Probably you have been struggling to remove mould from your brick walls for years. Well, this article offers you the details on how to eliminate the problem for good in 2020.
Why Is It Necessary To Stop Mould From Growing On Brick?
Mould is a single organism that comprises of various cellular fungal filaments. It is likely to thrive in humid surroundings and tends to spread quickly since its pores are easily carried by the air flow. There are more than 100,000 harmful mould species.
Notably, mould growth starts inside cracks and crawl spaces before it is seen with naked eyes. It is for this reason that many home owners take time before seeking for assistance. The first sign of its growth is a persistent musty smell. The walls may also feel wet and soft to a touch. Stains are likely to be seen in its area of growth as well.
After identifying the source of moisture and making the necessary changes, the mould will seem to disappear. Even so, the spores may remain dormant and will be reactive when the right conditions are availed. The dormant mould still produces a dreadful smell.
It is also worth noting that mould can be found in newly built homes. A majority of people opine the issue is only present in old buildings. They are hence not cautious enough to check for the signs in newly built spaces. This is explained by the fact that the building materials may have been stored in humid places. It also prevails when proper protection of the materials from rain is overlooked during the construction process.
Stopping the growth of mould is vital because:
It Causes At Least 30 Health Complications
There are numerous health issues caused by the presence of mould in your home including asthma, allergies, cognitive issues, and common colds among others. Some of the symptoms include sneezing, skin rashes, sinus, and headaches. You will spend a lot of money treating these conditions, and have poor quality of life if mould is not stopped from growing in your space.
It Creates an Unappealing Look in Homes
Even after using modern and sophisticated materials to build a home, the presence of mould ushers in an unsightly look. You will be embarrassed to invite guests to spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom. The spores will quickly spread to other areas when the conditions become perfect for its growth. A little spot on the brick that you ignored initially will soon become a big issue worth spending a lot of time and effort.
It Is Destructive To Your Bricks
When left on your bricks for long, the spores will start to destroy the material in a way that you may need to do costly renovations. The carpets and upholstery must be replaced.
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To stop mould from growing in your home, you should:
1. Call the Professionals
Many people try to stop mould’s growth using DIY methods including the use of bleaches and household cleaners. Nonetheless, they overlook the fact that it may be difficult to solve the issue amicably without identifying the hidden and dormant spores. The professionals have the skills and equipment to achieve this effortlessly. They will hence recommend the right way forward.
2. Control the Moisture in Your Home
One of the things that the professionals will tell you is that moisture control is the most important steps of stopping the growth of mould. This necessitates that a proper assessment is done to identify areas where water leakages are taking place in your home. The most obvious areas to check are the bathroom and kitchen. The exterior space must also be evaluated, since it is exposed to humid conditions.
he use of dehumidifiers can also help you to control moisture effectively. You should also keep your bathroom and kitchen spaces closed tightly. Also, open your windows when cooking to prevent the accumulation of humidity. Further, always call the professional builders if the mould is caused by a rise of a damp. They will use a damp proof to create a barrier.
More so, you must use an extractor fan for ventilation purposes when taking showers and cooking. It is also important to maintain your HVAC system in good shape.
3. Take the Necessary Precaution and Steps When Removing Mould on Dry Walls
Remarkably, it is possible for mould to grow on dry brick walls. The process can be complicated given that mould tends to not only grow on the surface, but also inside the pores. This is because the wall is penetrable. In some instances, the professionals will advise you to remove or replace the part of the affected wall. This is particularly true when the mould has spread to a large area. Otherwise, the experts will opt to remove the mouldy insulation.
Inspection holes are cut on the wall to check for moulds inside the brick walls. A mirror and a flashlight will hence be used to identify the spores. Safety gears must be worn to protect the inspector from exposure to the spores. The affected materials must be sealed inside a plastic bag when being disposed of away from your home.
4. Use Products to Inhibit the Growth of Moulds
Even before your walls show signs of mould infestation, you may want to take precautionary measures by using products that inhibit the growth. This is inclusive of zinc strip and sealers that keep walls extremely dry. You can order for the products online. However, you must do proper research to ascertain that you are getting value for your money. It will pay to request the experts to explain the working mechanism of the product before sealing the deal.
5. Embrace Temporary Solutions to Kill Existing Mould
Initially, the professionals will utilize temporary solutions to kill the existing mould. It is inclusive of using products such as:
Hydrogen peroxide. The product helps kill the mould and eliminate the stain. The concentration should not exceed 10% to avoid damage to surfaces.
Chlorine bleach. The chemical is harsh enough to kill the mould. It must, however, be diluted because it produces toxic fumes.
Borax and baking soda. The products have high levels of pH, which help inhibit the growth of mould and other organisms.
White vinegar. The acidic nature of the vinegar breaks down the mould’s structure. Even so, it does not remove the stains.
Since the products only provide temporary solutions, the experts will combine them with other preventative measures to stop the growth of mould completely.
6. Repair Brick Walls
While brick walls seem strong enough to withstand all signs of wear and tear, they get damaged over time. Issues such as changes in temperature cause an expansion and contraction of the walls. The mortar may also deteriorate with time. This leads to an accumulation of moisture in the cracked spaces. Mould will grow if you don’t do the repairs in good time. You can do the repairs successfully, if you follow these steps:
- Identify and eliminate the loose brick pieces and debris.
- Use a bucket to mix the mortar.
- Insert the brick piece and add the mixed mortar. You must measure the space that requires replacements to avoid leaving empty spaces for mould’s growth.
- Spray the repaired area with water as you wait for it to dry up.
7. Pay Keen Attention during Your House Construction
You may be caught up in different activities as the contractors work on your house. Still, you may have had complete trust on the professionals. It is, however, important to monitor the activities to ensure that the materials are stored in the right condition. Find out the techniques being used to protect the materials and research on their effectiveness. You can request the experts to test them and treat them for mould prevention in case you are unsatisfied with the builder’s services.
Furthermore, it is wise to call the experts to check for moulds when leasing a new apartment. They will tell you the level of damage, so that you can make the right decisions. You can request for its removal or even look for a new space all together.
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What to Avoid
You should avoid the following when trying to remove mould from brick walls.
- Waiting for long before calling the experts. As stated earlier, mould tends to spread quickly in a surface. It will be more expensive to remove it and stop its growth.
- Pressure washing. Some companies often use pressure washing to remove mould and other types of stains. However, this method can cause damages to your brick walls, if proper caution is not taken. In any case, the method cannot fully do away the mould. The right natural and synthetic products, coupled with the use of modern procedures, will help stop its growth.
- Engaging unqualified professionals. You are likely to waste a lot of resources and time if you invite unskilled and inexperienced professionals to address the mould’s growth issue.
And there you have it! You will stop mould from growing on brick walls in 2020 by identifying the right professionals and preventive measures. Fortunately, you don’t have to search extensively for help. Basildon Stone is specialized to meet all your cleaning needs throughout London and its environs. The experienced and reputable experts will only use tried and tested methods to ensure that mould’s growth is kept at bay.