Did you know that air pollution isn’t limited to busy streets in towns and cities? Not many of us stop to think about the pollution INSIDE our offices – the air that is circulating around us on a daily basis. We all know that traffic and industry cause pollution in the air outside, but what is happening inside? It is becoming a bigger problem inside our work environment, with indoor air up to 50% more polluted than outdoor air. Air in a poorly ventilated office can be just as polluted if not more than the air outside. When indoor air quality is poor, it is simply not as clean, fresh and pure as it should be.
Due to improved build quality of newer buildings, indoor air pollution in offices can be especially prevalent as there are less opportunities for pollutants to escape. Better insulation trapping pollutants that are created through everyday tasks in the office environment causes them to build up over time and affect the overall health of everyone who is working in proximity.
If stagnant air sits around your home for too long, you will come across all sorts of problems. Condensation can form in moist areas like the office bathrooms and kitchens and can create damp problems. Mould, which is a serious allergen, will grow and flourish. Even in building that has not previously suffered from damp, bad air quality can still cause issues. Any soft furnishings within the office can all become permeated with nasty, musty smells that can be hard to remove. Eventually poor air quality can damage the interior of your office and change the way it looks and smells long term. If you do find one day that you have a mould problem in your office, our sister company Mould Pro would be happy to assist.
Poor indoor air quality in the workplace can cause chronic health problems for you and your staff and will have a negative effect on working practices. The most common side effects of poor indoor air quality are worsened concentration and productivity levels and increased fatigue. You must wonder how many work days have been lost through sickness as a result of poor quality air!
The lungs and heart are the main organs affected. Scientific studies have shown the link between bad indoor air pollution and health issues. Nasal irritation is very common as well as dry mouth, a constricted throat and scratchy sore eyes.
Indoor air pollution is linked to causing and worsening existing conditions, including:
Asthma
Strokes
Allergies
Sometimes just opening a window can do more harm than good as there is the risk of exposing those inside to harmful pollutants from outside such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter. These pollutants are typically created by traffic, so in many instances opening a window may not actually be an option. By opening a window there will also be an increase the amount of noise entering the workplace, further reducing the concentration levels of those working inside. Therefore suitable ventilation in place in the office should be introduced to quickly and effectively remove harmful pollutants. Reducing the level of air pollution within your office will help to improve the health, well-being and productivity and concentration levels of those working within the office.
The good news is it is easy to improve on the air quality within your office. New technology in ventilation systems will constantly monitor the humidity levels and flow rates of the air in your office, so that the system always works efficiently and effectively. Heat Recovery ventilation solutions will not only help you improve indoor air quality but also help you save money on electricity. Here at Zephyr Ventilation we are ventilation system specialists and we can advise you on the right type of ventilation system needed for your office.
A good ventilation system is the first step towards better air quality in your workplace. You can then further enhance your office space and improve air quality further by taking the following measures:
Introduce living plants which are natural air purifiers
Remove carpets and have natural, hard flooring instead
Use paints and other decorating materials that are low in VOCs
Keep photocopiers and printers in a separate well ventilated room
If you are looking to improve the air quality in your office environment for the health and wellbeing of you and your staff, give us a call to discuss the best option for cleaner air today.
https://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-importance-of-efficient-ventilation-in-your-office-thumb.jpg737737wsadminhttps://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/zephyr.jpgwsadmin2018-03-15 02:01:582018-03-15 02:17:53The importance of efficient ventilation in your office
Having a comfortable home in all seasons can be a real challenge. Particularly in Australia, where scorching summers and chilly winters can cause moisture build up and mould growth, affecting not just you and your family – but the material your home is built from. With that in mind, let’s check out the top 5 reasons to consider roof ventilation for your home.
It’s your home, not an oven
We all know the feeling. It feels like you have opened the oven door and stepped inside like a Sunday roast. But it doesn’t have to be like that. The sun has been heating up your roof space all day. Removing the heat from the roof cavity through roof ventilation is the best way to stop the heat in your roof space from migrating into your living areas. It also stops the heat migrating into your bedroom, which means a better night sleep and more energy to enjoy tomorrow.
Remove the moisture which causes the dreaded mould
Mould. Yuck! It’s a horrible, unsightly, dangerous guest. Kick it out! Mould in your home is caused when moisture in the air is allowed to settle. If you can’t picture it, think about how mouldy your bathroom would be without the extractor fan. Having roof ventilation prevents the moisture in your roof space from settling, taking away the conditions necessary for mould to grow. Problem solved! If mould is already a problem for you, get rid of it before you install your roof ventilation. Check out www.mouldpro.com.au, they will be more than happy to assist you.
Keeping costs down
Installing roof ventilation ensures your living areas are less affected by the temperature in your roof space. This means less work for air conditioners and fans in the summer, which means lower power bills for you! Awesome! It also means less work for heaters in the winter. Roof ventilation systems help with keeping your house dry which means you don’t feel the cold as much. Aside from heat and cooling, you will save money on medication and doctor’s visits. Living in a warm and dry environment is a great defence against many illnesses that affect us today.
Protecting your loved ones
Sickness caused by mould can have a serious effect on you and your loved ones. Increased asthma attacks, coughing, sneezing, irritated eyes, nose and throat as well as allergies. There are also much larger risks to those with already compromised immune systems and those with asthma. Respiratory illness in children caused by mould is also known to potentially cause development issues. Installing roof ventilation is a great way to protect your little ones from indoor pollution.
Protecting your investment
Your home is your castle, and an expensive castle at that. Your castle is there to protect you and your family from the outside elements. The least you can do is ensure your castle isn’t attacked from within. Moisture in the roof space which is allowed to settle can easily turn into mould. Mould can rot away the timber your castle is made out of, and if allowed to spread – it will affect other areas of your castle, not just the roof. Mould can cause potentially very costly repairs, so make sure it can’t take hold in the first place.
Think you may be interested in roof ventilation for your home? Contact us to find out more or speak to one of our friendly consultants.
https://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/zephyr-ventilation-thumb.jpg500500wsadminhttps://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/zephyr.jpgwsadmin2018-01-29 03:45:542018-01-29 04:04:02Top 5 Reasons to Consider Roof Ventilation for Your Home
Everyone wants to live a healthy happy life. But what if the air you are breathing inside your home could be harming you and your family in various ways. Nothing in this world is more important than the air you breathe, so you should make it your new year’s resolution for 2018 to improve the air quality in your home. Here are some tips to help with your planning.
What’s your indoor air quality like?
Not many of us stop to think about the pollution INSIDE our homes – the air that is circulating within our home on a daily basis . We all know that traffic and industry cause pollution in the air outside, but what is happening inside? Air in a poorly ventilated home can be just as polluted if not more than the air outside. When indoor air quality is poor, it is simply not as clean, fresh and pure as it should be.
What are the main causes of poor indoor air quality?
The air quality inside a building is affected by various factors. Pollution from the outdoors coming in through windows and doors is one factor, especially in cities and densely populated areas. Though other factors that affect our indoor air quality are:
Gases are given off by heating and cooking appliances
Volatile organic compounds from cleaning products, paints and plastics
Smoke and other airborne particulates
Allergens such as mould and dust all contribute to bad indoor air quality
Radon gases from underground can also penetrate into your home and reduce air quality if you live in an area where these naturally occurring gases are more highly concentrated
Bad indoor air quality will be worsened in a situation where there is little or no natural air flow within the home, which can lead to condensation build up, damp and mould.
What problems can poor indoor air quality cause in your home?
As time goes by lack of airflow and poor quality air can begin to damage the structure of your home and its fittings and fixtures. If stagnant air sits around your home for too long, you will come across all sorts of problems. Condensation can form in bathrooms and kitchens and can create damp problems. Mould, which is a serious allergen, will grow and flourish. Even in houses that do not suffer from damp, bad air quality can still cause issues. Carpets, wallpaper, curtains and soft furnishings can all become permeated with nasty, musty smells that can be hard to remove. Eventually poor air quality can damage the interior of your home and change the way it looks and smells long term. If you do find you have a mould problem our sister company Mould Pro would be happy to help you out.
How is poor indoor air quality damaging our health?
Poor indoor air quality can cause chronic health problems. The lungs and heart are the main organs affected. Scientific studies have shown the link between bad indoor air pollution and health issues. Cooking can emit nitrogen dioxide which can cause a range of breathing issues. Whilst VOCs can cause a decrease in lung function setting off asthma, wheezing and an increased risk to your heart and whole respiratory system. Nasal irritation is very common as well as dry mouth, a constricted throat and scratchy sore eyes.
How to improve the air quality in your home
The good news is it is easy to improve on the air quality within your home. The most simplest way is to improve on your home ventilation and improving air flow rates in your house, as this will improve air quality as a start. Sophisticated technology in ventilation systems will constantly monitor the humidity levels and flow rates of the air in your home, so the system always works efficiently and effectively. Heat Recovery ventilation solutions will not only help you improve indoor air quality but also help you save money on electricity. Here at Zephyr Ventilation we can advise you on the right type of ventilation system needed for your home.
A good ventilation system is the first step towards better air quality. You can then further enhance your living space and improve air quality further by taking the following measures:
Introduce living plants which are natural air purifiers
Remove carpets and have natural, hard flooring instead
Use only natural household cleaning products
Use paints and other decorating materials that are low in VOCs
Reduce the amount of plastic and the number of new items coming into your home
Live a more sustainable and natural way of life.
You can now plan some positive steps to improve the air quality in your home – make a new year’s resolution to breathe easier and enjoy the benefits of cleaner, fresher air and a healthier home for you and your family.
https://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/zephyr-ventilation.png500500wsadminhttps://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/zephyr.jpgwsadmin2017-12-08 01:03:072017-12-12 01:20:30Your new year’s resolution - Improving the air quality within your home
Mould is a frequent household issue. Condensation can arise from water leaks, moisture in the air and poor ventilation. Showering, cleaning, cooking and even fish tanks can contribute to moisture in the air, which then cause a buildup of condensation and then finally mould.
When mould grows in your home it releases spores within the air where we can easily breathe them in. Mould can cause nasty allergies and even respiratory problems. So we advise that you keep a lookout for any potential mould causing problems and keep your home well ventilated. Prevention is better than cure, as once mould starts to grow it is a little more tricky to get rid of as it spreads and multiplies.
What kinds of mould are there?
There are various kinds of mould that grow in a real mix of colours such as green, black, white, orange and blue. Some kinds of mould are more toxic than others, and one particular type of mould can grow in an assortment of colours, depending on their environment. Sometimes it’s difficult to identify exactly what type of mould is growing in your home yourself. Sometimes it’s best to get in a professional to take a look and remedy the problem before it spreads and most importantly for the health of your family. The most common types of mould that grow in the home are the black and green varieties.
Green mould
Green mould typically belongs to the aspergillus, Cladosporium or Penicillium families, and can often be found growing on walls, in cupboards, carpets, rugs, couches and on damp fabrics and mattresses.
Penicillium can cause sinus infections and inflammation of the lungs, whereas other strains of green mould can cause bronchitis and even pneumonia.
Black Mould
Mould of all types can be harmful to our health and black moulds are the most frequent in the home and often come from the same strain as green mould. General black mould is easily treated without too much concern.
‘Toxic black mould’ or ‘stachybotrys’ is a different type of black mould which CAN have much more serious effects on your health. More on that below.
Toxic black mould
Stachybotrys, or toxic black mould, is harmful to the home because it produces mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are invisible to the human eye but can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion and even through the eyes. These mycotoxins are very dangerous and can cause problems with the reproductive system, vision, skin, the circulatory and respiratory systems and can even have psychological and neurological effects.
If you are experiencing worrying symptoms and cannot identify the cause, it is important to check your house for signs of black mould.
How do I know if I have toxic black mould?
Toxic black mould and less harmful black mould look very similar, so sometimes it is best to get in a professional to diagnose the problem. Toxic black mould tends to be a greenish-black and is often slimy, however, it can also become dry and powdery over time.
It requires more moisture to grow than other strains of mould and is often found in and around particularly damp areas and is a particular problem in areas which have sprung leaks that are hidden from view, such as inside walls or in floors and ceilings. Bowed walls and peeling patches of paint are key things to look out for, as they are indicators of hidden dampness.
How can I treat toxic mould?
If you have a household issue with toxic mould, then you need to seek professional treatment in order to ensure that your home is a safe environment for you and your family. If you find a colony of toxic mould, it is very important that you do not disturb it. Touching or moving the mould can cause an enormous amount of harmful spores to be released into the air causing harmful effects to your family’s health.
Prevention by ventilation and other methods
Once you have had your mould treated, it is important to integrate some changes to the way your home is ventilated, in order to prevent further mould growth.
At Zephyr Ventilation, we have a variety of solutions that can help to keep your home well-ventilated and mould free.
In addition to ventilation and heat retention solutions, it is also vital to ensure that your home is well looked after in other ways, in order to prevent excess dampness in the air.
Always ensure that you dry wet areas immediately. Dry up any liquid spills and ensure you dry floors and walls after you have a bath or shower. If possible, dry wet clothes outside or in a dryer that is ventilated to the outside of your house, as the moisture from your clothes travels straight into the air.
Although indoor plants improve the air quality of your home, moist soil and leaves also provide the perfect breeding ground for mould. Make sure you clean and move your plants around regularly, while keeping them in a well ventilated area in order to prevent the build-up of mould.
Leaks within your home are often caused by broken gutters or downpipes. Ensure you have the exterior of your house inspected regularly, in order to prevent a simply cracked downpipe or piece of guttering from becoming a larger and more expensive problem.
Finally, it is important to let air circulate through your home. Keep internal doors open as much as possible and move the furniture away from walls. Open windows on dry days to let fresh air blow into your home, which will reduce moisture and therefore help to prevent mould.
If you do suspect you have a mould problem, check out our sister company www.mouldpro.com.au for services and advice. Though we do always say prevention is better than cure, and often less expensive – so give us a call at Zephyr Ventilation to see how we can help with mould prevention in your home.
https://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/zephyr.jpg00Zephyr Ventilationhttps://www.zephyrventilation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/zephyr.jpgZephyr Ventilation2017-11-24 01:21:042017-11-24 04:53:30How to identify and prevent mould in your home
1300 665 280
The importance of efficient ventilation in your office
/in Blog /by wsadminDid you know that air pollution isn’t limited to busy streets in towns and cities? Not many of us stop to think about the pollution INSIDE our offices – the air that is circulating around us on a daily basis. We all know that traffic and industry cause pollution in the air outside, but what is happening inside? It is becoming a bigger problem inside our work environment, with indoor air up to 50% more polluted than outdoor air. Air in a poorly ventilated office can be just as polluted if not more than the air outside. When indoor air quality is poor, it is simply not as clean, fresh and pure as it should be.
Due to improved build quality of newer buildings, indoor air pollution in offices can be especially prevalent as there are less opportunities for pollutants to escape. Better insulation trapping pollutants that are created through everyday tasks in the office environment causes them to build up over time and affect the overall health of everyone who is working in proximity.
If stagnant air sits around your home for too long, you will come across all sorts of problems. Condensation can form in moist areas like the office bathrooms and kitchens and can create damp problems. Mould, which is a serious allergen, will grow and flourish. Even in building that has not previously suffered from damp, bad air quality can still cause issues. Any soft furnishings within the office can all become permeated with nasty, musty smells that can be hard to remove. Eventually poor air quality can damage the interior of your office and change the way it looks and smells long term. If you do find one day that you have a mould problem in your office, our sister company Mould Pro would be happy to assist.
Poor indoor air quality in the workplace can cause chronic health problems for you and your staff and will have a negative effect on working practices. The most common side effects of poor indoor air quality are worsened concentration and productivity levels and increased fatigue. You must wonder how many work days have been lost through sickness as a result of poor quality air!
The lungs and heart are the main organs affected. Scientific studies have shown the link between bad indoor air pollution and health issues. Nasal irritation is very common as well as dry mouth, a constricted throat and scratchy sore eyes.
Indoor air pollution is linked to causing and worsening existing conditions, including:
Sometimes just opening a window can do more harm than good as there is the risk of exposing those inside to harmful pollutants from outside such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter. These pollutants are typically created by traffic, so in many instances opening a window may not actually be an option. By opening a window there will also be an increase the amount of noise entering the workplace, further reducing the concentration levels of those working inside. Therefore suitable ventilation in place in the office should be introduced to quickly and effectively remove harmful pollutants. Reducing the level of air pollution within your office will help to improve the health, well-being and productivity and concentration levels of those working within the office.
The good news is it is easy to improve on the air quality within your office. New technology in ventilation systems will constantly monitor the humidity levels and flow rates of the air in your office, so that the system always works efficiently and effectively. Heat Recovery ventilation solutions will not only help you improve indoor air quality but also help you save money on electricity. Here at Zephyr Ventilation we are ventilation system specialists and we can advise you on the right type of ventilation system needed for your office.
A good ventilation system is the first step towards better air quality in your workplace. You can then further enhance your office space and improve air quality further by taking the following measures:
If you are looking to improve the air quality in your office environment for the health and wellbeing of you and your staff, give us a call to discuss the best option for cleaner air today.
Top 5 Reasons to Consider Roof Ventilation for Your Home
/in Blog /by wsadminHaving a comfortable home in all seasons can be a real challenge. Particularly in Australia, where scorching summers and chilly winters can cause moisture build up and mould growth, affecting not just you and your family – but the material your home is built from. With that in mind, let’s check out the top 5 reasons to consider roof ventilation for your home.
It’s your home, not an oven
We all know the feeling. It feels like you have opened the oven door and stepped inside like a Sunday roast. But it doesn’t have to be like that. The sun has been heating up your roof space all day. Removing the heat from the roof cavity through roof ventilation is the best way to stop the heat in your roof space from migrating into your living areas. It also stops the heat migrating into your bedroom, which means a better night sleep and more energy to enjoy tomorrow.
Remove the moisture which causes the dreaded mould
Mould. Yuck! It’s a horrible, unsightly, dangerous guest. Kick it out! Mould in your home is caused when moisture in the air is allowed to settle. If you can’t picture it, think about how mouldy your bathroom would be without the extractor fan. Having roof ventilation prevents the moisture in your roof space from settling, taking away the conditions necessary for mould to grow. Problem solved! If mould is already a problem for you, get rid of it before you install your roof ventilation. Check out www.mouldpro.com.au, they will be more than happy to assist you.
Keeping costs down
Installing roof ventilation ensures your living areas are less affected by the temperature in your roof space. This means less work for air conditioners and fans in the summer, which means lower power bills for you! Awesome! It also means less work for heaters in the winter. Roof ventilation systems help with keeping your house dry which means you don’t feel the cold as much. Aside from heat and cooling, you will save money on medication and doctor’s visits. Living in a warm and dry environment is a great defence against many illnesses that affect us today.
Protecting your loved ones
Sickness caused by mould can have a serious effect on you and your loved ones. Increased asthma attacks, coughing, sneezing, irritated eyes, nose and throat as well as allergies. There are also much larger risks to those with already compromised immune systems and those with asthma. Respiratory illness in children caused by mould is also known to potentially cause development issues. Installing roof ventilation is a great way to protect your little ones from indoor pollution.
Protecting your investment
Your home is your castle, and an expensive castle at that. Your castle is there to protect you and your family from the outside elements. The least you can do is ensure your castle isn’t attacked from within. Moisture in the roof space which is allowed to settle can easily turn into mould. Mould can rot away the timber your castle is made out of, and if allowed to spread – it will affect other areas of your castle, not just the roof. Mould can cause potentially very costly repairs, so make sure it can’t take hold in the first place.
Think you may be interested in roof ventilation for your home? Contact us to find out more or speak to one of our friendly consultants.
Your new year’s resolution – Improving the air quality within your home
/in Blog /by wsadminWhat’s your indoor air quality like?
Not many of us stop to think about the pollution INSIDE our homes – the air that is circulating within our home on a daily basis . We all know that traffic and industry cause pollution in the air outside, but what is happening inside? Air in a poorly ventilated home can be just as polluted if not more than the air outside. When indoor air quality is poor, it is simply not as clean, fresh and pure as it should be.
What are the main causes of poor indoor air quality?
The air quality inside a building is affected by various factors. Pollution from the outdoors coming in through windows and doors is one factor, especially in cities and densely populated areas. Though other factors that affect our indoor air quality are:
What problems can poor indoor air quality cause in your home?
As time goes by lack of airflow and poor quality air can begin to damage the structure of your home and its fittings and fixtures. If stagnant air sits around your home for too long, you will come across all sorts of problems. Condensation can form in bathrooms and kitchens and can create damp problems. Mould, which is a serious allergen, will grow and flourish. Even in houses that do not suffer from damp, bad air quality can still cause issues. Carpets, wallpaper, curtains and soft furnishings can all become permeated with nasty, musty smells that can be hard to remove. Eventually poor air quality can damage the interior of your home and change the way it looks and smells long term. If you do find you have a mould problem our sister company Mould Pro would be happy to help you out.
How is poor indoor air quality damaging our health?
Poor indoor air quality can cause chronic health problems. The lungs and heart are the main organs affected. Scientific studies have shown the link between bad indoor air pollution and health issues. Cooking can emit nitrogen dioxide which can cause a range of breathing issues. Whilst VOCs can cause a decrease in lung function setting off asthma, wheezing and an increased risk to your heart and whole respiratory system. Nasal irritation is very common as well as dry mouth, a constricted throat and scratchy sore eyes.
How to improve the air quality in your home
The good news is it is easy to improve on the air quality within your home. The most simplest way is to improve on your home ventilation and improving air flow rates in your house, as this will improve air quality as a start. Sophisticated technology in ventilation systems will constantly monitor the humidity levels and flow rates of the air in your home, so the system always works efficiently and effectively. Heat Recovery ventilation solutions will not only help you improve indoor air quality but also help you save money on electricity. Here at Zephyr Ventilation we can advise you on the right type of ventilation system needed for your home.
A good ventilation system is the first step towards better air quality. You can then further enhance your living space and improve air quality further by taking the following measures:
You can now plan some positive steps to improve the air quality in your home – make a new year’s resolution to breathe easier and enjoy the benefits of cleaner, fresher air and a healthier home for you and your family.
How to identify and prevent mould in your home
/in Blog /by Zephyr VentilationMould is a frequent household issue. Condensation can arise from water leaks, moisture in the air and poor ventilation. Showering, cleaning, cooking and even fish tanks can contribute to moisture in the air, which then cause a buildup of condensation and then finally mould.
When mould grows in your home it releases spores within the air where we can easily breathe them in. Mould can cause nasty allergies and even respiratory problems. So we advise that you keep a lookout for any potential mould causing problems and keep your home well ventilated. Prevention is better than cure, as once mould starts to grow it is a little more tricky to get rid of as it spreads and multiplies.
What kinds of mould are there?
There are various kinds of mould that grow in a real mix of colours such as green, black, white, orange and blue. Some kinds of mould are more toxic than others, and one particular type of mould can grow in an assortment of colours, depending on their environment. Sometimes it’s difficult to identify exactly what type of mould is growing in your home yourself. Sometimes it’s best to get in a professional to take a look and remedy the problem before it spreads and most importantly for the health of your family. The most common types of mould that grow in the home are the black and green varieties.
Green mould
Green mould typically belongs to the aspergillus, Cladosporium or Penicillium families, and can often be found growing on walls, in cupboards, carpets, rugs, couches and on damp fabrics and mattresses.
Penicillium can cause sinus infections and inflammation of the lungs, whereas other strains of green mould can cause bronchitis and even pneumonia.
Black Mould
Mould of all types can be harmful to our health and black moulds are the most frequent in the home and often come from the same strain as green mould. General black mould is easily treated without too much concern.
‘Toxic black mould’ or ‘stachybotrys’ is a different type of black mould which CAN have much more serious effects on your health. More on that below.
Toxic black mould
Stachybotrys, or toxic black mould, is harmful to the home because it produces mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are invisible to the human eye but can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion and even through the eyes. These mycotoxins are very dangerous and can cause problems with the reproductive system, vision, skin, the circulatory and respiratory systems and can even have psychological and neurological effects.
If you are experiencing worrying symptoms and cannot identify the cause, it is important to check your house for signs of black mould.
How do I know if I have toxic black mould?
Toxic black mould and less harmful black mould look very similar, so sometimes it is best to get in a professional to diagnose the problem. Toxic black mould tends to be a greenish-black and is often slimy, however, it can also become dry and powdery over time.
It requires more moisture to grow than other strains of mould and is often found in and around particularly damp areas and is a particular problem in areas which have sprung leaks that are hidden from view, such as inside walls or in floors and ceilings. Bowed walls and peeling patches of paint are key things to look out for, as they are indicators of hidden dampness.
How can I treat toxic mould?
If you have a household issue with toxic mould, then you need to seek professional treatment in order to ensure that your home is a safe environment for you and your family. If you find a colony of toxic mould, it is very important that you do not disturb it. Touching or moving the mould can cause an enormous amount of harmful spores to be released into the air causing harmful effects to your family’s health.
Prevention by ventilation and other methods
Once you have had your mould treated, it is important to integrate some changes to the way your home is ventilated, in order to prevent further mould growth.
At Zephyr Ventilation, we have a variety of solutions that can help to keep your home well-ventilated and mould free.
In addition to ventilation and heat retention solutions, it is also vital to ensure that your home is well looked after in other ways, in order to prevent excess dampness in the air.
Always ensure that you dry wet areas immediately. Dry up any liquid spills and ensure you dry floors and walls after you have a bath or shower. If possible, dry wet clothes outside or in a dryer that is ventilated to the outside of your house, as the moisture from your clothes travels straight into the air.
Although indoor plants improve the air quality of your home, moist soil and leaves also provide the perfect breeding ground for mould. Make sure you clean and move your plants around regularly, while keeping them in a well ventilated area in order to prevent the build-up of mould.
Leaks within your home are often caused by broken gutters or downpipes. Ensure you have the exterior of your house inspected regularly, in order to prevent a simply cracked downpipe or piece of guttering from becoming a larger and more expensive problem.
Finally, it is important to let air circulate through your home. Keep internal doors open as much as possible and move the furniture away from walls. Open windows on dry days to let fresh air blow into your home, which will reduce moisture and therefore help to prevent mould.
If you do suspect you have a mould problem, check out our sister company www.mouldpro.com.au for services and advice. Though we do always say prevention is better than cure, and often less expensive – so give us a call at Zephyr Ventilation to see how we can help with mould prevention in your home.