A Beginner’s Guide to Black Spot Mould – Causes, Problems and Solutions

According to research by the Energy Saving Trust, a whopping 28% of people in the UK live in homes with mould. That’s almost a third of the population putting up with something that’s not just unsightly, but potentially damaging to their health.

Time to put things right. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why black spot mould is so bad, what causes it and how to eliminate mould in your home.

The problem with mould

It goes without saying that mouldy walls are unsightly in any home. Unfortunately, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mould’s impact. According to a study by the Fuel Poverty Research Network, damp and mould increase the likelihood of respiratory problems by around 30-50%.

But how? In short, black spot mould released tiny spores into the air, which can then be inhaled by those exposed to it. Those spores can cause nasal congestion, chest tightness and coughing, while prolonged exposure can lead to more serious issues like asthma.

What causes black spot mould?

The first step to getting rid of a problem is understanding why it’s there in the first place. With black spot mould, this comes down to three key factors – moisture, ventilation and temperature.

Excess moisture is the primary cause of mould, allowing the fungal growth to thrive. That could be from a leak, water ingress or even rising damp. Alternatively, it can come from the moisture that’s naturally in the air with nowhere else to go.

From cooking and boiling the kettle to washing and showering, lots of day-to-day activities release moisture into your home. Even breathing contributes a bit. It’s important that this moisture isn’t trapped in, as it could contribute to condensation and mould growth. That’s why you should ventilate your home whenever possible.

Finally, cold temperatures. Moisture is drawn to cold areas and cold surfaces. If your home or particular parts of it are left cold, they become more susceptible to mould growth.

How to stop mould

The best way to stop mould is to tackle the three issues above. Make sure any leaks or water ingress are dealt with, then keep your home warm and well ventilated. Understandably, that may be easier said than done. Not everybody can afford to crank up the heating while also letting moisture out through their windows.

Thankfully, there is another solution – namely, cork. CorkSol SprayCork is a cork-based wall coating that’s naturally moisture-resistant, so it eliminates the surface condensation that causes the majority of black spot mould.

Corksol’s innovative sprayed cork also adds to your home’s insulation, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature. Having an insulated surface eliminates the thermal shock which draws moisture out of the air, without the need for expensive and disruptive cavity wall insulation.

Eliminate mould in your home

Don’t let mould fester in your home and harm your loved ones. At Corksol, we provide a simple, effective solution to get rid of black spot mould and prevent it from developing in the future.

To find out more, get in touch with our team who will be happy to answer any of your questions. Alternatively, you can find a local approved applicator who is expertly trained in CorkSol SprayCork application and ready to eliminate mould in your home.