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How can I remove mould from my home?

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So you’ve discovered you have a mould problem in your home…. And now you’re wondering… “What’s next?” It’s definitely a smart idea to call in the professionals to deal with the issue, as you don’t want it getting out of hand and affecting the health of your family. Mould spores sprout wings and multiply – so you don’t want the problem to spread. So what usually happens when you call in a mould specialist to assess the problem?

Mould Inspection

The very first step is having a mould inspection and assessment. Mould experts will search your property for visible growth AND invisible growth. Because not all mould can be seen! Sometimes it is hidden behind walls, tiling, inside cupboards and behind furniture. A mould specialist will inspect your property for invisible mould spores and higher than usual moisture levels by using professional humidity meters. Quite often the problem with mould is lack of air ventilation, so moisture builds up until mould takes hold. Once they have thoroughly analysed your property they will determine the correct course of action needed to be taken in order to remove the mould and prevent it’s return.

Mould Correction

The next step in mould removal is to stop any direct moisture sources that may be occurring in your home – These are usually found when looking for the invisible mould sources – such as subfloor water seepage, leaking pipes – this could be behind your walls, within your ceiling, or under the floor, depending on your building structure. Leaking ceilings are another culprit, sometimes caused by leaking gutters, roof, pipes etc. Each property will need a specific course of action for their mould removal based on their situation, so the specifics of each job will be different so it’s always best to have a professional opinion.

Mould Removal

After the correct course of action has been determined for your mould removal, the process is started with a mist spray of mould removal agent. Ensure that your mould expert is using a non toxic, non hazardous, pet-friendly product. This mould removal agent is then spread across all surfaces of your home and extra scrubbing is undertaken on areas with visible mould growth. During the mould removal process air purifiers are used to capture airborne mould spores, removing them from the home environment completely, rather than just moving them around from one space to another.

Removing Excess Moisture

Sometimes moisture levels in a property can be particularly high. This could be due to flooding – either recently or even some time ago – or some other water damage that may have occurred. If this is the case mould professionals will place large dehumidifiers throughout the home to ensure that the building structures are properly dried out. They are also likely to suggest proper ventilation procedures for the home. If moisture is left in the air then mould can continue to thrive, grow again and multiply after the removal process.

Mould Prevention with Ventilation

The final step in removing mould is to ensure that mould does not return by rectifying the root cause of the mould and putting in preventative measures within the property to stop it from recurring. Each property and each case of mould problem is completely unique. At Zephyr Ventilation we can work with your mould specialist to advise you on the process that needs to be undertaken in order to achieve mould prevention now and into the future. Often the main cause of mould problems is lack of ventilation. We can advise on the correct roofing ventilation, subfloor ventilation, bathroom ventilation and more. Call us for advice today.

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What is rising damp and what are the signs of a problem?

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What is rising damp?

Rising damp occurs when excess moisture from the ground absorbs up into porous building materials such as stone, brick, earth, mortar and into the structure of the building. The moisture evaporates from either face of the wall, allowing more to be drawn from below. Rising damp is common in older buildings, but can also occur in more modern buildings if your damp-proof course has been damaged.

Though rising damp may cause unsightly aesthetic damage, it can also cause the structure of the building to be compromised and cause you bigger problems in the future. Damp walls also encourage mould growth, which can lead to health problems for occupants.

You can often identify rising damp by just looking at and touching your walls, though if you are unsure whether there is a real problem, it is best to have a water damage professional do an assessment.

What are the tell tale signs of rising damp?

There are a number of typical signs that can identify rising damp including:

TIDE MARKS AND DAMP STAINING

One of the most common signs of rising damp are tide marks left on walls. Tide marks are caused by evaporation and salts from the ground. You will usually notice them anywhere up to one metre above the skirting board.

If you do not notice tide marks, another frequent tell tale sign is damp patches or staining. usually, these damp patches are yellow to brown in colour and similar to tide marks, you will notice them again up to one metre above the skirting board.

PEELING WALLPAPER

If you’ve noticed wallpaper coming off or peeling from the wall there may be a damp issue. Usually the wallpaper will start coming loose from the skirting board first, and the corner of the wallpaper may be curved up.

DECAYED SKIRTING BOARDS

As with many forms of dampness, rising damp has the potential to cause rot within timbers it comes into contact with. Look out for skirtings that are cracked, easily crumble or localised fungus growing on or creeping out of the side. Also, look out for damaged or flaky paint.

SALTS WITHIN THE PLASTER

Fluffy deposits in the plaster are a sign of salts within the plaster. This is another sign of rising damp. These salts are washed out of your bricks and into your plaster leaving what can often look like blistering patches on your walls.

BLACK MOULD

If you start to notice black mould appearing above your skirting board it is a clear sign that there is some form of moisture issue affecting the area. This is especially true if you have no other black mould within the property and the black mould you see is localised from the skirting board to up to one metre above.

What are some other signs of rising damp?

If the above listed signs of rising damp don’t quite fit with the damp issue you’re experiencing, but you still suspect rising damp, start by running your hands around the suspected area. If you have wallpaper on your walls, you may hear a suspicious ‘crunching’ sound – this is the salts that have been drawn up from the ground. Then if possible, look at the exposed surface of the brick or stone work. Check to see if there are any salts forming and whether the brick is actually wet.

It is also important to note that rising damp only occurs on ground floor levels as it is moisture from the soil that is being drawn up the walls and therefore causing the rising damp problem.
If your damp problem is on the first floor or above, you may just simply have a condensation problem or a penetrating damp issue.

Identifying rising damp

Sometimes rising damp can be misdiagnosed. So if you are not sure and you want some expert advice, give us a call at Zephyr Ventilations. We can assess your moisture problem and give you the right specialised advice.

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How can I prevent mould growth?

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What conditions in the home are best for mould growth?

Keeping mould from growing in your home is really important for the health of you and your family. The first step in keeping mould under control in your home is discovering what areas and conditions are best for mould growth. Mould spores thrive and multiply in moist wet conditions. How does mould grow? Mould grows easily when moisture and humidity are present. Mould spores search for a damp surface in your home so that they can begin to grow and thrive.

What does mould need to Grow? Mould spores need three things in order to grow and multiply. That being nutrients, moisture and time. Mould can start to grow on a surface in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours.

How can I prevent mould growth in my house?

Mould spores are everywhere. They are carried by air currents throughout your home. They look for a moist dark environment where they settle and multiply. In order to prevent mould growth in your home is to maintain your home in order to keep out excess moisture. This includes having your roof checked regularly for leaks, have plumbing maintained and drying any spills, leaks or flooding that may occur.

It is recommended that home humidity levels are kept to to 30-50% to prevent mould growth. Mould also grows efficiently in warmer more humid climates, and blossoms at 25 to 30 °C. Condensation on or around windows can be an indication that your home’s moisture levels are too high. Two ways a homeowner can decrease the humidity in the home is by increasing ventilation and buying a dehumidifier.

To increase your home’s ventilation, be sure to use correctly vented exhaust fans while in the kitchen and bathroom, to reduce the moisture in the air. Ensure that ventilation throughout your home is adequate to keep up with moisture levels, consider sub-floor ventilation and roof ventilation as well as high quality bathroom and laundry ventilation systems. If your home is still struggling with higher than advisable humidity levels, consider buying a dehumidifier to maintain a optimum levels of humidity resistant to mould growth. Make sure you purchase a dehumidifier that will cover the square footage necessary for your building.

Flooding and other water damage

Flooding is a serious risk factor for mould growth. When excessive amounts of water enter a building and remain for a period of time, mould will begin to develop in as little as 24 hours. Therefore prompt action is needed in the event of a flood to prevent or reduce mould damage in your home.

You may wish to hire a professional to restore your home after a flood. This is a very good option because a professional water damage specialist has the credentials and equipment to deal with flood and water damage in a home most flood damage specialists will even deal with your insurance for you.

Where does mould grow best?

The kitchen and bathroom are often places in your home that mould likes to grow. The humidity from baths, showers, cooking, and washing dishes is often higher in these rooms. Kitchens and bathrooms usually have more plumbing than other areas of your home which could develop leaks within the walls. If you have a roof leak, the ceiling could be harbouring mould. It is important to check for leaks in these areas, monitor the humidity, set up proper ventilation and dry up any condensation that develops. Be sure to also check for mould in air conditioning and heating ducts, washing machines, dishwashers, and in the shower and bathtub.

Preventing mould Indoors

Prevention is better than cure and it It is always better to take action to prevent mould through keeping your home in the right conditions rather than dealing with an expensive and unhealthy mould issue in the future. The right ventilation systems and performing routine maintenance can save a lot of money by avoiding mould contamination in the long run. The following six steps will significantly reduce your risk of mould or other issues in the home.

  • Monitor indoor humidity
  • Clean and repair roof gutters
  • Dry wet materials quickly
  • Fix leaks
  • Increase ventilation
  • Have your roof checked regularly

So, how do we prevent mould growing in our house? The key is to reduce the conditions that are best for mould growth. What does mould need to grow? Nutrients, moisture, and time If you control the moisture, clean up and dry water damage, and reduce the time water or moisture is allowed to remain (within 24 hours), mould will have less of a chance to take up residence in your home.

Give us a call at Zephyr Ventilations. We can advise on the best solutions for ventilation for your home to prevent mould issues. If you feel you may already have a mould issue our sister company www.mouldpro.com.au will be able to assist you with mould removal services.

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What to do after your home has been water damaged by flooding

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There are many reasons a home can be flooded – flash flooding from a blocked street drain, heavy rain, river banks bursting due to king tides, plumbing mishaps and damaged pipes that fail. All of which can cause mild to severe water damage in your home.

Is my home safe to enter after a flood?

When a house is flooded it can cause major problems for the structure of your home, your belongings and health of your family environment. As flood water can contain mud, wildlife, rubbish and other contaminants. Cleaning up is a long process and much will need to be sanitised and or discarded. A severe flood may even damage ducts, air conditioning units, the roofing and sometimes even the foundation.

The first thing after a flood is to call your insurance company. If you are covered for flooding they will advise on what they need from you in regards to making your claims. Secondly it is best to get your home checked over by a water damage expert to ensure that it is safe to enter structurally. Depending on the severity of the flooding, major damage can occur to buildings during a flood.

The big cleanout begins

After you have been given the all clear to enter your home you will need to start the big cleanout. The first step is to shovel out all the mud, and wash away from hard surfaces. Most furniture will also need to be moved out of the home. Mattresses should always be disposed of, as well as any soft toys and decor that can’t be machine washed, and upholstered furniture should only be cleaned by a professional if not, they may be too contaminated to be salvaged.

Photographs, books and any important paperwork can be popped into a snaplock bag, frozen and cleaned later on. They will need to dry slowly and carefully, while sometimes need professional cleaning and restoration services.

Clothing, toys, bedding and soft furnishings should all be washed on hot cycles to kill any germs. All kitchenware and harder toys should be disinfected. Cupboards and counters in the kitchen need to be cleaned the same way before kitchenware can be stored again. In fact all surfaces within your home should be cleaned with hot water and heavy duty cleaner.

Mould after a flood

Sometimes after flood waters recede there has already been a significant amount of time for mould and mildew to develop in your home. If you see the tell tale signs of mould, it is best to leave it to a professional to assess the situation. Mould spores spread and scatter so easily within a house, and breathing them in can be harmful to your health. If you do need to keep working on cleaning out your home in the interim, be sure to wear a two-strap protective mask to prevent breathing in the mould spores, and do not do anything that may cause the mould to spread further.

Ceilings and walls after flooding

Sometimes walls will need to be remediated professionally or fully replaced. It depends on the severity and depth of the flood waters and their contaminants. Once again it is best to have your building fully assessed by a flood damage expert to see what needs to be done. Sometimes if flood depths are high enough even roof insulation will need to be replaced. Sometimes it can be salvaged, depending on it’s type and the damage that has occurred. Plaster and paneling can often be saved, but air must be circulated in the wall cavities to dry the studs and sills.

Electrical and appliances in the flooded home

All electricals must be switched off and inspected by an electrician before they can be turned back on. The wiring must be completely dried out, even behind the walls. Mud can be widespread and possibly may have contaminated electrical components.

Appliances may obtain stains, odors, silt deposits, and gritty deposits and will need to be serviced, cleaned and sanitised. Running equipment before it is properly cleaned could seriously damage it and/or shock you. Professional cleaning and servicing is recommended for electronics, TVs and radios, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. The hard exterior can be hand cleaned. All metallic appliances that have been flooded should be properly grounded to prevent electric shock.

Flooded flooring

All carpets must be removed so that a water damage expert can inspect the subflooring and commence professional floor drying services as soon as possible.

Wooden floors should be dried gradually. Sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting. Wood fly drying specialists can advise on the correct procedures and timeframes.

How ventilation systems can help

After a home has been flooded it is extremely important first of all that a structural drying service has been commenced. There will always be an excess of build up in moisture and risk of mould unless you get a specialist in to set up effective ventilation within your home. Roof ventilation will help with completely drying out the roof cavity and ceiling while sub-floor ventilation will ensure that underneath your floors get the drying they need to combat water damage.

Zephyr have a team of ventilation specialists who can visit your home and provide professional advice on the best ventilation system for your type of property. Give us a call and one of our staff will assist you with your questions on water damage today.

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Mould-proofing Your Home

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Autumn is generally a fairly wet season and a prime time for mould spores to spread their wings and multiply. Mould is not only unsightly and smells awful, it also has negative impacts on our health and wellbeing.

So how can you go about mould-proofing your home?

Identify any potential problematic ‘zones’

Do you notice any condensation on your windows or blinds in the morning when you get up? Do you wipe it down to dry it? Blinds, curtains and shutters are often hotspots for mould growth as that is where a lot of night time condensation gathers.

Have you noticed any overhead dripping pipes outside? Sometimes these dripping pipes can cause issues with moisture build-up that can go on to cause ‘rising damp’ that can go unnoticed until it is a big problem. It is best to check the reason why these pipes are dripping, and lead them away from your building and to a drainage area.

What about your laundry? Is the dryer correctly connected to an outdoor vent? Or are you drying your clothes is a hot steamy laundry that is the perfect breeding ground for mould growth. How are the extraction fans in your bathrooms? Are they strong enough to remove steam and condensation from your showers?

Are there any drainage problems you have noticed around your property after heavy downpours? Water pooling in areas up against your building is not a good sign.

Any and all of these can lead to damp and, ultimately, mould. Take care to address such issues with effective moisture control at your earliest convenience.

Clean and inspect your roof gutters

Always clean out your gutters regularly, and if you are unable to do this yourself, have a professional do it for you. During your clean out you can see if there are any cracked and damaged guttering that may need replacing. Having a professional do this at the time can also mean they may be able to repair or replace cracked or damaged guttering at the same time as the cleaning is being done. Cracked and damaged roof gutters can allow moisture to seep through to areas where it shouldn’t be, allowing the build up of damp and eventually mould.

Keeping your roof gutters cleaned, and in good condition on a regular basis is one of the most effective moisture control techniques. Not only does it help with moisture in your roof cavity, but also leaking gutters can cause damp build up in areas of your property that would not normally happen if gutters were maintained correctly.

Have your roof inspected on a regular basis

Having your roof professionally inspected on a regular basis will ensure that any potential leak hazards can be found and rectified. It could be anything from cracked and damaged tiles to old or incorrectly installed skylights that can lead to roof leaks. Having a regular inspection will allow the professional to discover any potential leaks that can be repaired so as to prevent any future risk of damp and mould growth.

Roof tiles can break easily when they’re stepped on, so it’s important to take care if accessing your roof. Tiles can also become broken or cracked by branches dropping onto them, and even from children throwing items onto the roof, such as heavy balls and cricket bats. Skylights can also problematic for leaks. It’s possible for installation to be performed incorrectly, leaving gaps where water can get through. They can also become cracked and damaged by hailstones and branches. The usual wear and tear is also a factor, with older skylights developing more leaks.

For roofs that are constructed from a metal material such as steel or tin, it’s important to watch for the signs of rusting, as severe rust can lead to holes developing. Identifying rust early and taking steps to repair any damage can help prevent any extensive problems leading to leakage. Chimneys are another common cause of roof leaks, with inadequately waterproofed chimneys often being the complication.

Good Ventilation in your property can be the key

When cooking always use your range hood fan so that the steam escapes. Have your clothes dryer connected to an outdoor vent so that the moisture escapes outside rather than steaming up your laundry. If you are unable to do this, open up a window, or add a screen door to your laundry for ventilation. When you can, open up your bathroom windows after showers so that the bathroom can completely dry out.

Airing out bedrooms in the mornings is also a great move to stave off damp and combat mould growth.

BUT if you really want to look at some effective ventilation systems to ensure that mould stays out of your home – We can advise on roof ventilation, underfloor ventilation, bathroom ventilation and much more.

Zephyr are specialists in ventilation, give us a call today to see how we can help prevent mould in your home today.

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The importance of efficient ventilation in your office

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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.

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Top 5 Reasons to Consider Roof Ventilation for Your Home

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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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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Your new year’s resolution – Improving the air quality within your home

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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.

How to identify and prevent mould in your home

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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.