycotoxins which can cause severe neurological damage, and in some cases death. Stachybotrys chartarum, a variety sometimes found in homes that are damp or flooded, is an example of toxic mould. Most mould is nontoxic, although inhalation of the spores can cause allergies and poor respiratory health in some individuals, and in these cases mould removal should be highly considered.

Assessing a Mould Problem

The most common method for assessing a mould problem is visual; quite simply, if mould is visible in a home or workplace, that building most likely has a mould problem. If mould is not visible but can still be detected by odor or other indicators, a more thorough search should be performed behind furniture, wall paneling, and so on. In general, the Environmental Protection Agency does not require mould to be tested for toxicity unless an occupant is displaying symptoms or physical distress; however, when necessary, it’s best to bring in a trained professional.

Remediation Methods

The first step in the mould removal process is the elimination of moisture. This can be done in a variety of ways, and the method chosen should depend on the location and severity of a mould problem. Proper ventilation is vital in this regard to prevent the building from capturing moisture. Additionally, insulation can be added to keep future moulds from invading, while household cleaners can remove or bleach away the dead mould left on walls, ceilings, and floorboards. Some companies now use a chemical dry fog to kill stubborn moulds which is both safe and approved by the EPA.

Clean-up

Some companies have recently begun using dry ice freeze-blasting as a method of mould removal; while this is extremely effective, it is possible to take a more DIY approach with simple detergent and a scrubbing tool. External layers of mould should be scraped off as much as possible, and the remaining surface scrubbed with fungicidal cleanser to ensure that the moisture of the cleaning process does not revive the mould or invite new strains into a cleansed space.

Mould can be a frustrating problem, but with proper tools and methods it can be dealt with and eliminated. If you believe your house or place of business may have mould, consider getting this potentially dangerous invader removed before it does any more damage!