Are you suffering from black mould in your Bradford area home? Are you wondering what you can to do prevent black mould from forming? Quality Electrician are your local electrician in Birkenshaw, Bradford. I’m here to give you my top tips for preventing black mould and to explain what causes it in the first place.
What causes black mould?
Black mould can be an issue for many Bradford area homeowners. The mould develops in damp patches caused by condensation. Condensation forms when the humidity levels in your home are high and there is insufficient ventilation to allow the excess moisture to escape. The water droplets in the air condensate on cooler surfaces or areas of your home – typically around windows or on outer walls. If condensation forms regularly on such an area, a damp patch will develop, and black mould will form.
Black mould not only looks unappealing, but it can also have some serious health implications, particularly if large patches are allowed to form. Black mould is particularly dangerous for those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma and is also dangerous for the very young, very old and those who are immuno-compromised. Preventing black mould will help to ensure your household stays healthy.
How to prevent black mould?
If you have noticed patches of condensation forming in your Bradford area home, now is the time to act. There are several things you can do to prevent black mould from developing and to keep the moisture levels in your home under control.
- Ventilation: Keep your home well ventilated, particularly the areas where excess moisture is produced – the kitchen and bathroom. This can be as simple as opening the windows to let the moisture out. You should also always keep the door shut when cooking or showering to prevent the moist air from spreading throughout your home. If you have an extractor fan, make sure to turn it on.
- Heating and Insulation: Try to keep your home at a consistent, warm temperature – ideally at least 17 degrees C. This will help prevent cold spots from forming and will be less hospitable to the mould spores.
- Moisture Control: If you notice condensation forming, make sure to remove the moisture – either wipe the area down or use a window vac. Also be certain to fix any leaks you discover and keep your gutters clear. Use a dehumidifier in any rooms that are damp or that you dry washing in.
- Cleaning: If you spot some black mould forming, be sure to clean it immediately with a mould-killing spray. If you are suffering from a larger issue, you may need to call in a professional to treat it effectively.
Ventilation solutions for black mould
One of the key areas for preventing black mould from forming in your Bradford area home is increasing ventilation. Whilst opening windows is the obvious solution, in the depths of winter opening the bathroom window whilst you bathe is less appealing. Thankfully there are several mechanical ventilation options that will increase air flow without lowering the temperature in your home.
An extractor fan is a great choice for most homes. They work by removing the stale, moisture laden air directly from your bathroom, lowering the overall humidity and reducing the risk of condensation and black mould. They can be installed in your outer wall or through the ceiling. Extractor fans represent a cost-effective solution to preventing black mould in your home and cost less than 1p per day to run.
The second option for increased ventilation in your home is a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system. This is a whole-house ventilation solution. They work by removing the humid air in your home and replace it with fresh, filtered air from outside. PIV units are installed in your homes loft space with vents placed in key areas throughout your home. Not only will they help prevent black mould from forming, but they also improve your overall air quality making them an ideal choice for those with allergies.
Extractor Fan And PIV System Installation in Bradford
Both of these ventilation options should be installed by a qualified and experienced electrician. This will ensure a safe and effective installation.
If you are based in the Bradford area, Quality Electrician are your local electrician. I am fully qualified, NICEIC registered and highly experienced in the installation of extractor fans and PIV systems. If you have any questions about preventing black mould, contact me today.
