Mould on walls and ceilings is not just a cosmetic problem. It is a symptom of a deeper damp problem which, if it is not tackled at its source, will keep coming back no matter how many times you clean it. In this article we explain why mould appears, when it is dangerous and what the permanent solution is.
Mould appears on a wall when the moisture conditions on the surface or inside the building material favour the growth of fungi. This happens in two main ways.
Rainfall, snow or leaks from the roof allow water to be absorbed by the building materials. The surface shows characteristic signs:
This is caused by the temperature difference between the inner and outer side of the wall. The cold wall acts as a condensation surface for the humid indoor air. The signs here are different:
Mould does not appear at random. It picks the spots with the most favourable moisture conditions:
Mould on the ceiling or on a wall next to the floor above often points to a problem with the roof and calls for an on-site diagnosis.
Yes. According to the World Health Organization, mould in the home can cause or worsen serious health problems. The most common symptoms are:
The risk is greater for vulnerable groups: children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with respiratory problems. Beyond health, prolonged damp leads to the deterioration of building materials, corrosion of the concrete reinforcement and, in extreme cases, a threat to the structural integrity of the building.
Mould on a wall can be removed temporarily by cleaning. Without dealing with the source of the damp, however, it will come back.
For cleaning you can use:
In every case wear gloves, ventilate the room and let the cleaner work before wiping it off.
Important: Cleaning only deals with the visible problem. The real solution lies in eliminating the damp that causes it.
Treating mould permanently first requires a diagnosis of the source of the damp, followed by the right technical intervention. There is no single solution that suits every case.
If the cause is water penetrating from the roof: The solution is roof waterproofing or roof thermal insulation, depending on the condition. Read the complete roof insulation selection guide to understand which solution suits your case.
If the cause is condensation due to cold walls: The problem is an energy one. The walls do not have adequate thermal insulation and act as thermal bridges. External thermal insulation (ETICS) creates a continuous thermal envelope that eliminates thermal bridges and prevents condensation. See the advantages of external wall insulation in detail.
If the cause is rising damp or moisture from a leak: A specialist on-site diagnosis and a targeted intervention are required.
See all roof insulation solutions →
Mould in the bathroom is one of the most persistent forms of the problem. The room produces large amounts of water vapour every day which, if not properly extracted, condenses on the cold walls and ceiling.
What you can do straight away:
However, these measures are not always enough, especially if the wall stays cold because it lacks thermal insulation. In these cases you need internal or external thermal insulation to remove the root cause.
The ideal humidity in the home is between 40% and 60%. Outside this range:
The most reliable way of finding it is thermography using a thermal imaging camera for damp. It records the temperature differences on the surface of building elements, revealing problem spots that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
A thermographic inspection reveals:
Goumas Insulation offers thermographic surveys from €120 per inspection. It is the smartest first move before any intervention.
Request a Quote for Thermography →
Many people tackle mould with solutions that temporarily cover up the problem without solving it:
Closed rooms without ventilation: They increase humidity levels indoors
If you are dealing with mould or damp on your walls or ceiling, the first step is a correct diagnosis. Without knowing the exact source of the problem, every intervention is only temporary.
Goumas Insulation, with 25+ years of specialised experience, certified crews and a written guarantee for every project, provides you with:
Phone: 210 244 0600
Damp is the cause; mould is the result. Without controlling the damp, there is no permanent treatment for mould.
Vinegar mixed with equal parts water can help clean surface mould. However, it does not deal with the source of the problem and is not enough for widespread mould.
Black mould can be more harmful, especially for people with respiratory problems. However, every form of mould indoors needs to be dealt with promptly.
Cleaning removes the visible mould. If the cause is a leak from the roof or inadequate thermal insulation, the problem will come back. See the roof insulation prices to assess the investment.
If the damp on your ceiling comes from the floor above because of a fault or negligence by its owner, there is a legal route. It is advisable to document the problem first with a technical report.
It depends on the condition of the roof and the type of problem. Waterproofing with Hyperdesmo is recommended for roofs with cracks and leaks, while waterproofing with bitumen membranes is the most proven and economical solution for new buildings.
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