Damp Mould

Damp mould is normally indicative of condensation damp and will appear on damp walls. The resultant blackspot penicillium damp mould is normally found in areas of high humidity like:

• Bathrooms
• Bedrooms
• Kitchens

When damp mould occurs in damp cellars, a full damp tanking basement waterproofing system would be recommended – please visit our sister website www.newton-membranes.co.uk for further information

When it occurs on wall or decorative surfaces this type of damp mould can be persistent and hard to entirely remove particularly as the spores can manifest themselves in wall plaster and brickwork so that even thorough scrubbing the damp mould using a strong bleach can become a futile exercise.

Dampness in the walls often exacerbates problems with penetrating damp, condensation damp and damp mould because it makes the walls colder and this means that condensation forms much more readily. When dealing with condensation and the damp mould associated with it, it is important to provide increased and regular air change in the affected area by providing better ventilation through natural or mechanical means. This should be coupled with a constant even if only moderate temperature is possible.

Every attempt should also be made to warm up the area and in particular the external and/or damp walls as part of any remedial solutions.

You could reduce chances of damp mould in the home by:

• Closing kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam going into colder rooms
• Open windows to allow a change of air into the home
• Ensure that air vents aren’t blocked to allow air to circulate
• Makes sure that heaters aren’t used to dry clothes regularly
• Ensure that tumble driers are vented in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions

John Newton & Company supply a range of damp proofing membranes which can be applied to walls affected by condensation, staining and damp mould.

Newton Damp Proof Membranes can be applied directly to walls affected by damp mould. Our range of damp proof membranes are moulded into a stud formation which creates an air gap behind the system. The impervious nature of the damp proof membrane coupled with the stud profile means that when the membrane has been applied to the wall surface,  damp mould spores caused by the condensation damp can no longer affect new finishes which would be applied to the Newton Damp Proof Membrane. Similarly, any dampness in the structure will be prevented from affecting the wall finishes.

The air gap provided by the studs of the membrane acts as a natural insulator, meaning that when applied the membrane serves to gently warm up the surface of the wall and the thermal qualities can help to reduce levels of damp mould.

Suggested Links:

Solutions – Rising Damp Treatment
Solutions – Penetrating Damp
Solutions – Condensation Damp
Case Studies
Products – Damp Proof Membranes
Free Treating Damp Guide