Mouls spores

[sueonmull]

We are renovating an old stone barn which was originally converted in the early 80s. There was evidence of damp due to a leaking roof which has now been resolved, there were no extractors in the bathroom and kitchen which we have also now installed. There is no evidence of rising or penetrating damp. There is no insulation on the outside walls and there is evidence of mould on these walls due we believe to condensation. We are going round room by room stripping off the old plasterboard and re-insulating. We are treating the walls/floors with a fungicidal wash to try to kill mould spores.
We are working on a particularly badly affected room at the moment and are concerned that as we are doing this work mould spores are being disturbed. We are trying to contain as best we can but it is inevitable that these spores are going to get into adjacent rooms that are less badly affected but yet to be renovated.
Any advice would be welcome on how we can treat these air borne spores.
Thanks

 

[stuart45]

Mould spores are everywhere, but as long as you make sure the elements of the building and conditions don't allow the spores to germinate there should be no problem.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Once you have reduced the moisture in the air, which is what you are currently doing.
I assume you are either cavity filling or applying insulation internally on the walls to stop condensation.

Mould spores need moisture to germinate, so when this problem is solved, the spores will not spread.

 

[sueonmull]

Thanks for such quick replies.
The walls are 2 foot stone so we are dry lining the walls and putting insulation in at that point. We have replaced all the window which are now double-glazed with trickle vents. Am a lot more positive from your replies but still feel uncomfortable about the smell that we've stirred up despite wearing mask whilst we are working.
Thanks again.

 

[jeds]

...Any advice would be welcome on how we can treat these air borne spores.
Thanks

You can't. As already mentioned spores are everywhere in the atmosphere and if you could kill the ones you've got then more would replace them within minutes anyway. It's worth treeating the walls as there will be some residual dampness in the masonry which will take months to dry out. (approx 25mm per month is an average time) Treat with a solution that will prevent germination on the walls for 6 months or so. After that it's all about keeping it dry. No moisture, no mould.

PS, when you dry line don't forget a vapour barrier between your plasterboard and insulation.

 

[sueonmull]

Thanks John, we are using foil backed plasterboard, I think it's called duplex.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

duplex board is fine as it has a vapour check barrier.

 

[sueonmull]

Forgot to mention my husband is also planing to put Tyvek breather membrane on the bare walls before he fixes the batons that carry the plasterboard. Then isowool insualtion is going in betwen the batons.