Let’s clarify one thing right away, there’s no need to panic if you happen to find traces of mold when you remove old wallpaper from the walls. Even if mold has already begun to peep into the wallpaper, it’s not the end of the world.
We do not argue that the presence of mold should be underestimated, far from it. But given that there may be several reasons to explain its presence, the first thing to remember is the following: remain calm and follow the steps below one by one.
Reasons and extent of mold growth on walls
One of the main reasons for mold growth is inadequate room ventilation. One of the main places where this happens is the bathroom. Having the furniture too attached to the walls, thus creating a situation of lack of ventilation can lead to an increase in humidity. For this reason traces of mold are often only found when starting a new room decoration project and moving furniture.
- The damage caused by water inside of the walls is a consequence of defective pipes; mold could also have been caused by starting to install the wallpaper before the room was completely dry. Thermal bridges on the external walls can also lead to water condensation and also have an effect on the internal walls. If the water cannot dry completely and the condensation remains on the wall, it can gradually penetrate inside. A non-waterproof ceilingis one of the possible causes of permanent water damage in the rooms below. Mold formation is a slow process that doesn’t develop overnight. The longer a moisture problem remains undiscovered and untreated, the higher the risk of mold contamination.
As you have read, there can be many reasons to explain the appearance of mold and these are not always easy to recognize for the non-expert eye. Once the old wallpaper has been removed, you have already taken a decisive step towards the solution, as you will be able to understand the degree of wall mold contamination.
If mold appears on the outsideof the old wallpaper, we recommend that you wear gloves and a protective mask. Use the same precautions when dealing with a mold infested wall. If you live in Singapore, you can easily find mould removal companies on SGHomeNeeds to find professional reviews, quotations and prices.
Behind The Furniture
If it is just a stain, especially if it is behind furniture, or a window, the explanation is quite clear: water condensation. If, on the other hand, the problem should be wider, with mold in various colors, such as black, brown, and yellow and red, we recommend that you contact a specialist to assess the level of moisture penetration into the wall. In fact, it makes no sense to remove only the superficial mold and re-upholster the wall without first having solved the problem, as this will soon reappear. The use of anti-mold paint and sealants or dehumidifying plaster is particularly risky, since by blocking the passage of air, you encourage the spread of mold.
The reach of the Mold
It is also essential to determine if mold is present only on the surface or has already penetrated the inner layers of the wall. If this were the case (for example due to water continuing to penetrate the wall due to internal damage or lack of drainage) generous layers of plaster must be removed and it will not be enough to disinfect the wall and seal it before it can be wallpapered.
