Mould growth (visible mould) is a form of fungus, composed of simple microscopic organisms that feed on dead organic material. Mould spores (non visible mould) , minute particles found in household dust, are present in every unsterile indoor environment where dust is present.

Mould contamination occurs when mould spores are exposed to moisture.  Mould growth will flourish when a food source is also present. If left unchecked mould contamination can lead to property damage and health problems.

Yes, mould can contaminate surrounding areas and spread to other areas of your home that have also optimal mould growing environments such as non or poorly ventilated laundries and bathrooms with associated high moisture levels.

There are two types of mould – mould growth (visible) and mould spores (non visible)

• Mould growth is a fungi and mould growth occurs when mould spores come into contact with moisture and a food source. As mould grows it generates more mould spores. There are a very large number of different species of mould – however, for the purposes of maintaining a healthy internal environment, the type of mould growth is not that important. What is important is to alter the atmosphere so that mould cannot grow.
• Mould spores are minute particles generated by mould growth and are found in all interior spaces. Mould spores are one of seven different particles found in household dust. Mould spores turn into fungal growth when in contact with moisture.

Mould growth produces mould spores (non visible mould) which are carried in the air and will create more mould growth (visible mould) where favourable growing conditions exist. Mould growth is ALWAYS caused by moisture and is more prevalent in winter than summer (excluding any event driven mould) when there is less natural internal ventilation and temperatures are colder.

Like all living organisms, mould needs oxygen, a food source and moisture to grow. Without moisture mould cannot grow. Mould colonies often get their moisture from damp or wet surfaces but can also obtain sufficient moisture from the air in environments with high humidity content.

Heat and ventilate. Mould needs moisture to grow so the simple solution to mould problems is to remove access to moisture.  By increasing the temperature of the affected area, moisture generation and surface moisture will be dramatically reduced. By increasing ventilation moisture will be removed from the affected area. Heat and ventilation are the key to effective mould control.

Mould spores are present in every internal environment to varying degrees. When these mould spores are exposed to moisture for a prolonged period of time (generally speaking, 48 hours or more), the mould spores will generate mould growth.

Mould removal is the process of firstly removing the visible mould and secondly treating the underlining cause of mould contamination, which is always moisture driven.

If there has been an event that has led to water entering the home or building, then the wet building material will start to grow mould if left wet.

If the reason for the mould growth is an atmospheric imbalance, mould will grow first on the coldest and stillest surfaces in the room - on windows (coldest), behind furniture (stillest), on ceilings (coldest if uninsulated) etc.

Yes here's how you can treat mould yourself.

Mould growth can be removed by spraying a mixture of vinegar and water (80 – 20%) onto the affected area and wiping or scrubbing it. Often some staining will remain if the growth was on a porous surface like sheet plaster, paint etc. In this instance, if the bulk of the mould growth has been removed you can encapsulate the balance by sanding and painting it or simply by painting over the residue.

Before attempting the mould removal ensure that the contaminated surface has been dried first.

The procedure for removing mould is as follows:

1. Identify the mould growth.
2. Initial remediation by vacuuming or hand scrubbing the mould affected area.
3. Drying to ensure the mould affected area is dry.
4. Final remediation – clean the area again.
5. Dry again to ensure it is dry following remediation.
6. Encapsulate* to encompass the offending area if required (if staining remains).
   * Please note that many mould remediation companies will recommend that you replace porous building materials such as plasterboard if visible mould is present. We do not recommend this course of action unless the plasterboard has been saturated with water.

Companies like ours may use sophisticated equipment to remove mould spores such as HEPA filtered air-scrubbers and HEPA vacuuming. In reality all we are doing is vacuuming and ventilating. This is the way to remove all dust including mould spores. Wipe or vacuum surfaces, vacuum floorcoverings, furniture, curtains and drapes and then ventilate the area.

The key to permanent mould spore eradication is – vacuuming and ventilation.

The short and accurate answer to this is not particularly. Mould growth is not dangerous other than it generates additional mould spores. Mould spores can be ingested into the lungs (mould spores like general household dust) are often airborne and therefore breathable. Worldwide, medical issues associated with mould are respiratory in nature in so far as ingesting mould spores can exacerbate pre-existing inflammation issues within the respiratory system. From our extensive experience, most people can coexist happily with mould.

This is EXTREMELY unlikely. Although most mould remediation companies will tell you otherwise. You would need an enormous body of water under the house to cause internal moisture issues and from there mould. Poorly ventilated subfloor voids which may lead to damp or moist soil and fungal growth in the subfloor will NOT usually cause internal mould problems.

It not very common but in certain circumstance, mould can present a health risk especially to the very young, the very old or those with special medical conditions such as asthma or allergies. It is important to understand that most healthy people will not experience adverse health consequences from contact with mould. Generally speaking it is the presence of excessive moisture that can be a greater health risk.