Preventing Mould in Your Conservatory

Conservatories are a great way for you to enjoy a variety of weathers, from blaring sun to harsh rain, and with an aesthetically pleasing design, conservatories are an incredibly popular extension to modern day houses. However due to their proximity to the garden and exposure to the elements, conservatories can frequently become subject to damp and even worse, mould. Some conservatories are beyond saving, as they could have been build on unstable foundations, or built without proper cavity wall insulation to prevent damp and mould from occurring. However if your conservatory is sturdy and well-built, it could be just due to extreme weather conditions that is making damp and mould a problem.

Mould is a huge problem, particularly for quality stone tiles and fabric furniture, which are both common in conservatories, so it important to know how to spot it, and what to do to help prevent it. Consider these things when looking for mould in your conservatory;

Does the Room Seem Chilly?

Conservatories need to be well ventilated, so if the air seems damp or chilly, you might suffer from mould in the future. Installing an oscillating ceiling fan can help circulate the air, and prevents water in the air from settling and turning into a problem later on.

Alternatively you could install an extractor on one of the walls, or a de-humidifier which collects vapours from around the room, but these can be expensive. Increasing air circulation in the room can really help to prevent condensation and the spread of mould.

Is There a Draft?

A draft in the room can be caused by cracked glass, or an improperly sealed window. If you happen to notice a draft in your conservatory, this could be worsening any problems that you have with damp or mould. Locate the source of the draft by moving your hand gently over the window frames as they are the most common cause for drafts in the house. If you feel a cold breeze, then there is the source of your draft.

Use a caulking gun to fill in any gaps which cause drafts, or alternatively you can use scotch tape and simply tape across the gap.

Are the Windows Fogging?

Single glazed windows will fog much more easily than double glazed windows, and can cause condensations, which will then run down and cause damp and mould in the cracks around the edge of the room. Crack a window open, or cash out on double glazing to decrease the condensation, as it saves a lot of money on reparations, as well as heating bills, in the future.

If Mould Appears, Stamp it Out!

If you do happen to spot mould, don’t wait until it gets out of hand. Mix a mild detergent with warm water, and then wet a cloth with the distilled solution. Gently dab at the mould until it wipes away. Thoroughly dry the area afterwards with clean paper towels to discourage the mould from returning.

It is hard to remain completely vigilant where damp and mould is concerned, but hopefully these tips have helped you to reduce the chance of mould spreading in your conservatory.

You can find out more about the problems associated with mould by visiting Allergy UK.

Kristina Mulana is a stay at home mother of two who regularly blogs about her domestic achievements. She has contributed this post on behalf of the Stone Tile Emporium, purveyors of fine stone flooring for use across the home.