Hi all,
An investment property in outer Sydney has got mould problems occurring on the floor, walls and ceiling in almost all rooms.
It's a fibro constructions with wooden floorboards. The floorboards do not sit directly on earth, there is about a 50cm gap between the floor and the ground (dirt) below, so you'd think it would be well ventilated.
It happened last Winter too so while it was vacant I sugar soaped the mould off and repainted everything with two coats of mould resistant paint. I ensured all the ventilation bricks were clear of dust by vacuuming them till I could see daylight through them.
However the mould now also appears on the floorboards, not just the walls, so I'm puzzled by it. Because it's just a fibro external structure damp proofing specialists don't seem to apply (i.e. you can't drill it). I'm suspecting the roof is leaking down the walls perhaps but how would I know for sure?
Any other ideas on causes and solutions?
Have the wall vents been infilled/covered over (these are the ones at ceiling level)? Try a dehumidifier.
As talked about previously in another column, mould is self perpetuating and very hardy once entrenched.
You will need to track down the source of the issue, and its almost guaranteed that its a already a hidden major outgrowth to produce a continued and persistant response.
In this situation a humidifier or drying out the place just will not help at all. You need to pinpoint the source of the mould and eliminate it.
Grab a professional and get started.
Do walls have drip marks from condensation? There could be in sarking on the walls, which would prevent moisture from outside coming in.
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https://www.propertyinvesting.com/forums/property-investing/help-needed/4345226
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I hope this thread helps.
Hi,Are the stumps wooden or concrete under house , damp will rise up wooden stumps and creep into wooden floors , if it was coming down from roof , you would see it in your walls , therefore it is coming from underneath , call in an expert , it will save you from complaining tenants and loosing money in the future
Thanks all – I took your advice, and it seems the mold is coming up through the subfloor (had to get several inspectors as I am always paranoid that some recommendations are just people trying to sell me something!).
I ensured the roof drains the majority of rain water away from the house but some natural run off still makes it towards some brick work at the front. I've been told to get ducted ventilation put in so am now sourcing quotes for that and have posted a separate post for installer recommendations. If anyone has any please let me know in any case.
I can't do it myself as I don't live near the property.
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