Following recent unseasonal and extreme weather events in South
Australia, FMG Engineering has experienced a significant increase in enquiries
regarding dampness and mould in residential properties.
This year, February 13 and 14 produced rainfall totals not experienced
since 1969 and have been recorded as the sixth wettest 24 hours since weather
recording began in Adelaide in 1839.
As a result of the heavy rainfall many residential properties in the state
experienced flooding and with flooding comes dampness and the potential for
mould.
What is Mould?
Mould is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp
decaying organic matter. There are many species of mould, some toxic and
varying in colour and texture.
Mould needs three things to grow;
· A
source of moisture (flooding, leaking, pipes, showers or roofs, dampness from
groundwater in cellars).
· A
source of food (organic matter such as paper, leaves, wood or dirt).
· Moderate
(warm) temperatures.
Most building surfaces can provide adequate nutrients to support the
growth of mould. Moulds are small air borne organisms that can form and
multiply quickly in ideal conditions within 24 hours. When mould is growing in
a home large numbers of spores can be released into the air, be easily inhaled
by the residents and may lead to health issues such as asthma.
How do you know if you have a mould problem?
Mould in many cases will be visible; however it is not always detected.
In some cases, mould may be growing out of view behind walls or under floors.
The following are indicators that may help to determine if mould is present.
· Damp earthy
or musty odours
· Unusual
clusters of spots on surfaces. Mould comes in many colours and can be white,
black, grey-brown or green-grey.
· Water
stains or discolouration to walls, floors or ceilings may indicate mould
growing behind or within a material.
· Surface
abnormalities such as peeling, cracking or bubbling of paint or wallpaper.
· Surfaces
of walls, ceilings and floors feeling damp.
Stay tuned for part 2 of dealing with mould in your home
(Adelaide Images via abc.net)
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