Mould is a problem that not only affects the appearance of your home, but it can also have severe effects on the occupants living within. Mould is typically found in dark, damp, warm spaces and can start growing within 24-48 hours of the right conditions being present.
The most important element that mould needs to grow is moisture. Even if your home is well ventilated, if it has been raining for several days in a row, mould may be able to take hold due to the constant moisture in the air.
While mould may be able to form on internal walls and surfaces, it’s the areas you can’t see that can become the real problem, such as wall and roof insulation.
Standard glass wool insulation can be prone to mould and decay if the right conditions are present. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation is far less likely to mould or decay, and also provides outstanding thermal insulation qualities.
Styroboard XPS is resistant to water absorption and maintains its thermal and physical properties, even in inclement weather, making it perfectly suited for insulation that will not rot, mould or decay.
Apart from weather, what are some of the other things you need to look out for to combat the cultivation of mould?
While rain and damp weather can cause mould, there are also other household conditions that assist in mould spores growing and thriving.
Leaking Pipes: The worst leaks are the ones that go undetected because they are hidden from view. Usually by the time these have been discovered it’s too late, as the mould has started to grow.
Leaking Roof: Like a leaking pipe, a roof that leaks directly in to the roof space is hard to detect until it’s too late. It’s advised that you conduct regular checks, and keep an eye on the internal ceiling for signs of water damage.
Condensation: Cold surfaces can create condensation, which if left untreated, can also cause mould.
Poor Ventilation: If a home is poorly ventilated, pockets of moist air can be created allowing mould to thrive. Steam and evaporating water creates humidity, which then needs to be circulated outdoors through windows in order to keep the moisture level balanced.
The use of XPS polystyrene as wall and roof insulation, means you can rest assured that your insulation is well protected in the fight against mould. Foamex’s Styroboard XPS insulation boards are lightweight, durable and manufactured in Australia to Australian standards.