Home renovation is often an exciting task. You can plan a new kitchen, refresh old rooms, or improve the comfort of your home. During this process, moisture levels often rise without you realising it. Water from plastering, painting, tiling, and wet weather can stay trapped inside your home for weeks. When this moisture is not controlled properly, mould can quietly start to grow.
It usually appears in corners or inside newly finished areas. It not only damages the surface but also affects indoor air quality. Preventing mould during renovation is easier than dealing with it later. With the right steps taken at the right time, you can keep your home dry and safe throughout the project. In this article, we will tell you what you can do to control it.
Effective Ways to Prevent Mould During Home Renovation
Use a Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier is one of the most effective steps you can take to control moisture. Renovation work creates a lot of hidden moisture. Even if surfaces look dry, moisture can stay in the air and settle into walls and floors. When you use a powerful dehumidifier like the DrizAir 1200 Dehumidifier, you actively pull excess moisture out of the air.
Place the dehumidifier in the room where work is being done and keep doors closed so it works more effectively. You should run it daily, especially when the weather conditions are already wet. Make sure you empty the water tank regularly and keep the unit running consistently. This steady control of moisture helps protect new materials from mould.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation plays a key role in keeping mould away during renovation work. When fresh air flows through your home, damp air can escape instead of getting trapped indoors. Without ventilation, moisture builds up quickly, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. You should regularly open windows and internal doors to allow air to move freely through the property.
If possible, you should create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of the home. It helps push moist air out faster. During colder months, even opening windows for short periods makes a difference. It also helps your dehumidifier perform better and prevents damp conditions that mould loves.
Dry Wet Materials Before Installation
Many renovation materials arrive slightly damp or become wet during storage and transport. Timber, plasterboard, insulation, and flooring materials can hold moisture without looking wet on the surface. If you install these materials before they are dry, you lock moisture inside your home.
This trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for mould to grow behind walls or under floors. Before installation, store materials in a dry and well-ventilated area. You should use spacers to lift them off the floor and allow air to circulate them. If needed, use your dehumidifier nearby to speed up drying. Taking time to dry materials properly may slow the project slightly, but it saves you from serious mould problems in the future.
Seal Leaks and Damp Areas
You may ignore small leaks and damp patches during renovation. However, they are one of the biggest causes of mould problems. Water from leaking pipes, damaged roofs, or rising damp can stay hidden behind walls and floors. If you build over these issues without fixing them, mould will continue to grow out of sight and may appear months later.
Before moving forward, you should carefully check for signs of dampness. Repair any leaks immediately and allow the area to dry fully before continuing work. You can use moisture meters, if available, to confirm dryness. Fixing these issues early helps create a solid foundation for the rest of your renovation and stops mould from becoming a long-term problem.
Keep the Site Clean
A clean renovation site helps prevent mould more than many people realise. Dust, wood offcuts, packaging, and waste materials can hold moisture and provide food for mould spores. When these materials are left lying around, mould can begin to grow on them and spread through the air.
You should clean the site regularly by removing waste, sweeping floors, and wiping down surfaces. Dispose of rubbish promptly and avoid letting damp materials pile up indoors. You should keep the site tidy to improve airflow. It allows moisture to escape more easily.
Use a Fan Heater
Using an industrial fan heater can be very helpful during renovation, especially in colder months. Cold air holds moisture longer. It slows down drying and increases the risk of mould. A fan heater gently warms the room while circulating air, which helps moisture evaporate faster from walls and ceilings.
You should place the fan heater safely away from wet surfaces and flammable materials. You can use it alongside your dehumidifier for the best results. Warm air allows the dehumidifier to work more efficiently.
Preventing mould during home renovation requires steady attention. You can take all the aforementioned steps to control moisture and improve airflow, which ultimately reduces the risk of mould growth.
