Mould is common in most households across the UK, and although outdoor mould may not be as dangerous as indoor mould, they are both a troubling presence. Each strain of mould has its characteristics, displaying different colours and textures depending on the environment.
If your home suffers from mould, ICE Cleaning’s team can step in to conduct mould remediation services. Its experts are well-equipped with the knowledge and technology to eradicate mould, making your home or workplace a safe place to occupy again.
Read on to learn more about the differences between indoor and outdoor mould, and how these strains can affect you.
Introduction to indoor and outdoor mould
Mould can grow in our homes and gardens, found both indoors and outdoors. Its spores are a common part of household dust, which makes it a well-known issue. Indoor mould typically thrives in damp areas with high humidity levels like bathrooms or basements.
Mould can be hazardous to health, so it is essential to eradicate it. According to the NHS, exposure to indoor mould may lead to respiratory problems, allergies or even asthma attacks.
To effectively combat this problem at its root, we must understand the difference between indoor and outdoor strains of mould. While outdoor mould helps decompose organic material in nature’s cycle, its migration into our homes poses significant challenges for homeowners.
In contrast with their outdoor counterparts that often die out during winter months due to freezing temperatures, indoor species adapt well to temperature-controlled environments. This makes them a year-round concern.
Understanding these different strains will let us create effective strategies for controlling their growth. These involve keeping your home dry, conducting up-to-date maintenance checks for leaks, and installing ventilation systems.
Composition and characteristics of mould
Mould is a complex organism with various species, each having unique physical attributes and growth patterns. Some, like Aspergillus, thrive indoors, while others, like Cladosporium, prefer outdoors.
The difference lies in their habitat and their potential health impacts. For instance, exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum or ‘black mould’ could lead to serious health issues.
Mould exhibits a range of colours from black and green to white and orange, depending on its type. Its texture varies also, as it might be smooth or slimy.
Growth patterns depend on environmental factors like moisture levels and temperature. When the conditions are right, spores will manifest on a surface and grow mould.
Balancing indoor and outdoor mould
Maintaining a balance between indoor and outdoor mould is essential for healthy living. Outdoor mould spores float into our homes through open windows or doors. Some of these spores may be harmless, yet others can lead to allergies or medical problems if they grow indoors.
It is integral to manage indoor humidity levels since moisture encourages mould growth. To help control this situation, you should maintain indoor humidity below 50%. Using air conditioners in summer and dehumidifiers in winter can be effective strategies.
Regular cleaning helps prevent dust build-up that could potentially feed mould spores. Using HEPA filters on vacuum cleaners effectively captures small particles, like pollen and dust mites, that might otherwise serve as food sources for growing colonies.
You should also invest in professional cleaning services. They have advanced tools, which let them spot potential problems before things get out of hand or make changes in your environment to prevent further spread.
ICE Cleaning is a mould remediation company with some of the UK’s leading solutions, including state-of-the-art technology that ensures complete removal. In the event of the mould’s return, ICE Cleaning’s lifetime guarantee* ensures you will receive another clean free of charge as part of its service.
To learn more about its service lines, you can visit ICE Cleaning’s website.
*subject to advisories
