Can painting over mould kill it?
When home or business owners come across mould, they may be tempted to paint over it as a quick fix solution. Unfortunately, this does not solve the problem and it may end up hurting your health and wallet in the future. While the paint may appear to cover the problem, the mould will continue to grow under it. It also doesn’t address the root cause of the issue and where the mould originates.
What is mould and what causes it?
Mould is a type of fungus that can have a fuzzy appearance. The most common moulds are black, green or white, but can be found in other colours from grey to orange to brown depending on its life stage. Mould lives on plant and animal matter which can include building materials like wood, cabinets and plasterboard. It thrives in moist, humid, poorly ventilated environments and reproduces by making spores which can then begin to grow and spread. These spores can then travel through the air and be inhaled which can cause breathing problems and other health-related issues.
The most common causes of mould in the home include leaky roofs and walls, leaky plumbing, condensation from cooking, showering, clothes drying, and other areas with poor circulation.
How can you reduce mould in the house?
The best way to reduce and eventually eliminate mould is to find and control the source of moisture and ensure your home has good ventilation to prevent growth. Using exhaust fans, and opening doors and windows are great ways to increase circulation and reduce humidity in your home. You should also ensure to regularly check your plumbing, roof and gutters for leaks and other faults.
How can painting fix mould problems?
Some people see products advertised as ‘mould resistant paint’ and mistakenly believe that painting over the mould will kill it. These products are not effective at killing mould or stopping it from reappearing. Although painting over mould won’t fix the issue, it can help refresh the surface of areas previously affected by mould, once the problem has been eliminated.
You must first properly treat the mould affected area before starting on painting. If steps aren’t taken to kill the mould, it will eventually grow back and continue to spread. Once treated, mould resistant paints and primers can then be used as a proactive tool to reduce the likelihood of mould returning, along with ensuring the area is well ventilated. Choosing paints and primers which are specially formulated to withstand high moisture environments is a great way to reduce the likelihood of mould reappearing.
When treating mould in your home, it is a great idea to hire a professional painting company to assess the area. They can advise you on the best course of action to rectify the issue such as identifying the source of the problem, informing you of the correct products to use, and determining whether the plasterboard should be replaced. They can also advise whether or not you may need to contact a professional mould remediation company to identify and rectify the issue.
Do you have mould concerns? Contact the Neopainting team for advice: info@neopainting.com.au