Mould attack in living and working spaces

: The cause may be in condensing humidity by thermal bridges (7) in leakage in the wall (7) or moisture under the floor (7).

Where does mould attack come from?

In living spaces, moulds often develop in hidden places. Often the first thing we notice is an unpleasant musty smell, or dark patches in affected spots such as walls.

Moulds need a heightened degree of air humidity in living spaces. Some types are even able to spread in a relative air humidity of 70%. From the building design aspect, the target should be a relative air humidity of 50% when the air temperature is 20°C in living spaces.

Therefore, moulds prefer to be found in areas where higher air humidity predominates. These include “permanently damp” corners of the bathroom, shower curtains and permanently elastic joins. They also appear on exterior walls which are insufficiently insulated, where a surface temperature that is too low causes humidity to increase near the wall, until condensation is formed. This is the case if there is insufficient heat insulation.

Increased humidity in living spaces can result from (in order of frequency):

Building design faults (thermal bridges, insulation is too thin)
Construction faults such as leaks in the façade
Faulty or lacking waterproofing (protective layer to prevent moisture from entering a building) in the area in contact with the earth
Dampness from new construction is insufficiently dried out
Wrong use of room (insufficient heating and airing)
Water damage resulting from leaks or floods

Mould can be a significant risk for the inhabitants of the building. Without wanting to cause a panic -

There is an absolute necessity to act.

What are the dangers of mould attack?

: Allergies by mould

If you discover or suspect mould in your living spaces, this does not automatically equate to an acute health danger—but the possibility is there! The degree of danger generally depends on the type and size of the mould attack and the individual health reaction of the affected inhabitants. Immediate action is required!

Many international studies have proven that mould in your house is partially toxic - poisonous for humans, and can cause symptoms such as:

Sinus problems
Headaches
Listlessness
Breathing problems
Allergic reactions
Weakened immune system

Children, the chronically ill and those with allergies are at particular risk. If you notice such symptoms, we advise you to seek a doctor urgently!

But damage from damp and mould can also lead to a significant loss of value for your building, and this is often greatly underestimated. When a building is valued, its location and the economic structure of the area play a decisive role, but so does its condition. Additionally, such damage significantly reduces living quality.