black-and-green-mould-on-house-ceiling

How to Get Rid of Mouldy Ceiling

Singapore is a hot and humid country. It is no surprise that mold is an issue commonly faced by Singaporeans, especially during rainy seasons.

Ignoring mold or its symptoms is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

In small amounts, mold is very much manageable. However, when not addressed immediately it can quickly turn into a significant and expensive problem. 

What Are The Common Issues Faced With Mold On Ceilings In Singapore?

Molds are definitely not a pleasant experience. Here are some common issues generally faced when there’s mold infestation present in your home:

Health Risks

When you breathe in mold constantly on a daily basis, it can eventually cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues.

Symptoms can be mild to severe from person to person. It depends on the type of mold infestation, how long the individual has been exposed to it, and their overall health.

Allergies: Mold allergens may trigger symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, rashes, and headaches.

Respiratory issues: Mold particles in the air can aggravate respiratory systems, leading to wheezing, coughing, and even shortness of breath. If you have a pre-existing condition like asthma or lung disease, it can get a lot worse.

Weakened immune systems: People with weakened immune systems, such as little kids and the elderly, are more vulnerable to mold-related diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Toxic mold syndromes: Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as “black mold,” creates mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems like organ damage and neurological symptoms.

Aesthetics Issue

The most common type of mold is greenish-black, and it is not a treat to the eye when they are on your ceiling. They can also be difficult to remove and leave a stain hence ruining your ceiling and the overall aesthetics of your home.

Unpleasant Odor

Mold does not only look bad, it smells bad as well. It emits a musty smell that quickly overpowers the smell of your home. It does not matter how many times you clean your home, the smell still lingers.

Structural Damage

Mold is strong enough to break the structure of your home, especially if it is able to penetrate deep into building materials.

Why Should You Treat Mold Promptly?

As soon as you notice the signs and symptoms above, it is important you consult a professional as soon as possible. Here’s why:

Health Protection: As you can already tell, mold poses numerous health risks and for this reason alone, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Preventing mold from spreading protects you by reducing exposure to harmful spores and allergens.

Improve Air Quality: Along the same lines as health protection, eliminating mold improves the air quality in your home, making it a healthier and more comfortable environment. After all, that is where we spend most of our time. In fact, studies show that we spend 62% of our time at home!

Less Costly: It is always better to treat something while it is small than to wait until it gets larger. When mold is treated in the early stages, we would probably clean it and spray medication on it so it doesn’t reoccur. However, if it has gotten severe, it may need extensive cleaning followed by renovation to replace the ceiling affected.

Preservation of Property Value: One of the most underlooked aspects of mold infestation is how it affects property value. Keeping your home clean and mold-free retains its market value, leading to a more pleasant and peaceful living environment.

What Causes Mold On Ceilings?

Black And Green Mould Starting To Spread From The Corner Of A Home Ceiling Wall

It is important to understand what causes mold on ceilings if you want to prevent it from happening. While the warm and humid climate in Singapore is a significant contributor, there are other not-so-known factors to keep in mind, such as:

High Humidity Levels

The tropical climate in Singapore means high humidity all year round, often exceeding 80%. High humidity means there is more moisture in the air which is an ideal environment for mold to thrive.

When the humid air comes in contact with cold surfaces such as air-conditioned ceilings, it will condense and create damp conditions ideal for mold growth.

Bad Ventilation

Poor ventilation in a contained space traps moisture, allowing mold to grow on ceilings and walls. With no proper airflow, humidity levels tend to increase more than usual. We usually see this happening in homes with tightly sealed windows with little to no airflow.

Try to keep the windows open during the daytime or whenever possible. Ventilation systems may also be used to reduce mold growth by allowing moisture to escape and fresh air to circulate.

Condensation

Temperature differences can cause condensation on ceilings, whether it is outdoors vs indoors or even various room temperatures in the same building. When humid air touches cooler air, it can turn into water droplets. A perfect example would be the fog you see on your car windows when it is cold inside but warm outside or your glasses fogging up when you take a hot drink.

As time passes by, these droplets turn into damp patches where you will eventually see mold starting to grow. We recommend using dehumidifiers or maintaining a consistent temperature to help reduce the process of condensation.

Water Leaks

Water leaks, especially from pipes, roofs, or even air conditioners introduce moisture into the ceilings. Sometimes, the leaks are not as visible and may go unnoticed but even the smallest leaks can be ideal for mold growth. Always check your walls and ceilings for water leaks whenever possible.

When you notice a water leak, it is best to call a professional to handle it as soon as you can so it doesn’t turn into something more severe.

Water means moisture, so it is best to keep your walls and ceilings dry to avoid unwanted mold growth or even water damage.

Neglected Cleaning

Instead of just keeping the areas dry, you need to also clean them regularly. Not many are aware of this but dust and dirt on ceilings provide nutrients for mold, especially if combined with moisture.

Mold feeds on organic matter and the dust and dirt accumulated on your ceilings are the perfect food source. It is important to keep these areas clean to make it harder for molds to survive. You can also paint your home with mold-resistant paint followed by using the appropriate cleaning products for additional protection.

What Are The Most Common Areas For Mold Growth?

A Hand Holding A Black Sponge Scourer Scrubbing Away A Patch Of Mould On A White Wall

Technically, mold can grow anywhere provided it has moisture and food to feed on. However, here are the places where we typically notice mold growth and why.

One of the most vulnerable areas for mold growth is bathrooms because of the humidity from showers and baths. Next is the kitchen, as cooking releases heat which then condenses into water droplets.

Bedrooms are also a common area for mold growth, especially if there’s no ventilation followed by laundry rooms due to washing machines and dryers.

Understanding the common areas for mold will help homeowners to be more vigilant in addressing ventilation maintenance promptly to prevent the growth or spread of mold, maintaining a cleaner and healthier home.

Step-by-step Guide To Cleaning Mold On Ceiling

When it comes to cleaning mold in your home, there are a few DIY remedies online. However, we recommend leaving this to the professionals.

First, they have the experience and the equipment needed to properly tackle the situation and second, they will take the precautionary steps needed to avoid regrowth.

Here is a step-by-step guide of how we get rid of mold:

The ceiling (or problem area) is evaluated to identify the severity of mold growth. To treat the problem, we need to first determine how serious it is so we can draft a treatment plan.

Once we have located the mold, we then identify the type of mold and also the root cause of the growth. There might be a water leak, lack of ventilation, or simply a lot of humidity in the space.

Cleaning Process:

We start with a plastic sheet. In order to stop the mold from spreading and keep it contained in a single location, the plastic sheet is used to isolate the affected area.

Mold spores that are in the air are filtered using HEPA air scrubbers. The machines’ ability to filter 99.97% of the particles that are 0.3 microns or larger would make the air fresher and safer to inhale generally.

Professional-grade cleaning agents (specifically made for mold) are then applied using a spray bottle or a fogging machine, depending on the size of the affected area.

Once the area has been thoroughly sprayed with the cleaning agent we make sure to leave it for some time so it can penetrate the mold, eventually breaking it down, and making it easier to remove.

Now that the mold is easier to remove, we use soft brushes or sponges (so we don’t spoil the surface we’re cleaning) to scrub the mold off. This step is done tentatively so we do not miss out on any spots which may cause regrowth.

Any loose mold particles in the air from scrubbing are captured and contained using HEPA vacuums to prevent them from spreading to other areas.

The treated area is then rinsed with water to remove any remaining cleaning solutions or mold that still lingers. We also use industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry the ceiling thoroughly.

When the area is dry, we apply antimicrobial coatings to the surface we just treated to create a protective barrier that prevents mold spores from taking root and spreading.

The plastic sheet used at the beginning of the cleaning process is now removed carefully and a final HEPA vacuuming is performed to ensure all mold particles are gone.

A final inspection is conducted to confirm that all molds have been successfully removed from the ceilings and the room is now safe to be used. We also test the air quality as a precautionary measure to see if the air is safe to be inhaled.

How To Prevent Future Mold Growth?

Once your ceiling is properly inspected and cleaned, it is important to keep it that way.

Keep your ceiling surfaces dry by using dehumidifiers, exhaust fans, and air conditioners. The optimal indoor humidity is below 60%.

Regularly keep your windows and doors open for proper airflow. If you notice any water leakage in your home, fix it as soon as possible.

We also recommend cleaning your ceilings and walls with mold-resistant products even though your home is painted with mold-resistant paint just to be safe.

Incorporate routine maintenance, such as quarterly deep cleanings using mold-resistant solutions, monthly inspections for mold, and seasonal roof and gutter checks. Schedule an annual inspection with a professional to locate hidden molds that may not be visible to the naked eye, and service your HVAC system to preserve its performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mold Removal

What are the signs I have mold on my ceiling?

One of the biggest signs of mold is when you notice visible dark green/black spots on your ceiling, water stains or discoloration, or a musty odor.

Lesser known signs of mold are when you notice peeling or bubbling paint combined with unexplained health issues like allergies or respiratory problems. If any of these sound familiar to you, it is time to consult a professional.

Can I clean mold myself, or do I need to hire a professional?

If the affected area is small, you can clean it yourself using cleaning solutions specially made to remove mold. Just remember to use protective gear!

However, if the area is big (larger than 10 square feet), is constantly recurring, or if you have health issues then it is best to leave the cleaning to a professional. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle extensive mold problems safely.

Will mold grow back after cleaning? If yes, how long does it take?

Yes, if not professionally handled, mold regrowth can happen. It can take as short as 24 to 48 hours for it to grow if the underlying issue is not addressed properly. Hence why it is extremely important to understand the root cause of mold in your ceiling and fix it.

What are the home remedies to remove mold from ceilings?

One of the most effective home remedies for mold is using white vinegar, which can be sprayed directly onto the moldy area and left to sit for an hour before wiping clean. Another common fix is baking soda and water.

Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one cup of water, spray the solution on the affected area, and rinse it off with water. These home remedies are safe to be used on most surfaces and are generally effective for small mold infestations.

How much does it cost for professional mold removal services?

The cost may vary depending on the severity of the mold infestation, the size of the area affected, and also the location.  It is best to get quotes from several reputable mold remediation companies to understand the cost of your specific situation.

I’ve had mold issues before but it has been handled. How often do I check my ceilings for mold?

We recommend checking your ceilings minimally once a month, especially if it happens in your bathroom or kitchen (places that are more prone to mold due to humidity).

Regular inspections will help you locate early signs of mold therefore avoiding significant issues down the road.

Mold is no doubt a very tedious thing to deal with but the good news is that when professionally handled, it is very much manageable.

Remember to take the precautionary actions listed above to keep your house safe and mold-free!

After all, a clean home is a happy home.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, we will respond to you as soon as we can!

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