Black mould has been a problem since the very first houses were built, so it’s no wonder people have come up with plenty of solutions over time. One common trick? Painting right over the mould – it hides the unsightly marks and creates a barrier between the mould and the rest of your room, so it must be worth considering, right?
Not exactly. While you technically can paint over black mould, you really shouldn’t. Why? Well, that’s what the damp and mould specialists at Prokil are here to break down. Read on to find out why you should ditch the paintbrush and what to do instead!
Why shouldn’t you paint over black mould?
Don’t be fooled by this seemingly quick fix. Painting over black mould is a bad idea for a few reasons:
It doesn’t kill the mould
Painting hides the mould, but it doesn’t kill it. Black mould is tenacious and will continue to grow underneath and through the paint, causing more damage to your walls and releasing spores into the air.
Beyond being an eyesore, black mould can pose serious health risks when its spores are inhaled, particularly for vulnerable groups like babies, young children, people with respiratory or skin conditions, and those with compromised immune systems. Removing it properly is key to protecting the well-being of you and your loved ones, which painting doesn’t let you do.
It doesn’t solve the mould’s root cause
Mould doesn’t appear in a vacuum. It’s caused by a build-up of moisture in your house, such as from poor ventilation, leaks, rising damp, or condensation. Even if painting did remove the mould, it wouldn’t treat the root cause, which makes a recurrence almost inevitable.
If you suspect you have a mould problem in your house, it’s important to identify the source of the moisture and address it as soon as possible.
It makes the problem worse
Painting over the mould doesn’t just let the problem continue – it can actually make it worse. This is because paint can seal in moisture, preventing the mould from drying out and allowing it to thrive and spread deeper into the walls, floors, or ceilings. This only exacerbates the issue, making it harder (and more expensive) to tackle in the future.
What’s the best way to remove black mould?
So, painting’s not an option. What should you do instead?
Although you can deal with very minor cases of mould on your own, your best option is to call on the help of a specialist. They’ll be able to identify the type and extent of the mould infestation, remove all traces of it from your home, and take measures to prevent future recurrences (such as installing a damp proof course). The result will be a home that’s safe for both you and your family to enjoy.
Protect your home with the South’s leading black mould removal specialists
Spotted signs of mould in your home? Don’t panic – the specialists at Prokil are here to help!
With over 50 years of experience under our belt, our team is well-versed in removing black mould in all its forms. We’ll effectively eliminate every trace of mould using state-of-the-art sterilising treatments, then protect against future recurrences by identifying the root cause and installing high-performance damp proofing or ventilation systems as needed.
While working, we’ll minimise disruptions to your daily life and stick closely to all health and safety standards. You’ll be left with total peace of mind in the safety and comfort of your home.
Our services cover most of the South, including Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Berkshire, London, Surrey, Kent, Sussex, South Wales, and beyond. If you’re ready to get started!
