FMG Engineering

EXTREME WEATHER AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR HOME - PART II

This time we look at what you should do if mould is present in your home. Stay with us for the solutions and tricks to manage and eliminate mould.

What should you do if you detect mould?

The first step should be to identify and eliminate the source of moisture. In cases of flood it is important to ensure that drying out of the area is carried out as soon as possible as stated earlier, if not undertaken successfully within 48 hours it is likely that the onset mould growth has occurred.

In the event of a water leak, mould growth will be advanced but again, the first step is to eliminate the source of moisture. Prior to drying, great care should be taken to avoid moisture being left behind after the operation and it is strongly recommended that a de-humidifier is used constantly to draw out all trapped moisture.

Care should be taken during clean-up of the mould (face masks, protective gloves, ventilation) as mould in its “dead” state will continue to release spores into the atmosphere.

For small areas of mould growth on non-porous surfaces, it is recommended to use a non-ammonia soap or detergent on the entire area affected by mould.

To prevent the re-occurrence of mould, the surfaces should be disinfected with a solution of water and bleach and allow to dry naturally after application.

In the extensive cases of mould growth it is strongly recommended that a specialist contractor is contacted for further advice.

An extreme case of mould in a residential property

How do you prevent mould?

It is impossible to eliminate airborne mould. Scientists warn that living in an environment free from mould would be detrimental to our immunology systems as we need to be exposed to the mould to build immunity.

Following the prevention measures below will help to reduce airborne mould from your home.

·           Prevent humidity by opening windows for an hour daily

·           Prevent or eliminate leaks and treat water damage within 24-48 hours

·           Regularly clean places that accumulate humidity such as showers, taps and pipes and the associated floor areas

·           Limit carpets and plants in your home

·           Use air purifiers to reduce humidity

·          Porous materials such as wood, fabric, mattresses and carpets are likely to be contaminated in extreme events and are very difficult to clean. In the event that objects of this kind become contaminated, it is advised to dispose of them.

If you have a question on mould in your residential or commercial property, leave us a comment and we'll get back to you.
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