How To Prevent Damp and Mould in Irish Homes
Indoor damp and mould is common in Irish homes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s national analysis, damp and poor ventilation increase respiratory risks, especially for children and older adults EPA ‘Air Quality in Ireland 2024’
Causes of Mould
Mould grows when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces and airflow is limited. Condensation on windows and uninsulated walls creates persistently damp areas where spores thrive (EPA 2024 report above). Keeping indoor relative humidity below 60% reduces risk per the State Claims Agency guidance for state buildings.
Government Guidelines
The Department of Housing’s Technical Guidance Document F – Ventilation (2019) sets minimum airflow requirements to control moisture. The State Claims Agency advises continuous background ventilation, routine checks of extract fans, and maintaining indoor humidity below 60%, with negative pressure during remediation (Guidelines link above).
Effective Ventilation Solutions
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) supplies filtered air while extracting moisture-laden air from wet rooms. SEAI’s official guidance explains how MVHR and dMEV help manage humidity and improve indoor air quality in line with Part F (SEAI Ventilation Systems – Home Energy Upgrades
Safe Removal Practices
When mould is present, evidence‑based remediation includes removing the moisture source, containing the area under negative pressure, using HEPA filtration, and physically cleaning surfaces before any biocides (State Claims Agency guidance above; EPA 2024).
Conclusion
Managing moisture and ensuring effective ventilation are the most reliable ways to prevent mould and condensation in Irish homes. See the EPA report above and SEAI guidance for further reading.
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