5 minute read
How to safely and effectively manage moisture & mould within the home
BY AMY STITT
As we age, as do our homes, therefore a certain level of care is required to maintain our health and the health of our home. This includes the affects of moisture and mould.
If moisture is left within a home for more than 24–48 hours it is at risk of microbial growth, which in itself can lead to building material damage, and mould spores can also affect human health.
I am going to discuss some key ways to reduce the likelihood of this happening in your home;
Have gutters checked regularly, my rule of thumb is every 3 months; as the season changes I know I need to look into all my gutters and if they have leaves or debris they need to be cleaned out. This will prevent water ingress into wall cavities, fascia damage and so forth. Make sure to assess your balance, muscle strength and know when you should arrange for another person to help carry out the task or when to hire a professional. Use a clean, stable 4–point ladder with anti–skid feet, fully open and locked with no rocking and have another person present. If you feel at all unbalanced, I recommend putting off the job until another time or seeking assistance from a family member, friend or professional.
Keeping trees and bushed trimmed and off your home will prevent leaves and debris from landing in the gutters in the first place and thus reduce the amount of gutter cleaning required and prolong the life of the gutter.
Like gutters, drains need to be checked and cleaned out. The sole purpose of a drain is to redirect water away from the building, but if they are blocked excess water from rain, garden watering, etc. can end up penetrating the building.
Look under your sinks for any signs of water leakage, pooled water, brown marks. If there is a leak engage the services of a licenced plumber to repair the leak immediately, this will not only preserve the building, but also keep the water bill down!
Install security screens on windows and doors so you can keep them open and allow for passive ventilation and keep bugs away!
Dry washing outside when possible. Each load of laundry can contain a few litres of water vapour, if that washing is hung out inside that moisture will increase the indoor relative humidity and therefore increase the chance of microbial growth. On rainy days you can use a dehumidifier to assist with drying clothes on an inside line.
If you notice water marks on your ceiling, you may need a roof inspection to check for damage such as rust or cracked/misplaced tiles. Have repairs made immediately
Exhaust fans, bathroom, kitchen and laundry – USE THEM. Switch them on during activity and leave them on for 15 minutes or so afterwards. Make sure they are vented to the atmosphere to remove water vapour from the indoor environment.
Being prepared by planning ahead can help prevent moisture and mould issues and is generally much easier to manage (and cheaper) than having to do repairs or remediation afterwards.
I encourage you to create a maintenance schedule for gutter checks, cleaning, gardening, and looking for building damage such as rust or cracks and promptly see to repairs. It is important to know your own physical limits and assess if it would be safer to ask for assistance or hire a professional. Your safety is priority over home maintenance.
Some tips to ensure your safety while making repairs or removing mould in your home:
Before addressing any maintenance or repairs, gauge your balance and agility to ensure you are up to the task, if in doubt, ask a family member or friend to help you or hire a professional, even having another person present can be helpful and reduce risk.
When using a ladder, use a 4–legged step ladder with anti–skid feet and non–slip treads. Lock into place, wear non–slip shoes and have another person present while doing any ladder work. If you feel unsafe at any point, stop immediately and step back on to the floor.
If cleaning dust or mould, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, face mask and goggles.
For mould affected areas, avoid bleach and “mould killer” products and opt for a warm soapy water mixture with a microfibre cloth and clean and dry towel. For areas larger than A4 seek the assistance of a mould remediator.
Alternatively, has your house become too big to maintain, would you consider looking to downsize, to relieve some of the maintenance and free up your time and money?
If you have noticed visible mould or a damp/musty odour in your home and require assistance, you can find a Mould Testing Technician or Building Biologist in your state at the Australasian Society of Building Biologists (ASBB) or feel free to reach out to myself at Beaches Building Biology
www.beachesbuildingbiology.com
After a 3–year battle with health symptoms ranging from itchy eyes and skin rashes to light sensitivity and fatigue, Amy Stitt discovered the culprit, hidden mould in her cute coastal apartment. Within a week she ended up in hospital with no choice but to pack up her young family and move to a house with better ventilation that was carpet free so she could begin to rebuild her immune system. With the help of integrated practitioners to assist with a body detox, she also had to sort through all of her belongings which included a gruelling cleaning process and discarding many contaminated items. Amy has turned her struggle into a career where she can help others create a healthy indoor environment for them to thrive in.
