The complaints are almost endless but the conclusion is clear: mould is a common issue faced by many people living in Port Macquarie. This means if you're a university student moving to Port Macquarie, you can expect to be dealing with mould at some point, whether you live on campus or off, or if you're a new resident moving in, you might encounter mould in your new rented house, bedrooom unit, or newly purchased home.
Port Macquarie's mould is due to the humid and warm climate in the region, which provides a perfect environment for mould to grow and thrive. Mould can grow on various surfaces including walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture. It can also grow inside the HVAC system and ductwork, leading to the spread of mould spores throughout the home or building. The growth of mould can cause various health problems, including allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It can also cause more serious health issues such as asthma and other respiratory problems.
Social media has become a platform for people to voice their concerns and experiences with mould in Port Macquarie. Many residents have taken to Facebook and Twitter to discuss the issue and share their experiences with mould in their homes and buildings.
One Facebook user wrote, "I have been living in Port Macquarie for a few months now and I have noticed a lot of mould in my apartment. It's affecting my health and I don't know what to do. I have tried cleaning it, but it just keeps coming back."
Another resident tweeted, "I recently moved into a new home in Port Macquarie and I am shocked by the amount of mould I have found. It's affecting my family's health and I don't know how to get rid of it."
Six tips to stop mould in Port Macquarie
1. Be patient with others
Despite these complaints, students and residents new to PMQ should note that mould is going to be a common problem experienced in a sub-tropical environment, particularly in the past two years when the Port Macquarie-Hastings region experienced record rainfall.
Even talking from personal experience, we can say that we rented two homes in the past several years, and despite high standards of cleanliness, we still battled mould.
Blaming landlords, university administrators, real estate agents, your aunty who suggested you move here isn't going to help. Most people in positions of responsibility will do their best to help you. Mould is largely a symptom of geography, and the large, sophisticated buildings (homes, unit blocks with air conditioning etc) we use to facilitate our comfortable western lifestyle. This doesn't mean we can't make mould worse - we certainly can through our decisions...and that leads onto the next point.
2. Track the mould and this will help you work out who is responsible
According to Fair Trading NSW, the person or entity responsible for the mould depends on how the mould developed. For example:
"if mould developed from a build-up of moisture because the landlord failed to repair a defective window in a reasonable time, or the property didn’t have adequate ventilation – then the landlord is responsible and must fix the problem
if the mould developed during the tenancy because the tenants allowed a build-up of moisture by never opening any windows or not using ventilation fans in the bathroom – then the tenant may be responsible."
Fair Trading goes on to say:
"Timing is also a factor. If mould develops close to the start of the tenancy, it could be considered pre-existing damage. The condition report contains a dedicated section on mould, and landlords, agents or tenants should note the mould when they complete the report. Even if mould is noted on the condition report, landlords must make sure they keep the property in a reasonable state of repair."
Tenants must notify the landlord or agent as soon as possible if they see any signs of mould or damp developing during the tenancy.
If the mould is causing a danger to the health of tenants or other occupants, then this may be considered an urgent repair.
3. Identify the source of the mould
The first step in dealing with mould is to identify the source of the problem. Mould can grow in areas that are moist or humid, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and other areas that are not properly ventilated. Once you have identified the source of the mould, it's important to take steps to eliminate the source of the moisture. Sometimes mould hides in places, like behind the headboard of a bed. Often in Port Macquarie there are sloping blocks of land where rooms on the bottom level are adjacent to damp areas under the house, and so the walls of these rooms may be susceptible to mould.
4. Eliminate the source of moisture
Once you have identified the source of the mould, it's important to take steps to eliminate the source of the moisture. This may include fixing leaks in pipes or roofs, using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels, and ensuring that areas are properly ventilated.
5. Clean up the mould
Once you have eliminated the source of the moisture, it's time to clean up the mould. Cleaning up mould can sometimes be a difficult and dangerous task. You may wish to hire a professional mould remediation company. If you choose to clean up the mould yourself, make sure you wear protective gear, such as gloves, a face mask, and eye protection, to avoid exposure to mould spores and spores.
6. Prevent future mould growth
Once you have cleaned up the mould, it's important to take steps to prevent future mould growth. This may include installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, making sure that areas are properly ventilated, and reducing humidity levels in your home.
If you are dealing with mould in your unit or house, it's important to take the problem seriously and take steps to address it promptly and effectively. Mould can cause serious health problems and structural damage, so it's important to take action quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Three mould solution companies in Port Macquarie with positive reviews
Companies that deal with mould include the following:
1. Port Macquarie Mould Solutions:
"I recently used Port Macquarie Mould Solutions and I was blown away by their professionalism and expertise. They took care of the mould problem in my home quickly and effectively." - Facebook user
"I highly recommend Port Macquarie Mould Solutions. They were prompt, efficient, and did a great job with my mould problem." - Twitter user
2. Coastal Mould Remediation:
"Coastal Mould Remediation was amazing. They took care of the mould in my home and I couldn't be happier with the results." - Facebook user
"I had a great experience with Coastal Mould Remediation. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and did a fantastic job with my mould problem." - Twitter user
3. Mid North Coast Mould Solutions
"Mid North Coast Mould Solutions was a lifesaver. They took care of the mould problem in my home and I couldn't be happier with their service." - Facebook user
"I had a great experience with Mid North Coast Mould Solutions. They were professional, efficient, and did a fantastic job with my mould problem." - Twitter user
More questions? Ask a local.