0

Mould and Mildew:

What Causes it?

Mould fungi are omnipresent in our environment. For months and even years mould spores can survive in dry environments. When the conditions are right, previously dormant mould spores can start to grow. Mould thrives especially in damp, dark places. Often water leaks and damp problems provide a perfect environment for mould growth on walls.

Condensation dripping from a window

What Causes Mould and Mildew on Walls?

Mould on walls develops when mould spores hit damp walls. In the right conditions, mould can begin to grow within as little as 24 – 48 hours. Over time a small patch of mould can turn into unsightly, often brown or black spots of mould all over walls. In order to treat mould on walls effectively, the source of dampness has to be found.

Looking for a Damp Surveyor in Your Area?

Call us on 01403 210204 or submit an enquiry for contact information of damp surveyors in your area.

Submit an Enquiry

How to Treat Mould and Mildew on Walls

Mould on walls can be a health hazard and the source of the problem should be found and treated as soon as possible. Breathing in mould spores can lead to respiratory ailments and respiratory infections, as well as allergic reactions. Small spots of mould on interior walls can be a sign of a much larger mould infestation. The area of mould growth should therefore be inspected for further hidden mould growth behind wallpapers and paintwork.

Mould and Mildew on Walls as a Result of Condensation

Condensation can be one of the sources of mould growth on walls. Condensation occurs when water vapour contained in the air condenses on cold surfaces and creates a damp environment, perfect for mould growth.

How to Clean Mould and Mildew

Mould on walls caused by condensation can easily be cleaned with SoluGuard Multi-Surface Biocide. This ready-for-use mixture cleans mould off walls without staining or discolouring the substrate. The product is low in odour and non-flammable, perfect for use indoors.

How to Stop Mould and Mildew

After thoroughly cleaning the mould off walls with SoluGuard Multi-Surface Biocide, walls can be treated with Dryzone Mould-Resistant Emulsion Paint. This mould-resistant paint stops mould growth on walls, even in areas with persistent condensation.

When cured, the paint is fully washable and stops mould growth for at least 5 years.

SoluGuard Multi-Surface Biocide HeroMould Treatments
5L
4.6 out of 5 stars. 8 reviews
£25.00
Get it on 26th May
Dryzone Anti-Mould Emulsion Paint 1-Litre in Brilliant White and Magnolia.Mould Treatments
4.5 out of 5 stars. 8 reviews
£24.98
Get it on 26th May
Dryzone Mould Removal and Prevention Kit – 450ml SpraysMould Treatments
3 x 450ml Sprays
4.8 out of 5 stars. 22 reviews
£24.98
Get it on 26th May

Mould and Mildew on Walls as a Result of Penetrating Damp

If penetrating damp is the cause of mould, it is not enough to simply clean mould off walls. To stop mould growth caused by penetrating damp, walls have to be sealed from the outside against water ingress. This can be achieved with Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream.

Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream is a colourless [1], water-repellent treatment, which is applied directly to the outside of masonry. One coat of Stormdry stops water penetrating brickwork and thus prevents a damp, habitable environment ideal for mould growth.

Mould and Mildew on Walls as a Result of Rising Damp

One of the symptoms of rising damp is black mould on walls. Again, simply cleaning black mould off walls is not enough to deal with the problem. To eliminate the possibility of mould growth caused by rising damp, the source of dampness has to be stopped.

The Dryzone System offers a full range of products to stop rising damp and treat affected walls. By treating the source of dampness walls can fully dry out, eliminating the possibility of mould caused by rising damp.

The interior of a house with mould stains on the walls and ceiling. The entrance to the loft is open.

Mould and Mildew

Mould on walls is an unsightly problem in many houses.

It is often the sign of a more serious problem and needs to be thoroughly investigated.

Learn more
Raise internal temperature

How to Prevent Mould and Mildew

Mould on walls should always be prevented. It can be a serious health hazard, leading to respiratory ailments, respiratory infections, as well as allergic reactions.

Learn more

References

1.

Application of Stormdry Masonry protection Cream may cause some slight darkening to certain substrates. Although this will usually fade over time, a small, representative and inconspicuous test area should always be treated before full treatment begins.

Get it Done

Dryzone Mould Prevention Kit box
Dryzone Mould Removal & Prevention KitDryzone Mould Removal and Prevention Kit contains everything you need to eliminate mould and mildew and keep it away.
£24.98
450ml Dryzone Mould Kit with 1 L Dryzone Mould Paint Magnolia
Dryzone Anti-Mould Paint & Dryzone Mould Removal and Prevention KitGet mould-free for good with Dryzone Anti-Mould Paint & Dryzone Mould Removal and Prevention Kit.
£47.99
Dryzone Mould Eliminator 5 Litre Dryzone Mould Sanitiser 5 Litre Pressure Spray
Dryzone Mould Eliminator + Dryzone Mould Sanitiser + Pressure SprayerThe Pro Grade Dryzone Mould Removal & Prevention Kit contains all you need to eliminate mould & keep it away. Includes pump-action sprayer.
£64.99
£137.96
All Articles
Advice
Case Studies
News
NOPE! brown rat image Advice
How to Get Rid of Rodents: Black Rats, Brown Rats & Mice

Brown Rats, Black Rats & House Mice are invading UK homes. Use this guide to detect, prevent and remove rodents from your home.

Read more
How to Get Rid of Slugs Hero Image Advice
How to Get Rid of Slugs in the Garden: Natural, Organic & Effective Control

Learn why slugs keep coming back, how common prevention and pest control techniques work and which control methods to use for best results.

Read more
A man sneezes in the park, with a cloud of pollen near Advice
Hay Fever Relief UK: Symptoms & Indoor Air Relief

If you suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), spring means a runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. Here's the guide to hay fever relief.

Read more
NOPE Slug Killer Disc Pellets Product Info Card Image News
Out Now: NOPE! Slug Killer Disc Pellets

Defend flowers, fruit and veg in your organic garden with new NOPE! Slug Killer Disc Pellets.

Read more
NOPE Rat Killer Grain Bait and Bait Station Product Info Card Image News
Out Now: NOPE! Rat Killer Grain Bait & Rodent Bait Station Range

Our highly effective rodent control system pairs super-strength brodifacoum grain sachets with a lockable and tamper-resistant bait station.

Read more
YDC and Safeguard Working Together - Leeds Basement 2 Case Study
Domestic Property Basement Renovation Part 1 – Drybase Tanking System

With Tibby Singh and YDC Basements, Safeguard waterproofed a basement at an end of terrace home in Leeds using Drybase Tanking System.

Read more
Ferring Pillbox Brush Application Case Study
1940s Concrete Pillbox, West Sussex — High-Performance Waterproofing with Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream

Built in Summer 1940, the Type 26 pillbox is a 6 ft by 6 ft cube just big enough to house 4 soldiers and their guns. The 1 m thick concrete walls were built to withstand a direct hit from a naval warship. 98 tons of concrete went into creating the pillbox. In the 1980s, the whole exterior was covered…

Read more
Swindon House Featured Image Case Study
Domestic Bungalow, Swindon - Cleaning and Preventing Mould

When Emerald Damp Specialists stepped inside a severely damp bungalow in Swindon, they knew they had to help. Along with 70 other companies and over 150 volunteers who donated their time and expertise, Emerald Damp Specialists resolved the extreme damp and mould problems at the property free-of-charge. For this project, ensuring that a valued member of the community had a…

Read more
Join our newsletter

Subscribe to get information about products and offers.