Many parts of Australia have experienced some unprecedented and devastating weather events over the last year, and undoubtedly many of our members are dealing with the subsequent mould issues arising from them. Most of us would be pretty well aware that mould thrives off moisture and can only exist in its presence. However, what do we do when moisture is everywhere and traditional methods of mould control, including opening a few windows and giving walls a yearly wipe down with a bleach-based product, don't seem to be cutting it?
I'm keen to hear what tactics we are all employing to combat mould in our homes. How are we preventing it, removing it and, in many cases, trying to stave off a full-blown outbreak? Hopefully, we can share some helpful tips and assist each other with some methods we've found effective.
To kick off the conversation, I'll start with my home. We've always had mould and damp issues, which have been controllable in the past by using a small amount of clove oil mixed with water in a spray bottle and cleaning the walls with it. Up until now, that method has been effective in killing off mould spores. However, the real problems began last summer with the unusually high rainfall in NSW and Queensland. Since then, the house's foundations have been sodden despite having adequate ventilation. The underfloor structure is damp and, in some areas, dripping with water. All walls and ceilings are affected by visual mould.
I am currently cleaning all surfaces with a pre-paint mould killer and then re-coating all walls and ceilings with a semi-gloss paint instead of the traditional low-sheen. My thoughts are that the semi-gloss should be easier to keep clean, and the less porous surface should help prevent mould from taking hold. I've also mixed a mould preventative additive into the paint to inhibit new mould growth. We're being more proactive in ventilating the house, and I've noticed a significant decrease in condensation on the interior of the windows in the mornings.
The immediate mould issues within the home have been somewhat addressed. However, the damp problem continues. I'll now be concentrating my efforts on trying to dry out under the house. I think ducting in fresh air could help dry out the sub-floor, as the copious amounts of static brick vents don't seem to be cutting it. Though, given that the soil is saturated with water, I can't see any amount of fresh air resolving that issue entirely. I don't believe this is necessarily a drainage issue either. It's not pooling water, just damp soil. Apart from the issues under the house, I believe more eave vents and a couple of roof vents wouldn't go astray as they'd help dry out the overall structure.
I'm keen to hear about the issues other members are experiencing, if for no other reason than a bit of moral support. I trust there is a wealth of knowledge and helpful tips out there, and I can't wait to read what methods our community members have found effective.
Mitchell
