Why do black mold spots show so often in the winter ? (From Stiftung Warentest 02/2011)
mold spores are always and everywhere present in the air. To grow and multiply, but en masse to, they need one thing: moisture. In winter, the mushrooms these ideal conditions are often cold room walls. Large area infested with mold pollutes the air and endanger health.
But in winter is generally dry air heating widely used?
Yes, why not threaten the problems everywhere. Where much is released, the risks are lower. But if outer walls to cool too much, it can even come in well-ventilated apartments to problems: On the coldest places condensed water. This is the same effect that wearing glasses in the winter before entering the house robbed in the know. The moisture in the air condenses on the cool surface.
Where the risk is greatest?
Basically, all exterior walls with poor insulation problematic. Special risks tradeoff is called thermal bridges. These are places in the outer wall, especially on the amount of heat escapes to the outside. Much energy can go a good heat conductor such as lost as steel and concrete. This built balconies or canopies sometimes act as cooling fins. Why
caused mildew, especially in the corners of the room?
Because there was relatively large cold outside walls are faced with the smaller inner wall surfaces. The result is that the walls inside to cool considerably. Even the window frames are often at risk. Is
fungus always visible?
No, molds often grow in Hidden. Around behind a wall unit, which is too close to a cold wall. The little air that circulates cool here, off particularly strong. Similar effects are threatening such as behind wall coverings and skirting boards.
Where does the moisture?
larger the infestation by molds, the higher the health risk. In extreme cases, threatening allergies or respiratory diseases. But do not panic: Are the causes identified for the first time, many problems can be solved relatively easily.
A humid bathroom wall may be an indication of a leaking water pipe. A broken roof tiles may have led to water stains on the ceiling. Leaky gutters and pipes through damp here and there the masonry. Most of the water, the mold can grow is, however, by the people themselves: When breathing, sweating, cooking, showering and drying clothes often evaporates more water than if you were to dump every day a 10-liter bucket of water. This moisture must be removed by ventilation from the apartment.
How long should I lift? to air
The smartest way is the so-called Winter of airing: in the windows wide open with swipe across the whole apartment. Or even in single-family homes from the ground floor to top floor. Usually sufficient, say, 5 minutes to a full Ventilation be provided. How often should I
ventilate?
best at least three times a day: for example, in the morning, after work and late at night in front of the ins-bedtime. If necessary, such as after a shower or cooking, you should open the windows in between just to much water vapor immediately to lead from the house.
is airing at all useful when it is wet and cold outside?
Absolutely. For help when lifting the laws of physics: If 0 degree cold air with a relative humidity of 100 percent in the apartment flows, one cubic meter of air contains only 5 milliliters of water. If the heater heats the air, increasing the ability to absorb water, enormously. Example: At 22 degrees Celsius and 60 percent humidity, the water content at 12 milliliters per cubic meter. The colder the air from outside and the stronger the heating, the more moisture the air can hold more water can be transported with airing out the house.
And why is there mold spots despite good ventilation?
The fungi are often indicators for construction defects: Against the consequences of thermal bridges worse, leaking pipes in walls or ascending, lift the soil moisture can be bad. Therefore essential to clarify the causes and remedy. Professionals, such as independent energy consultant to help can.
Can I fight mold itself?
larger the infestation by molds, the higher the health risk. In extreme cases, threatening allergies or respiratory diseases. But do not panic: Are the causes identified for the first time, many problems can be solved relatively easily. Which drive mold in damp walls to mischief, can be tested using special culture media.
larger the surface damage, the more and more professionals are in demand. Small spots can kill well with 70 percent alcohol: Brush stain it, leave it for 30 minutes and then wipe with alcohol-soaked towels. Cloth then best disposed of with household waste. During this work, ventilate the room. Allergy sufferers and people with weakened immune systems should not remain in the room.
Source: Stiftung Warentest 2 / 2011 http://www.test.de/themen/haus-garten/meldung/Schimmel-Frischluft-hilft-nicht-immer-4195108-4195112/?at=likeCount
More info, analysis, and identify causes in space Münster Osnabrück:
Ralf Holt, Sachverständiegr for molds (TÜV), Tel 02581-784635
