How can I prevent mould growth in my building?

The dangers of mould have prominently featured in the news in recent days, and this is a topic that everyone should be more aware of. The thought of being a victim to chronic exposure to black mould should be a concerning one. As energy bills soar and the need to cut back takes hold, businesses could be at greater risk of dampness increasing.

Ineffective moisture control has worrying implications for all of us, including those who work for you, so it’s important to ensure that humidity levels are kept within a range of 40-60%. Failure to do so increases the likelihood of people developing respiratory illnesses, skin dryness and eye irritation, but can also have an impact on your building’s structure and its contents.

Black moulds commonly found in UK buildings are Stachybotrys chartarum, Cladosporium and Alternaria fungi – all of which release specific toxins that are harmful to humans. Health concerns such as mycotoxicosis – effectively, mould poisoning – can cause side effects such as memory loss, rashes, persistent illness, shortness of breath and even death.

The most common way that mould develops is via moisture being present in a building. Thus, the most preventable technique to avoid mould in buildings is through targeted moisture control.

What is condensation?

One big source of mould is condensation. Condensation is the process whereby water vapour in the atmosphere is returned to its original liquid state. When moisture in this form exists indoors, problems such as dampness and mould growth can occur. Although such conditions are easily treated using dehumidifiers, the problem is not uncommon.

1. Invest in hiring dehumidification units

Our number one tip is to always keep humidity levels between a range of 40-60%, which is generally regarded as suitable for most applications. A dehumidifier will help you keep the level within these parameters.

Simply increasing the indoor temperature will not alleviate the problem long-term, and this is costly and energy intensive.

Using dehumidification can also help accelerate drying times on time-limited construction projects. A desiccant dehumidifier, for instance, is perfect for drying sensitive materials and simultaneously maintaining a stable level of RH which in turn will prevent mould development.

2. Keep your building properly ventilated

Don’t forget ventilation; a fan used on extraction mode will ensure the damp air in your building is transported outside. Many buildings lack a built-in exhaust or extractor fan, or have inadequate ventilation, but we can solve this issue with minimal fuss. We even offer customers the option of purchasing ventilation solutions from as little as £219 per unit, enabling you to instil a pleasant working environment with fresh air constantly circulated.

3. Preventing mould through heating

Whilst many are tempted to save on heating costs this winter, one of the best mould prevention techniques is keeping the heating on – particularly when used in combination with drying, ventilation, or both. Experts suggest that the ideal room temperature is between 20-23°C as far as preventing dampness is concerned, and this can easily be achieved with our help.

There are some quick fixes that can prevent or slow down mould growth, including keeping traditionally damp areas dry, regularly cleaning, and addressing any plumbing leaks or pipework issues as soon as they are detected.

However, to ensure a long-term fix, installing or hiring a purpose-built dehumidification heating or ventilation system can help eliminate mould growth and ultimately enhance your premises from a health and safety standpoint.

Whether you are concerned about the health risk of mould in your facility, or the effect it can have on the building itself, it is important to remove mould as quickly as possible and take action to prevent it coming back.

If you’re reading this blog, you’re already in the right place! So, call us today on 0800 211 611 or complete an enquiry form, here.