Archive for the ‘Mould Removal Specialist’ Category

What Causes Rising Damp?

Posted on: March 1st, 2020 by Jane F

Damp comes in many different forms but out of them all rising damp can be considered as the most disturbing. Just so you know, rising damp is a major problem not only in the UK but also in the whole world. This is among the primary reasons why building materials like concrete, bricks, and stone end up decaying. Even during the initial phase, rising damp can cause damages on external finishes and produce unpleasant odours. But, what is rising damp in the first place? What causes this worldwide phenomenon?

Rising Damp – A Quick Definition

Rising damp refers to slow movement of water that starts from the walls’ bottom portion to the higher portion. This concern is common not only in older buildings but also in new houses with flaws in construction. 

This takes place once the moisture coming from the ground rises up to the gaps in between bricks and through the tiny cracks in the masonry work. This can also be because of the water’s adhesive property that lets it move upwards while pulling other droplets with it. This process is what you call capillary action. 

Once moisture deposits in a building’s walls, this can result to significant damage to its overall appearance after some time. This is why it is important that you detect what causes rising damp to prevent further damages. 

Rising Damp and Its Causes 

Dampness is directly related to the existence of mould in different parts of the building affected by moisture. It is not a secret that mould has a very high growth factor with the ability to quickly spread when the conditions are favourable. It is also among the primary reasons behind damp concerns since this encourages moisture to spread. 

Many people might assume that damp is coming from the walls. However, more often than not, this comes from the ground. This means that rising damp takes place once the moisture that sits under the structure comes out as humidity. 

Signs of Rising Damp 

There is no need for you to be an expert so you can diagnose damp problems. However, it will help if you know the signs of rising damp to know if your home needs a rising damp treatment. Watch out for the following telltale signs of rising damp to help you determine if that damp you noticed in your house is really a rising damp or if it is only a water splash caused by leaking pipe. The most common symptoms of rising damp include the following:

  • ïSkirting boards that are starting to deform 
  • ïWood frames with signs of rot
  • ïBubbling plaster 
  • ïPaint starting to come off from the walls 
  • ïMould growth on furniture and wall
  • ïWhite powder showing up on walls 
  • ïTidemarks on walls 

Solve Your Rising Damp Problem Today 

Rising damp isn’t a problem that you can just take for granted. For this reason, it is always best to get the help of professionals who can diagnose the issue and solve it in the most effective way. 

Negative Health Effects Caused By Mould

Posted on: February 15th, 2020 by Jane F

You might not realise it but you are actually exposed to mould spores every single day, often by breathing or touching them. Since mould is naturally found both indoors and outdoors it is almost impossible to live in a completely mould-free environment. 

As mould grows, spores get released to the air making it easy for you to inhale them without you knowing it. People who end up inhaling large amounts of spores might get sick. Due to the different health concerns they pose, it is important that you prevent mould from growing inhabitable areas.

Mould and Its Effects on Your Health 

Most types of mould can have adverse effects on a person’s health. Mould tends to produce irritants, allergens, and sometimes even toxins that might cause adverse reactions in a person. A mould reaction will depend on the amount that the person has been exposed to, the person’s allergies or sensitivities, and the person’s age. The similar amount of mould might not cause any health issues in one individual but might result to negative effects in another. 

Mould expose can cause various symptoms. A sensitive person who has inhaled or touched mould or mould spores might suffer from allergic reactions including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, skin itching rash or dermatitis. 

Mould can also set off asthma attacks in a person with a mould allergy and can cause shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. A disease such pneumonia might also develop following mould exposure although this is not common. 

Different infectious diseases from mould can also be experienced by a person with a weakened immune system, like people who are immune-suppressed or immune-compromised from drug treatments. There are also some forms of mould known to cause some infections in people with compromised immune systems. These infections might affect the eyes, skin, lungs, and other organs. Such infections are regarded as opportunistic and don’t affect people with healthy bodies. 

Mould and mVOCs 

One more source of irritation from being exposed to mould comes from the substances called mVOCs or microbial volatile organic compounds. These are compounds formed through fungal metabolism that get released straight to the air. They often give off unpleasant or strong odours. Being exposed to mVOCs from mould can irritate the respiratory system and the eyes and is also associated to symptoms like nausea, nasal irritation, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. Effects of these mVOCs are not yet totally understood with research still in its early stages. 

Mycotoxins and Mould 

Mycotoxins are metabolites that are potent substances that some types of mould produce. People could get exposed to these mycotoxins through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Most moulds, including the species often found indoors, can produce mycotoxins. 

If You Need Help and Advice Regarding Mould Contact Us or Visit Our Mould Removal Page.

Just because toxin-producing mould has been identified to exist indoors doesn’t mean that the occupants of the building suffered from mycotoxin exposure or that these are present in the first place. This is because mould doesn’t produce these under all conditions. These substances can cause various adverse effects on human health but additional studies are required to identify the risk they pose in indoor environments. But, it is recommended to avoid exposure to mycotoxins and mould as a whole. 

Roles and Responsibilities of a Mould Specialist

Posted on: February 10th, 2020 by Jane F

The main job of a mould removal specialist in the UK is to make sure that human health is not compromised or affected by the presence of mould in a building. 

While mould can grow and thrive in all buildings, this is found to be most common in older buildings that have been modernised with additions like double glazing. This prevents air flow and makes building less efficient when it comes to coping with dampness and humidity. Any kind of building, be it commercial or residential premises can get affected. 

There is numerous legislation on mould as it is considered a public health concern. Mould is numerous types of fungi, some of these can be hazardous to both human and environmental health. At the least, they can cause eczema, asthma, and exacerbate allergies. Serious conditions include infection and pneumonia. 

The job of mould removal specialists is to recognise and analyse these hazards to air quality and make or suggest improvements to a building’s mould remediation system. It can be preventative or curative if a problem is determined. They can also give suggestions on how to install or improve extractor fans or just advise employees on simple actions like keeping the windows open. They can even work hand in hand with building engineers to enhance a building’s structure to address the worst issues caused by mould. 

Qualities of Mould Removal Specialists in the UK

A mould removal specialist can safely remove mould from different locations in a home, business, or commercial building. Similar to most technical jobs, there is a specialised set of skill expected from a mould removal technician because of equipment and biohazard concerns. Below are what it takes to become a mould removal specialist in the UK. 

  • ïAbility and willingness to work well as a team member and follow a supervisor’s instructions.
  • ïCapacity to handle physically demanding jobs like moving appliances or furniture during a household removal job.
  • ïBeing available on-call in case of emergency situations. The working hours might differ depending on the location, company, and specific industry. 
  • ïCapacity to work on a scaffold or ladder and overhead for a long period of time.
  • ïAbility to carry out work in different temperatures wherein temperate might get extreme.
  • ïCompetency to service, maintain, and use different types of equipment needed for mould removal like power tools and fans. 
  • ïAbility to render effective communication and offer exceptional customer service when performing mould removal at the work sites. 
  • ïAbility to correctly use self-care and personal protective equipment to stay protected against exposure to bio-hazardous contaminant. 
  • ïWillingness to complete the necessary certifications and participate in different training seminars. 
  • ïIdentify moisture readings with the use of moisture meters and calibrate instruments on a regular basis. 
  • ïKnowledgeable in inspection and identification of mould, willingness to work constantly on professional development. 

Mould removal specialists in the UK usually need an understanding in subjects related public health, health & safety and biology to deal with the causes and effects of mould in residential and work spaces. 

If you need advise regarding mould in your property please get in touch or see our mould removal page. http://www.firefloodlondon.co.uk/mould-removal-london-damp-specialists/