Mould is a common issue for many Brisbane properties, and we’re often asked how to identify common types of mould and ceiling stains, and how to remedy ceiling and wall mould in your property.
We’ll begin by discussing the most common ceiling issues that cause mould to grow – liquid moisture and humidity.
Liquid Moisture
Direct water exposure can cause damage to a ceiling, whether from roof and gutter overflow, or plumbing failures. Mould forms because of water dampness, leak damage, or even a flooding event.
Humidity
Brisbane residents are very familiar with dealing with the humidity of hot and muggy Brisbane summers! Humidity, or the amount of water vapor in the air, is not only uncomfortable for people, but can be damaging for ceilings and walls. When moisture laden air interacts with a cool ceiling, condensation forms, which can lead to mould growth.
What is mould growth?
Mould growth is the process by which mould, a type of fungus, reproduces and spreads in moist areas due to excess moisture and poor ventilation. Mould reproduces by producing microscopic spores that float in the air and settle on surfaces. If the surface is damp and has the right nutrients and environment, the spores can grow into mould.
Why mould is harmful to humans
Mould can be harmful to humans, especially those who are sensitive to it. Mould can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions. Mould reaction symptoms can include things like eye infections, rashes, fever, nausea, fatigue, lung infections, and can even be fatal in extreme circumstances.
Is it mould or is it ghosting?
How to Identify Mould
Mould growth on a ceiling or wall is typically black. As it’s a fungal growth, if you examine it closely you may see fungal structure filaments, which are long and thread-like. It often has a musty or sour odour and appears as dark coloured stains. Mould growth requires a humid environment; if you’ve had recent leaks, flooding, or persistent moisture issues, it’s more likely to be mould.
How to identify ghosting
Whilst you might think that mould looks obvious, there is another issue that can be mistaken for mould growth, called ‘ghosting’. Ghosting results from soot and dust particles sticking to a ceiling. It occurs as a result of poor ventilation, improper insulation, humidity, and damage from indoor pollutants such as smoking, burning incense, oils or candles. Sometimes cooking can even release particles that contribute to ghosting. These pollutants can cause a permanent stain, often appearing in a straight line. Whilst ghosting is not harmful, it’s a nuisance and requires some serious cleaning effort to remove the marks.
Cigarette smoke can also cause ceiling staining similar to ghosting. The cigarette soot attaches to cold spots on the ceiling and is notoriously difficult to clean. Often the only recourse is to repaint.
How to identify the cause of mould growth
Roof leaks
To identify mould caused by roof leaks, look for staining that is following a circular pattern, mould that is confined to one room or area, and discolouration is likely to be a yellowy brown.
If your roof/ceiling has experienced a leak, there is likely to be more mould growth on the backside of the ceiling (i.e. the side you can’t see) where it’s come into contact with water. The only way to confirm this is to inspect the space above your ceiling.
Humidity
Mould caused by humidity is more likely to occur around the outside (perimeter) of a room, especially poorly insulated rooms.
In contrast to mould caused by roof leaks, if humidity is causing mould growth, the extent of the mould growth will be visible from the interior of your house; if you can’t see mould on your ceiling, there won’t be mould growth on the backside of your ceiling.
Should I test for mould?
If you suspect mould growth (either as a result of humidity, a water leak, or the development of mould reaction symptoms) but can’t see any visible mould, it may be worth conducting mould testing. Mould test kits are available for purchase in Australia from some pharmacies and can also be ordered from specialist mould testing companies.
How to clean mould
Mould can be removed from a ceiling or walls by scrubbing and cleaning thoroughly with household bleach or cleaning vinegar. Vinegar is a better option as it is more effective at killing the mould at the root, meaning it’s less likely to return. It’s also less toxic, making it a safer household cleaning product. Vinegar can be left on mould overnight for a thorough clean.
Once you are confident that you have rid your walls and ceilings of mould, you can safely paint over the area if desired. DO NOT paint over mould, as it will only grow underneath the paint.
When to call in a professional roofer to treat the causes of mould
If you have safely cleaned mould from your house and are confident that there are no ongoing issues such as water leaks or poor insulation or ventilation, no further action may be required.
However, if your mould is due to roof structural issues that are causing water leaks or persistent moisture issues, you may require an expert Brisbane roofer such as Gutter and Roof Repairs to assess the extent of the damage, then provide advice as to whether roofs repairs or even a roof replacement is required.
In extreme circumstances, your roofer may advise you to obtain the services of a professional mould remediation company, to ensure extensive amounts of mould are removed safely from your home. This ensures that mould spores are not introduced into the inside air, which would greatly increase the risk of exposure to mould and mould-related health issues.
For expert advice and a fast quote for roof leaks and damage that may be contributing to mould growth in your property, contact Gutter and Roof Repairs today.