Specialist plumbers and certified mould experts
With over 30 years of industry experience, the team at Sydney Leak Detection leads the field of water ingress, high moisture, and mould inspections in the Sydney property market. Our team of specialist plumbers and certified mould experts are proficient operators of specialist equipment to measure the humidity conditions of all building types. A wide range of testing methods are used in tandem to diagnose the probable source(s) of the indoor mould growth, and to provide practical mould remediation strategies.
Our methodical, yet practical approach to mould inspections, ensures that in every building inspection the key risk areas causing and/or contributing to mould proliferation are identified. The top causes of indoor mould include: an active source of water escape, high humidity, elevated moisture, and poor ventilation. Typical sources of mould growth range from an active pipe leak causing significant water loss, building and roof leaks, leaking windows, sliding doors, showers, balconies, and many more.
IICRC accredited mould experts with specialist testing equipment
There are many mould promoting factors in each property, each with a different weighing value, from a large building defect or pipe leak, through to ventilation limitations of the living space such as lack of exhaust fans, all the way to lifestyle choices by opting to keep windows shut. Each inspection is carried out by a specialist plumber and certified mould expert is a clear and visual report outlining these factors and practical mould prevention strategies for effective mould remediation.
With a combination of formal accreditations, technical expertise, and mould specialist tools, highly trained mould technicians inspect each property to gather relevant data to understand each mould driver and its overall impact.
Use the 6 modules below to navigate to the mould topics that are of immediate relevance or concern to you. Feel free to get in touch to speak to a mould specialist about your individual circumstances.
1 Mould overview
Mould proliferation occurs when the dormant spores become viable and activate. Understanding the triggers can make a huge difference to the indoor conditions and air quality of your home or work space. How and why do mould spores grow in your home or work space. Mould is everywhere and with a very resilient structure it can be hard to keep at bay let alone eliminate. There are many types of mould, with various characteristics in colour and texture. Why are the more frequent storm events a big concern for indoor mould growth?
2 Mould causes
Where there is abnormal moisture there is a higher risk of mould. Explore the common events that trigger dormant mould spores to become viable indoors. From acute events like flooding and water leaks categorised as Priority 1, through to chronic issues such as poor ventilation, building defects, and heavy storms classed as priority 2. These and many other factors combined lead to an indoor environment with higher than normal humidity, moisture, and condensation risk for mould to thrive.
3 Mould health hazards
There are thousands of fungi species, 12 are reported as responsible for 90% of infections and prevalence of respiratory symptoms, allergies, asthma, headaches and fatigue, as well as negative effects of the immunological system. According to the World Health Organisation WHO, mould prevention means eliminating persistent dampness as the number one measure to avoid adverse health effects related to microbial growth on indoor surfaces and in building structures. The immuno-compromised pregnant women, the elderly and young children are the most vulnerable groups to adverse mould reaction.
4 Mould inspections
Specialist plumbers and certified mould experts
Our approach to mould remediation is built on a reliable five-step process: inspection, testing, diagnosis, advice, remediation. This systematic process addresses the current conditions driving the mould and lowers the risk of future growth and damage to property whilst striving for a healthier indoor environment.
5 Mould prevention
High humidity plays a critical role in mould proliferation. Surfaces such as plasterboard, carpet and wood may support mould growth when moisture content exceeds 16%, while relative humidity levels above 60% further heighten the risk, especially in areas with limited ventilation and air flow like bathrooms, kitchens, wardrobes, storerooms and basements. Having a clear understanding of the variables within your home or workspace is the first step taken by a specialist plumber and certified mould expert to define a custom mould prevention plan that works.
6 Mould removal
Mould grows in all types of Sydney real estate from homes, apartments, shops, offices, to hotel rooms and more. Mould may be in several rooms or limited to just one area. It may be hidden or obvious across the ceiling, walls, carpet, windows, blinds, and in personal belongings such as clothes, shoes, and furniture. Mould varies in appearance, it may have different colours and textures, it may be faint and fluffy or deeply ingrained in the substrate, with or without a musty smell. Learn different DIY techniques and when to engage a specialist plumber and certified mould expert is a wiser choice to avoid cross-contamination.
Effective mould prevention: specialist inspections
Sydney Leak Detection is a professional Global IICRC accredited and AMRT certified property contractor specialising in a wide range of water services helping homeowners, landlords, business owners, strata committees, property and commercial managers of all sizes understand and prioritise a realistic action plan to combat indoor mould.
Through thousands of building inspections our team of specialist plumbers and certified mould experts have concluded that the building blocks of mould growth are a combination of the following: a cumulative effect of persistent rain, defective building designs, ageing materials, and poor quality workmanship. These factors combined to varying degrees lead to water migration, high moisture, vapour transfer, moisture retention, and dampness, all of which drive indoor mould growth and damage. On top of it, indoor lifestyle choices also play a part on mould growth.
Mould prevention expert reviews
Using the right technology coupled with wisdom and years of experience, Sydney Leak Detection, solved the water ingress problems that had dogged our development for nearly a decade despite successive expensive attempts at remediation.
Owen, Strata Chair Avalon Beach
We have had a range of leaking pipes, roofs, windows and plumbing issues fixed with their exhaustive knowledge of building, plumbing, and waterproofing products. We highly recommend Sydney Leak Detection to locate, solve, and fix a water issue.
Mick VL, Chair Owner's Committee Narrabeen
Our 35 unit strata scheme has had it’s fair share of issues with waterproofing and leaks over it’s 20 year life. For the past 10 years, our go-to provider of solutions to these issues has been Sydney Leak Detection. The team brings a wealth of experience along with a commitment to doing a great job.
D O'Brien, Strata Chairman Collaroy