Many Danish buildings and homes are sick with mould
The Danish Building Research Institute estimates that over a period of five years, one in three buildings in Denmark will have experienced water damage that can lead to mould growth. The vast majority of cases are minor and can be resolved by simply drying out the damage. Unfortunately, delayed repair/drying out can lead to extensive damage to the building, which can have both financial and human costs.
Nationwide, it is estimated that more than one in 10 rental properties are affected by mould, and the Lung and Allergy Clinic in Copenhagen estimates that 300,000 Danes are ill due to mould in their homes.
New methods and materials with built-in mould infestation
Mould damage is not only a problem that occurs in old, poorly maintained buildings and homes, but also in new buildings. There are several factors that lead to mould damage: the general state of maintenance of buildings, poor living habits, too little ventilation, too little heat in the home, but also incorrect use of building materials, poor or even unsuitable building materials and last but not least construction defects.
Mould infestation in roof plywood and rainscreen panels is a growing problem. Even if the roof space is properly ventilated according to regulations, mould grows on the roof plywood in these structures. Plaster on insulation often leads to water ingress at windows and roof edges, creating a breeding ground for mould, especially if the insulation is applied to a moisture-sensitive back wall.
EPS or foam concrete floors often cause moisture damage to adjacent floors, roofs and walls, providing a breeding ground for moulds. Yet the use of EPS concrete is widespread and there are currently no official instructions or guidelines, even though proper mixing and use of EPS concrete would prevent most of this damage.
The expected growth in sustainable construction may well result in a corresponding increase in mould damage. Sustainable construction is increasingly reliant on the use of natural materials (e.g. wood and green roofs) and recycled materials that are not re-certified. Therefore, both weather resistance and residual lifespan are unknown.
This means that the new materials and methods will introduce a high risk of mould in new builds and renovations that use them.
Prevention and repair of mould damage
Protox products are designed to combat and prevent mould in indoor environments without leaving unwanted residual chemistry and are tested indoor climate neutral. Protox Mould is designed for the prevention of moulds and Protox Hysan has earned a position as the professional's preferred choice when it comes to mould and odour remediation in Danish homes and buildings.
For example, the right way to prevent mould in plywood is to treat the underside of the roof plywood with Protox Akvagrund2 before installation. For mould growth, cleaning with Protox Hysan an option, but it's much easier and cheaper to prevent than to remediate and renovate.
Protox can help restoration companies and others prepare for a future with a growing number of mould infestations in our homes and buildings. Protox also offers expert assistance and employee training in mould control and prevention.