Autumn and winter renovations - drying out your home

The problem of damp patches and mould on walls most often affects older buildings that have never been properly insulated and have not been sufficiently protected against waterlogging or flooding by groundwater. Such damp patches on walls result in unsightly peeling paint and falling off sections of plaster. They are also very dangerous to the health of the people living in the building, as they contribute to the occurrence of many respiratory infections and skin rashes, and exacerbate allergy symptoms. The most important step in the fight against mould is to identify the causes and then eliminate them. Better insulation of the external or internal walls may be needed, so insulating the dwelling, making new plaster or repairing the old ones. If the cause of the dampness was insufficient ventilation, then installing ventilators in the windows will help. It is also a good idea to install mechanical fans in the existing ventilation openings, which are activated when the need arises.

Once the causes of mould have been found and eradication has been addressed, drying of existing dampness is also needed. Extensive ventilation during dry weather and high temperatures can help with this, but it is much more efficient to use a mechanical dehumidifier. Its main advantages are that it quickly and efficiently absorbs excessive moisture and, in addition, cleans the air of any impurities and fungal spores that appear in it.