ASSESSMENT on dump and microbiological pollution

Biohabita! Acted as consultants to the owners of a house in Argentona focusing on how to solve a mold issue in a recently extended area of the house.

 

BACKGROUND

Only a few months after finishing the extension of the house the new rooms were showing mold stains.

The extension project was compliant with the regulations on the minimum insulation thickness and thermal bridges. During the construction works the insulation was not put as indicated in the project (no insulation in the roof and lacking continuity in the walls) causing big areas of thermal bridge. This fact added to the north orientation of the extension created a condensation dampness on the ceiling and walls during fall, winter and spring. This extended situation during the months caused the microbiological contamination: mold.

 

PROPOSED SOLUTION

Insulate the extension using an EIFS insulation system and disinfect the inside finish i.e. walls and ceiling.

 

NATURAL MATERIALS

Building biology and energy saving materials were proposed. For the walls cork insulation plastered with lime and finished with lime paint.

After disinfection was done in the inside using Alcohol 70%, the wall was then painted with lime paint.