So you have black mould but why and what is it ?

Mould and other fungi germinate from spores, which are always present in the air we breathe! The spores can germinate and grow over a wide range of temperatures, they particularly like the conditions found in damp houses with a high relative humidity, at temperatures between 0 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius.

Moulds need three conditions to germinate and grow, these are:

• Anything organic, paper, leather, or cotton.
• Starch found in wallpaper paste.
• Food or drink spills.

• Like anything else which is a living organism.

• From Condensation / high humidity/ Cold surfaces
• A lack of ‘effective’ ventilation, resulting in ‘High Relative humidity’.

Some mould spores can germinate at relative humidity’s as low as 70-85 per cent. If the relative humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) is over 70% for long periods, moulds will thrive and spread.

The type of surface and more importantly, the extent to which it can absorb and retain water ‘condensation’ and whether it provides the other two, conditions mentioned are very important in how the mould growth will germinate, grow and spread.

Mould is unsightly, results in damage to your property and personal belongings, and in some cases can result in ill health to people with allergies or asthma.

Landlords, councils and housing associations are legally bound to clear any outbreak under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1998.

Olympic Construction can undertake works to remove the unsightly mould and associated staining, the extent of the works will obviously be dependent on the level of mould contamination and the nature of the building, so a survey must be undertaken by one of our qualified surveyors, to establish the extent of the mould and also the risk to the occupancy.

Following the survey we will provide you with a full written report of the issues which are causing the mould, and the level of any works which are required, to remove and prevent further infestation.