What should you do if you find black mould during your refurbishment project?
Discovering black mould during a refurbishment project can be a concerning issue, as it can pose health risks and potentially damage the building’s structure. As a fitout contractor we often come across these sorts of issues, especially in older buildings.
Here’s what should happen if this is something you come across:
- First things first: CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS! A professional mould remediation company is who should be used.
- Safety first: Ensure everyone working on the project is safe from potential health risks associated with black mould exposure. They should be wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and goggles to protect yourself from spores.
- Identify the cause: Determine the source of the mould growth and identify the underlying cause, such as a leak or poor ventilation. It’s important to address the root cause of the mould growth to prevent it from recurring in the future.
- Contain the mould: Isolate the affected area to prevent the spread of mould spores to other parts of the building. Use plastic sheeting and tape to seal off the area and consider using negative air pressure to direct air out of the space.
- Remove the mould: Remove any visible mould growth and contaminated materials, such as drywall, insulation, or carpeting, and properly dispose of it. It’s essential to ensure that all the mould is removed to prevent further growth and potential health risks.
- Clean and sanitise: Once the mould has been removed, ensure the affected area is cleaned and sanitised thoroughly, using a specialised mould-killing product. It’s important to ensure that the area is completely dry and ventilated to prevent further mould growth.
- Prevent future growth: Take measures to prevent future mould growth, such as fixing any underlying issues, improving ventilation, and maintaining proper humidity levels in the building.
- Seek professional help: If the mould growth is extensive or difficult to remove, it’s best to seek the help of a to ensure the mould is properly and safely removed.
Poor ventilation tends to be one of the major causes of black mould – think about how you can better ventilate areas that have been affected.
