Damp Britain: 6 expert tips to keep your home mould free, as record-breaking rain sees the problem rise by a quarter
A new 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 new data from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, 24 per cent of people living in Britain admit to seeing higher levels of mould than in previous years. Interestingly, the problem seems worse among younger households, with 33 per cent of 18-34s admitting to the issue, compared to just 14 per cent of over 55s.
There is also a geographic variation for the problem, with homes in Belfast apparently the most affected. The Northern Irish capital saw 32 per cent of people stating they had more mould in their homes than before, while only 16 per cent reported an issue in Brighton. Other variations include:
- London 27%
- Liverpool 25%
- Birmingham 25%
- Cardiff 19%
- Edinburgh 29%
- Manchester 25%
- Newcastle 25%
- Sheffield 29%
- Bristol 18%
Mould is an issue that can be seen in both old and new homes in Britain, and is caused by a variety of factors. Once mould is established in a home, it can be difficult to treat, and can reoccur each and every year without correct treatment. What’s more, mould can be extremely dangerous not just to the health of our home, but the people living in it. According to government guidance, damp and mould within the home can produce allergens, irritants, mould spores and other toxins that are harmful to health.
Andy Simms, expert from MyBuilder.com, said that while the rainy weather in the UK has exacerbated the issue, we should always be vigilant about preventing, and treating, mould.
“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.”
How to deal with mould
Check your whole house
It may be that mould is growing in a number of different places in your home. Ensure you 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. If you don’t treat all areas, you won’t get rid of it.
Identify the problem
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. Treating it without understanding the source is a waste of time, effort and money. If you aren’t sure where the problem stems from, it’s a good idea to consult a professional.
If it’s condensation that’s causing the problems, try these tips:
Ventilation
If condensation is the cause of your mould problem, 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. Simply opening the windows while cooking or showering can make a massive difference. Dehumidifiers can also be very helpful as a short term aid.
Keep it constant
Experts advise 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. Try and keep your room temperature to between 16C and 18C at all times.
Remove the mould
To do this, 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..
Anti mould paint
Once the mould has been removed, you could use anti mould paint to treat the affected area. This will add a layer of protection to help ensure the mould does not return.