Removing mould from walls – a practical step by step guide

Areas with a lot of moisture are prone to mould appearing on walls. These include bathrooms, kitchens, boiler rooms, but also places where we would not expect any mould growth, such as living rooms or bedrooms. What should you do if you see mould or mildew on a wall? How does one correctly and effectively remove mould from a wall?

What to do about mould on walls?

It is possible for thermal bridges to form in a building's thermal envelope as a result of negligence, building construction errors or the passage of time. These are places where spot cooling occurs. Wall temperature drops below the water vapour condensation temperature. As a result, dampness can appear on a wall leading to the growth of mould even in living rooms or bedrooms. If you are wondering what to do about mould on walls, then read on!

 

Removing mould from a wall

When you notice signs of mould or mildew on a wall, you should get rid of it quickly and methodologically, because apart from the obvious aesthetic reasons, it is also a danger to our health and the respiratory system. The moulds that grow in our homes are pathogenic and toxin-producing. In favourable conditions they can form numerous colonies, which are one of the biggest sources of air pollution. And that is a cause of numerous illnesses and allergies.

Effectively get rid of mould and mildew from a wall in 3 STEPS

STEP 1 – determine and eliminate the causes.

Determining this is crucial, so it's worth knowing all the possible causes of mould. Inadequate ventilation may be one such cause (condensation). The room should then be aired frequently, window vents, wall vents or mechanical ventilation should be installed. It's worth making sure the windows are tight. Electric air dryers can also be used.

Mould can also be caused by water ingression due to leaks in the roof or faulty pipes, by seepage of moisture from the ground due to poor insulation (capillary moisture) or thermal bridges, which I’ve already mentioned. The most important step in successfully removing mould from walls is to determine and eliminate its cause.

Step 2 – Remove mould from walls.

How simple or difficult removing mould will be depends on how deep it has penetrated into the wall:

– simpler removal: apply a fungicide to the surface (such as FOVEO TECH RG10 Mould and Mildew Remover). Such agents make it possible to effectively get rid of colonies (but remember to take appropriate precautions when using them, as they are harmful to health).

– more difficult removal: mould on a wall has penetrated deep into the wall and the paint has started to peel; the paint will also have to be removed.

If the mould has penetrated deeper into the plaster structure, a major renovation is in order. The plaster will have to be removed in and all around the areas where the mould has appeared (approx. 1 metre).

 

 

Once done, apply a fungicide a number of times to the affected area (for example FOVEO TECH RG10 Mould and Mildew Remover). Modern chemical agents make it possible to effectively get rid of colonies however you must always remember to take appropriate precautions when using them, as they are harmful to health.

 

Step 3 – re-decorate.

 

Once the area has been thoroughly treated with fungicides and new plaster has been laid, it should be painted.

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