Five tips for preventing drywall mould - Gyproc Tools Blog

Mould is inescapable but there is a way to combat this pervasive and often insidious fungus from attacking drywall in homes and businesses.

Mould is incredibly common, and it can grow on drywall, wood, carpets, tiles and other materials where moisture is present. It is often caused by excess condensation, usually because of a lack of ventilation in the home that results in high humidity levels.

Where do you find it?

Key places to look out for mould growth is around window frames, in bathrooms, anywhere condensation forms, and where leaks and rising damp lead to moist patches on ceilings and walls. Cooler, damp conditions are the breeding ground for mould.

Mould is unpleasant to the eye and comes in different forms and colours – some black and patchy, brown, yellow, green, and textured whilst small spores in mould develop and are released into the air.

According to the World Health Organization, excess moisture on indoor materials can lead to the growth of microbes, such as mould, fungi and bacteria, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air.

Exposure to mould can affect your health and immune system, and is thought to increase the risk of asthma, allergies and respiratory problems.

Top five tips

Moisture prevention is therefore a top priority in tackling drywall mould. These top five tips can help to tackle mould growth.

1. A breath of fresh air

Adequate ventilation is a must when it comes to eradicating mould in properties. Investigate why there is too much water vapour floating about. Are windows open and extractor fans on when it comes to showering, drying clothes and cooking?

Retrofitting trickle vents above windows can provide a little stream of fresh air to help reduce condensation but bear in mind that they will let in tiny cold draughts in winter. Extractor fans are effective for wet rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, but these can also let in draughts. You may be able to retrofit your model with a backdraught shutter that closes when the fan is not in use.

2. Remove moist air

Mould growth usually occurs because of the presence of condensation on cold walls.

Indoor humidity can be controlled with either an air conditioner or dehumidifier. Preventing rain and humidity from getting indoors is also crucial – this means only opening windows for air circulation if the air outdoors is dry.

3. Leave no stone unturned

Remove sources of mould by ensuring that buildings are inspected for water damage. Rising damp, for example, may indicate a serious problem in your internal drywall. This could be caused by plumbing leaks in the water pipes behind your walls or under your bath or shower. Calling in a builder to perform a damp proof course may be necessary which can be costly and disruptive.

4. A small leak will sink a great ship

Faulty or broken guttering or missing/damaged mortar can be another reason why mould is seeping in. Fix any leaks in your home’s roof by checking for loose tiles, walls, or plumbing so mould does not have moisture to grow.

5. Don’t paint over the cracks

Cleaning mould and repainting won’t make it disappear. Any source of drywall moisture needs to be addressed by fixing leaks and drywall damp, ensuring adequate ventilation, drying up any flooded spots, and controlling humidity. Warm and well-ventilated homes are the key to keeping mould at bay. Small amounts can be handled with ease but mould growing on walls, tiles, and carpets will require professional support to remove contaminated material.

How to break the drywall mould

Some affected drywalls may need to be replaced and cleaned thoroughly if mould is allowed to thrive and is left untreated. Locating and addressing the cause of mould immediately is imperative to avoid costly disruption to your clients’ homes and businesses.