A survey has revealed that a quarter of residents in Britain are struggling with the effects of mould in their homes, after one of the wettest years on record for the UK.
According to data from MyBuilder.com, the problem seems worse among younger households, with 33% of 18 to 34s admitting to the issue, compared to 14% of over 55s.
The research found that there is also a geographic variation for the problem, with homes in Belfast apparently the most affected. The Northern Irish capital saw 32% of people stating they had more mould in their homes than before, while only 16% reported an issue in Brighton.
MyBuilder.com said that once mould is established in a home it can be difficult to treat and can reoccur each and every year without correct treatment. Mould can be extremely dangerous not just to the health of the home, it noted, but the people living in it.
Andy Simms, expert from MyBuilder.com, said: “Unfortunately, mould is an issue in many British homes – and worryingly, sometimes it’s not even really visible. By the time there are obvious signs of mould, it may have been present for some time. It’s important to check for mould even if you’re not sure you have it, as left untreated the problem will get worse and can cause serious issues to your home and your health.
“The good news is that many cases are easily solved and might not even need a professional to remedy them. Most minor cases are caused by condensation, which can be resolved, or improved, by better ventilation – which could be as simple as opening a window when you shower.
“If the problem is severe, or you are unsure what is causing it, you may want to call in the help of damp specialists who can diagnose the issue and advise on the correct treatments (as well as carry them out). Cleaning off the mould might feel better temporarily, but if you don’t treat the cause of the issue, it will just return.
“Often, though, the problem is caused by condensation – and if that’s the case, improving ventilation is key to alleviating the effects. We’ve put together some simple tips to help you deal with mould in your home – but if it’s more than condensation that’s the issue, get the specialists in.”
MyBuilder.com has released the following mould prevention tips:
Check your whole house
The company stated that mould could be growing in various different places within a house. It recommended that homeowners check the whole house, including any areas with high humidity, a lack of air flow, or areas that are likely to have any water damage.
Identify the problem
MyBuilder.com said is important to identify what’s causing the problem. Mould can be caused by a number of factors including lack of ventilation, a leak, condensation, structural issues such as a bridge in cavity walls, blocked gutters, a breach in a damp proof course, or poor temperature control. The company explained that that treating it without understanding the source is a waste of time, effort and money. If homeowners aren’t sure where the problem stems from, MyBuilder.com suggests to consult a professional.
Ventilation
If condensation is the cause of the mould problem, it noted, better ventilation to the affected area will mean it is unlikely to return. There are a number of methods to improve the ventilation in your home via trickle vents in windows, extractor fans and airing the house regularly. The company stated that opening the windows while cooking or showering can make a massive difference. Dehumidifiers can also be very helpful as a short term aid, it added.
Keep it constant
MyBuilder.com advised that the temperature of a room should be as constant as possible to avoid mould growth. Fluctuating temperatures can actually cause the problem to be exacerbated, it said. The company suggested that homeowners should try and keep their room temperatures to between 16C and 18C at all times.
Remove the mould
To do this, the company said it is important to first ensure the affected area is dry. Then use mould killer or mould spray to remove the mould. Ensure you have the correct protective equipment including gloves and ideally a face mask and ventilate the room when removing the mould, it added.
Anti mould paint
Once the mould has been removed, MyBuilder.com said that homeowners could use anti mould paint to treat the affected area. It noted that this will add a layer of protection to help ensure the mould does not return.