The truth about mould in your home

Dealing with moulds in your home

 

Mould is common in New Zealand homes and with the increasingly cold winters, it is important that we understand the damages of mould and how to prevent it from having long term effects on ourselves and our family.

Mould accumulates in damp and poorly ventilated buildings. The main causes of mould within homes is high humidity, condensation and water leaks, exposure to these harmful agents inside your home can have profound effects on our health. They can cause inflammation to the airways, wheezing, tight chest and more significantly asthma and depression.

If mould is present in a form that is likely to cause health effects, it will be very visible better ventilation, more heating and higher levels of insulation can prevent the growth of mould.

Here’s a list of things to do when dealing with mould:

  1. Check for mould regularly, especially around curtains, windows, and window sills.
  2. Clean it as soon as possible with soap and water. Make sure the affected area is well ventilated and allowed to dry as soon as possible.
  3. Spray the affected area with a white vinegar solution (white vinegar diluted 1 part vinegar to 3  parts water). This will stop the mould from returning. Then make sure the affected area is well ventilated and allowed to dry again as soon as possible.
  4. Keep your windows open for as long and often as possible. 
  5. Make sure that your home stays dry. For example, put lids onto the pots when cooking, dry your wet clothes outside, and fix any leaks and drainage issues.
  6. Choose a dry heat source like a heat pump or flued gas heater.
  7. Avoid using unflued gas heaters as these type of heaters can be quite expensive to run and generate a lot of moisture even though it generates good heat. 

Unflued gas heaters, including portable LPG heaters, don’t have vents or chimneys to carry away emissions like water vapour, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. These emissions can make your house damp and harm your health, especially if there isn’t enough fresh air ventilation.  EECA  (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)

Parkit Property can assist you and your tenants with resolving issues with mould. We only work with the very best contractors and can handle the whole process, start to finish. If you need help, please get in touch with one of our Property Managers Today

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