Failures in building envelope often result in water penetration through the building construction. Water penetration into the indoor areas may not be always directly visible but can manifest itself through development of mould. In my recent investigation I have encounter such a case. Cracking of the external render has resulted in water penetration through the external wall of the building onto the inner leaf. The room affected by the fault has developed quite serious condensation and subsequent mould problem. The indoor air quality in the property became seriously degraded by mould spores.
Mould contamination due to condensation
Black mould of walls and ceiling
Investigation of the internal wall identified the point at which the water was penetrating into the indoor area. The area was relatively small and we could assume that possibly water was flowing across the wall cavity over a wall cable tie. However without destructive investigation this theory could not be confirmed.
Water penetration point
We have carried out mould removal in the affected room under fully control conditions with complete area containment. At the time of the removal the property remained occupied and therefore we have taken extra precaution to minimise the risk of possible exposure of people and cross contamination of the whole property.
After mould removal
Room after mould removal
By Tomas Gabor
