The occurrence of mould in the home is always a problem, especially since it often involves extensive intervention to try to solve it, although it is possible to identify its causes.
Even with a renovation in sight, it is not certain that the origins of mould can be solved with a sustainable investment. Not to mention cases in which mould occurs as a result of renovation work, for example after insulation of windows, walls and attics.
One solution, however, is decisive in most cases: fostering better air circulation can drastically reduce the moisture content of the indoor environment and, consequently, reduce the likelihood of mould forming or reforming.
What are the main causes of mould?
Let us quickly recall what the main causes of mould are before proceeding and discovering how Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (CMV) can help solve the problem.
- Moisture and leakage
Moisture is one of the main causes of mould growth in the home. High levels of humidity in the air provide a perfect environment for mould proliferation. Moisture can come from various sources, such as leaks from pipes or roofs, condensation on windows and high humidity levels outside.
- Condensation due to poor ventilation
One of the main causes of mould formation is poor ventilation, which leads to condensation. When moist air cannot escape from the house, it will eventually settle on cooler surfaces in the form of droplets. This will create a favourable environment for the dangerous growth of mould spores.
Condensation also occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows, walls or ceilings. If there is not enough ventilation in the room, this moisture cannot disperse, accumulating over time. The amount of water produced by daily activities such as cooking, showering and hanging wet clothes can also contribute to increasing humidity levels within the home. Furthermore, we have seen how condensation has once again become an issue with the introduction of new insulation methods that favour the creation of interstitial moisture.
- Air flow: lack of circulation
Another cause for the occurrence of mould is the lack of adequate airflow. Air circulation plays a crucial role in preventing mould growth: it helps to reduce moisture levels and prevent mould build-up. When there is not enough ventilation, stagnant air can become humid, providing a breeding ground for mould spores.
This lack of air flow can occur in various areas of the home, including attics, basements, bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Poorly ventilated bathrooms are particularly susceptible to mould growth due to the high humidity generated by steam from showers and baths. Without adequate air flow, this moisture remains trapped within the space.
- Infiltration by rain or rising damp
Rainwater can enter homes through many routes: leaks in roofs, seepage through windows, defective gutters. If not addressed and repaired immediately, these leaks can cause damage to the structural integrity of the house and lead to mould growth. Rising damp is another way in which moisture can infiltrate homes. When the ground becomes saturated with water due to heavy rain or flooding, moisture can seep into foundations and walls.
Ventilation is the main ally of a healthy environment
Since, in the final analysis, mould proliferates where there is moisture, maintaining proper ventilation, avoiding excessive temperature changes, is among the recommended solutions to solve the problem. Controlled Mechanical Ventilation performs exactly this task: it allows a constant air flow at the right temperature thanks to heat recovery, without tying the well-being of our home to the opening of windows or doors.
Controlled Mechanical Ventilation for Home Health
Controlled Mechanical Ventilation systems such as Ecocomfort 2.0 Smart allow humidity levels to be regulated, avoiding heat loss, but not only. Thanks to the air purification system, it is possible not only to remove pollutants and allergens, but also to extract mould spores from inside the home, reducing the risk of contamination of new areas. Ecocomfort also allows convenient management via Wi-Fi, through dedicated Apps and voice assistants, to keep air circulation in the home under control at all times.
Learn more about our punctual CMV Ecocomfort 2.0 Smart.
