
Mould is mainly found in damp and humid areas such as bathrooms, basements, or undried laundry. However, no matter what season it is, water will often be accompanied by mould growth.
From afar, these specks of dark spots seem harmless. Wiping them down with some detergent will get rid of them with ease. They’re effortlessly easy to clean on hard surfaces, but when it comes to porous surfaces such as wood, fabrics, or hard-to-reach places, a cloth and detergent won’t do the job.
In severe cases, professional mould remediation will have to be done. This can cost a pretty penny, depending on how much the mould has spread. For wooden items or floors, mould can damage it permanently, rendering the wood unsuitable for maintenance.
For modern homes, homeowners can still reduce damage from mould. When it comes to old houses, mould can leave irreparable damage. In the United Kingdom, some homes are almost a century old and often come with inherent issues. Water from rainfall can seep through small openings and wreak havoc on properties when temperatures rise and condensation forms.
Types of mould

Before we dive into the dangers of mould, let’s learn more about the types of mould that exist today. Nobody can pinpoint how many kinds of mould there are, but experts have claimed that there may be around 300,000 types.
Here are the most common types of mould that mostly appears indoors:
- Acremonium: This type of mould grows in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants. It usually starts as a moist mould and grows into a powdery substance. Exposure to this type of mould can cause disease in the bone marrow, immune system, and other organs.
- Alternaria: This type of mould is the most common type of allergenic mould. It has a velvet texture and green or brown hairs. They usually grow in damp areas such as showers, bathtubs, and leaking sinks. Alternaria is typically the result of water damage. This type of mould spreads pretty quickly and causes asthma-like symptoms.
- Aspergillus: This type of mould is mainly found in American homes. Since Aspergillus mould has over 185 species, it can appear in a variety of different colours. This type of mould can grow more toxic and lead to asthma attacks, lung infections, and even respiratory inflammation.
- Cladosporium: Cladosporium is different than the previous types of mould we mentioned. They can grow in both warm or cold climates. They are often found indoors on fabrics, upholsteries, and carpets. Exposure to this type of mould will cause allergic reactions to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. It also has the potential to cause skin and lung irritation.
- Fusarium: Like Cladosporium, Fusarium can also grow in cold climates. They often grow in homes with water damage. Exposure to this type of mould can cause allergic reactions and skin infections. Those exposed to Fusarium for a long time can suffer from bone infections or brain abscesses.
- Penicillium: This allergenic form of mould comes in the colour blue or green with a velvety texture. It’s also often found in water-damaged homes or buildings. They are often found on carpets, wallpapers, ducting, or even mattresses. Exposure to Penicillin can cause asthma, chronic sinusitis, and pulmonary inflammation.
- Stachybotrys chartarum: This type of mould is also known as the black mould. It’s a toxigenic type of mould that can cause allergic reactions. Stachybotrys can usually be found in wet areas where humidity levels are high. Black mould in the bathroom can cause several health problems. Another nickname for Stachybotrys is toxic mould because it produces mycotoxins that can cause severe health problems.
According to professional plumbing consultant & tradesman Dmitri Kara, leaky piping and old plumbing installations are among the main sources of humidity and moisture to cause domestic mould spreads.
Effects

By now, you’ve probably seen the damage mould does to a home. It makes the home dirty and uncomfortable. However, have you heard of the dangerous effects it leaves for homeowners?
Not only does mould leave stains on surfaces, but they also pose many dangers to the home and its occupants. Here are three dangerous effects of mould you should know about:
Reduced Air Quality
The presence of mould and mould spores is bound to reduce air quality in your home. Reduced air quality is never good. It brings a barrage of issues for you and your family, such as respiratory problems, mould sensitivity, and even severe or chronic conditions.
In addition to that, people with existing lung conditions can experience a decrease in health and even result in fatal diseases. Children who have no health conditions might develop asthma or other respiratory illnesses due to mould exposure.
Rotting Wood
Although mould won’t deteriorate wood once mould inhabits wooden materials, it can be impossible to remove. If your home is primarily made of wood, this can be a huge problem. With mould growth on wooden surfaces, you can expect rotting wood.
Wood rot usually happens when rainwater enters the home and dampens wood. Although wood rot is reparable, it can be a tedious process to go through.
Structural Damage
Mould won’t cause your home to fall apart immediately, but when your framing or walls keep rotting, you would need to keep replacing them. mould also reduces the durability of your home’s structural components. When left unchecked, the problem can grow more prominent, and it might be too late for you to fix it once it becomes severe enough.
The Takeaway

Mould isn’t just an eyesore. It’s also a big problem that can cause chaos in and outside of your home. So, what do you have to do if your mould problems start to get too big to handle?
The first step is to evacuate. You don’t want to be in the home as mould spores thrive and start to take over your house. You should salvage any items you can and move them to a safe place.
For example, depending on where you live, such as a country like England notorious for its rainy weather and the majority of its charming inhabitants that can talk at great lengths about that particular topic to boot. Many properties in England suffer the same mould issue in one form or another due to climate and the general wear and tear endured over time. Wherever you may reside in England, you can temporarily move your items to a self storage facility in Manchester, Newcastle, London, and Brighton; but you will need to make a practical decision at the end of the day about choosing a self-storage facility that is convenient for you to access. Putting your belongings in a self-storage facility will help protect the pristine conditions of your belongings and keep your mind at ease, knowing that they’re safe and sound.
Second, get professional help. Find a mould removal expert in your area to help you with repairs and hopefully prevent mould from returning. Sometimes, you can’t rely on your expertise, especially if the same problem keeps coming back. So, it’s crucial to find a mould expert you trust to help you in removing mould from your home.
Lastly, always be on the lookout for mould growth. Even if you haven’t experienced mould growth in your home, take some time to look around and learn the mould characteristics. This way, you can protect your home and prevent mould spores from growing.