|
Trade Discounts Available
|
Price Match Promise
|
Secure Payments
|
World Wide Delivery
|
Over 20 Years Experience
|
Mould in a garage is one of the most common problems in UK homes. Particularly in the warmer months, the humid environments can cause mould to grow and spread across garage spaces. Whilst mould is common, it can pose risks to health, particularly for those with asthma, structural damage to properties and mean you have to fork out for repairs. We’ve put together a quick guide to what causes mould in garages, how to prevent mould and how to get rid of garage mould.
Before we get into how to stop mould in a garage, you might be asking, ‘why am I getting mould in my garage? ’. Mould is caused by damp air and a lack of ventilation leading to a humid environment where mould thrives. Moist air from dryers or wet vehicles being stored after being out in the rain can lead to a damp atmosphere. Water leaks from worn garage door seals, uninsulated walls or ceilings or cracked foundations could all be letting damp or water into your garage space and causing a mould problem.
When it comes to the actual appearance of the mould, whilst the biggest visible cues can be on walls and garage ceilings, organic storage materials such as cardboard boxes, paper storage, wood or fabric are all magnets for mould to grow on due to their nature.
Whilst mould can be hard to shift, there are a few key ways you can prevent mould in your garage. Starting at the core of your garage, try to avoid bare drywall which can be a hot spot for mould. Instead, buy a mould-resistant paint which can help avoid mould on your garage walls.
Because mould thrives in damp environments, clearing up water as soon as it enters the garage space is key. Any water spilled or that enters on a wet car should be dried and try to avoid walking wet shoes into the space. Removing clutter can also help reduce the areas mould likes to gather.
Another great weapon in the fight against mould is a dehumidifier. Having this running, particularly in wetter weather, can help reduce the amount of moisture in your garage and reduce the risk of mould as a result.
Finally, one of the best ways to prevent mould in garages is to seal up the space properly in order to protect it from external weather. Sealing your garage door using weatherstripping and a garage floor seal to help stop water from entering from under your garage door can reduce the damp in your garage and help prevent a mouldy garage.
If you already have mould, it’s important to remove it safely, if there is a large mould infestation in your garage, you might want to call in professional mould specialists to remove it for you. If it is just a smaller patch you would like removing, you’ll want to ensure as much ventilation as possible in the space you are working, You’ll also want to wear goggles, gloves and a mask to protect you from the mould.
Once you get started, it’s important you don’t simply move the mould around. Avoid dry-scrubbing and instead use a specialist mould remover. Make sure you remove any materials such as cardboard or paper from the area that could trap the mould spores. Once you’ve applied the mould removal treatment, leave it to sit for around 10-30 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly and disposing of all rags or cloths used.
Once you’ve cleared your garage of mould, you’ll want to put things in place to stop it from returning.
Start by sealing your garage against the elements, starting with your garage door. Invest in new, high-quality garage door seals such as garage weather seals and garage floor seals to stop water from entering your garage through your garage door. In addition to this, it’s a good idea to invest in a good dehumidifier. This can either be one that runs on electric or moisture absorbers that are swapped out frequently.
Whilst you’re mould-proofing your garage, check the space has enough ventilation to allow moisture to escape. You may have removed a lot of cardboard storage when getting rid of the mould but it’s important you don’t just swap these out for more cardboard boxes. Invest in plastic storage boxes on metal shelves that will have better protection against moisture for your belongings and won’t attract mould spores.
Tools To Help Stop Mould in Your Garage
We’ve listed some of our favourite tools to help prevent mould in garages from our seal range. Having a well-protected garage door is one of the best steps to protecting your garage from excess moisture and external elements.
If you are updating the protection your garage door offers against the elements that can cause mould, take a look at our full garage door seal collection, including brush strips, weather stripping and more. Alternatively, contact our team to find out what seals would best fit your door to avoid excess water from entering.
