Why The Smell Of Mould In Your Property May Be A Sign Of Mould

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If you’ve noticed a persistent unpleasant or musty smell in your property, it could be a warning sign of a potentially serious problem: mould. Mould growth is not uncommon, particularly in rooms with a high level of humidity, such as bathrooms, but it is too often dismissed as a minor cosmetic issue. In fact, mould can pose serious risks to the health of you and your family and threaten the structural integrity of your home.

In this article, we’ll explain why mould is a problem that should never be ignored and how homeowners can resolve the issue.

What does mould smell like?

Most homeowners are acutely aware that some odours, such as gas, should never be ignored, yet the unmistakable smell of mould is sometimes disregarded. Mould has a distinct odour that can often be described as damp, wet, earthy, musty, or rotting. It’s not an odour that can appear by magic so if you notice the smell in your home, it's essential to investigate further.

What are the causes of mould growth?

Mould thrives in environments with excess moisture. Sometimes, it can occur simply because moisture is allowed to accumulate on surfaces, such as walls and window frames, and can be easily removed by wiping over the surface with an appropriate cleaning agent.

However, mould may also be the result of a specific problem, including:

→ Leaks, particularly around windows, from the roof, or from pipes, particularly under shower trays or behind bath panels.

→ Rainwater seeping in through damaged windows or doors.

→ Blocked drains which allow water to permeate the walls of your home.

→ Untreated condensation is often the result of poor ventilation or an inefficient or faulty extractor fan.

Why is it crucial to act quickly to tackle mould?

If you notice a smell of dampness in a bathroom, it’s vital that you identify the source of the problem and take prompt action to eliminate mould. Ignoring the smell can have serious consequences, including:

→ Poor health: Exposure to mould can trigger various health problems, including asthma, allergic reactions, coughs, cold symptoms, and breathing difficulties. Individuals with respiratory conditions or compromised immunity are at a greater risk of complications.

→ Property damage: Mould can cause structural damage to walls, floors, and other surfaces, compromising the integrity of your home.

→ Costly repairs: Delaying remedial action can result in a mould problem spreading, making the restoration process more complex and expensive.

An effective solution in bathrooms is to replace traditional tile-and-tray showers with self-contained shower pods. Manufactured from smooth and durable GRP that offers exceptional mould resistance, shower pods are guaranteed to be watertight after assembly, with no need to use grout or acrylic sealant that all too often fails in traditional shower cubicles. As leaks simply cannot occur, it’s impossible for water to escape and accumulate in hidden spaces underneath the shower, so the only maintenance you’ll need to carry out is to quickly wipe over the surface of the pod to eliminate dirt and keep the unit in pristine hygienic condition.