Mould is the bane of many homeowners and tenants’ lives and a complaint received all too regularly by property managers and RMCs alike. It’s such a common issue but one that is still misunderstood by many- leading to conflict between residents and those they rely on for the maintenance of their properties.
With many ‘miracle cures’ on the market and misleading information online, it’s important to really understand the cause of this nuisance, how to treat it and, most importantly, how to prevent it.
What Causes Black Spot Mould?
The cause of black spot mould (otherwise known as mildew) is plain and simple: condensation. Condensation occurs when warm air touches cold surfaces which is why you’ll often find this issue occurring on outside walls and in or near bathrooms and kitchens. It’s also common in areas with low air flow such as on walls behind furniture, in the corners of rooms or inside cupboards. Not only does black spot mould look unsightly, it can also be harmful to the health; inhaling spores can inflame the airways, causing nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure or very bad conditions can even reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma.
How Can I Tell If It’s ‘Just’ Mildew?
Black spot mould is exactly that- a pattern of small black spots that starts small and can then spread to large areas if left untreated. If you dab some bleach on a cloth and hold it against the area, the black colouration should fade after a few minutes if condensation is the cause of the issue. Other slightly more insidious forms of mould are caused by leaks (from the structure’s water supply), ingress (causes by water seeping in via external walls due to damage to brickwork etc), drainage issues (such as damaged or ineffective guttering) or leaking sealants around baths, showers and sinks. These causes of damp and mould are all evidenced by different characteristics and damp patterns and all will need to be dealt with differently- we highly recommend the advice and services of a professional is you’re faces with a serious damp issue such as these.
How Do I Get Rid of Black Spot Mould?
Once you’ve treated the aesthetic issues with bleach and a re-paint, you can apply some basic measures such as:
- Reducing moisture in the air by using lids on pans, drying clothes outdoors etc.
- Making use of extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom
- Reducing drafts and increasing insulation if possible
- Heating your home a bit more- including in rooms used less often (try leaving the radiator on ‘1’ to get a little warmth in there when the heating is on)
Even with all of the above in place, due to the vast majority of homes utilising convection-based heating systems (e.g. radiators which heat the air in the room but not the surfaces), many of us will still do battle with mildew on a regular basis. That’s where we come in. We provide infrared heating systems which, unlike ‘normal’ convection heating, warm the surfaces and the people in the room first. This is more efficient, greener and better at preventing mould in the first place.
Why Does Infrared Heating Stop Spot Condensation?
Infrared heats objects and people directly, rather than heating the air in the room. This avoids the issue of creating warm air than then touches cold surfaces and forms condensation. Our infrared heating panels can help reduce or even eliminate black spot mould, making your home a healthier, more pleasant place to live. Our panels can even be designed to suit your aesthetic; whether you’d prefer something subtle or something bespoke that stands out. Our Aluminium Infrared Heater range incorporates leading technology into both design and manufacture, enabling us to achieve the highest efficiency rates and lowest possible energy consumption- all while looking stylish in the home.
Can’t see the heating panel? It’s also a mirror!
