· Alternaria
· Aspergillus flavus
· Aspergillus fumigatus
· Aspergillus niger
· Aureobasidium
· Chaetomium globosum
· Cladosporium herbarum
· Epicoccum purpurascens
· Fusarium moniliforme
· Penicillium frequentans
· Penicillium notatum
· Stachybotrys
· Stemphylium botryosum
· Ulocladium chartarum
How does mould grow?
Mould grows in a similar way to a plant
Mould propagates with its own seed, or 'spores'
Mould grows in a similar way to a plant
To grow and flourish, mould is similar to a plant it needs:
- a medium to grow in
- a means to propagate or reproduce (spores)
- the right conditions to thrive
Mould's favourite growing medium
Mould propagates with its own seed, or 'spores'
Mould grows in a similar way to a plant
Mould needs a medium to grow in and send out its roots known as mycelium. It thrives on insulation, plasterboard and certain types of wallpaper on walls, as well as underlay, vinyl, carpet and wood flooring.
It is also often found in bathrooms where humidity provides the perfect environment for it to grow and thrive.
Did you know that replacing porous bathroom grout with non porous epoxy grout can help prevent mould growing beneath bathroom tiles?
Mould propagates with its own seed, or 'spores'
Mould propagates with its own seed, or 'spores'
Mould propagates with its own seed, or 'spores'
Mould is one of the oldest, most basic fungal life systems there is. It propagates by sending out spores. These spores are invisible - it can send out thousands when it feels threatened, when it is attacked or sprayed. It has a very sensitive survival mechanism which enables it to survive and flourish in the right conditions.
Mould loves damp or moist growing medium
Mould propagates with its own seed, or 'spores'
Mould is often found after a leak - pipes / external gutters / failed roof - or just poor air circulation and damp conditions.
Mould is often invisible, making it a challenge to find it until there are often chronic health symptoms.
Did you know it can grow in 24 - 48 hours if the conditions are favourable?
Humidity matters - below 55% mould growth is inhibited - above 60% - the risk increases.
warm + damp = mould heaven
cool + dry = mould hostile
Mould has a strong survival mechanism
When mould is disturbed or stressed its spore release will often go from a passive (undisturbed) release of thousands per hour, to a very active, dramatic release of many - fold per cubic metre, depending on how it is disturbed. The following will cause active release:
- Cleaning, brushing, vacuuming, moving items
- drying suddenly with heating, fans, dehumidifiers
- spraying with chemicals or biocides
- mechanical damage
- airflow changes
So think twice before spraying!
Mould should be properly remediated
Professional remediation is the safest and most effective way to remove mould. Professional remediation companies focus on:
- containment
- negative pressure
- damp wiping, not brushing
- removal of contaminated materials (the growing medium)
Spraying the visible mould growth will not reliably remove the mycelium (the roots) which are often deeply embedded into the growing medium. It will just stimulate the mould to send out thousands of spores in order to find a new growing medium to settle in.
Our recommended contractors section provides details of trusted professional remediation companies.