The Different Types Of Mould Found In Homes

A combination of our cold, wet weather and lack of ventilation in winter makes homes across Britain especially prone to indoor mould.

Because it’s not an uncommon problem, many of us wrongly assume that it’s no big deal if we find some. As well as looking unsightly however, regular and long-term exposure to mould can in people with underlying health issues lead to:

• The worsening of asthma symptoms and it can even trigger attacks
• Sore eyes and nose
• Throat irritation
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Impaired lung function
• Allergic reactions

The Different Types Of Mould

Different types of mould release their spores at varying times of the year so depending on the month, you may find any of the following types of mould growing in your home.

Black mould – commonly found in homes, especially in bathrooms and any other rooms which are exposed to a lot of moisture. It’s often mistaken for ordinary household dirt so can sometimes go years without being treated. It’s usually slimy because of a wet layer on top.

Alternaria – again, this type of mould is usually found indoors in damp places, such as showers or under leaky sinks. It grows all year round but is most common in July, August and September.

Aspergillus – usually found indoors growing on dust, powdery food items such as flour and on building materials including drywall. Aspergillus grows throughout the year but you are more likely to see it in August and September and it’s particularly prevalent in January and February.

Cladosporium – this type of mould grows in both cool and warm places and is usually found on fabrics and wood surfaces. It is found in low amounts most of the year but peaks in July and August.

Penicillium – most of us will be familiar with this type of mould because it’s present everywhere, particularly on food. It’s the fuzzy blue texture we see when food has gone off. Aside from spoiling food products, penicillium can also be found on organic, biodegradable substances such as wood, leaves and grass. It’s found throughout the year, with a small peak in August and September and the highest peak in January and February.

Mould thrives in damp conditions so you tend to find it in places such as:

• Bathrooms – especially on tiles and shower curtains. If you regularly notice condensation on walls, this often leads to problems with mould.
• Kitchens.
• Window sills.
• Cellars and basements.
• Rooms with lots of plants.
• Unheated rooms – you may notice damp walls.

A number of things can cause mould to grow in our homes but two of the biggest culprits are condensation and damp.

Condensation is the consequence of the production of moisture within a building. This typically occurs when ventilation is reduced as windows are closed and there is a big difference in temperature between the interior and exterior of the building. Air can only hold a certain amount of water before it precipitates on cold surfaces as condensation, causing damp patches on walls and around windows. This in turn can lead to mould growth.

What to do if you have mould in your home

Rentokil provides an extensive range of solutions and services to prevent and treat any problems your property may face including condensation on walls, damp walls and mould. For more information, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to help.