Latest news with #dampness
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussies warned after tradie's 'horrific' discovery in rental home: 'Not pleasant at all'
A young tradie is warning Australian residents this winter to deal with any dampness in their home and its visible consequences after finding several "horrific" clusters of fungi thriving inside a property this week. Plumber Michael Schulze visited a Brunswick property in Melbourne on Monday, where not one, but two mushroom clusters the size of his fist had been growing for months, indicating significant property dampness. "It was very, very wet. On a scale from 1 to 10, it was a 10 for sure," he told Yahoo News. "It's not pleasant at all." Michael, who owns the leak detection company 1300FINDLEAK, explained that an unattended leak from the bath had caused several litres of stagnant water to build up underneath it. The dampness had spread through the walls and across the property. Now, with mushrooms growing in the lounge area, toxic spores were wafting across the property and posing significant health risks to those residing inside. "The tenants didn't seem to fussed about it, but most people don't really know the dangers of breathing in mould and being around damp areas. You can get really sick," he warned. Mushrooms pose significant health risks to residents Not only do mushrooms indicate extreme dampness inside a property, which in turn could result in structural damage to the building, but they also pose health risks to those living with them. Inhaling mushroom spores can cause respiratory issues and prompt allergic reactions, while mycotoxin exposure can inflict various health issues, such as nausea, vomiting and even abdominal pain, according to Health Victoria. Michael has experienced this firsthand. He explained he was enduring a prolonged bout of illness last year until he discovered mould was growing underneath his bed. "I was just getting sick all the time," he explained. How to avoid getting mushrooms inside your home Michael said there are some telltale signs that water is building up in your home, and you want to address it long before mushrooms start sprouting. "First signs to look out for would be bubbling paint or discolouration of paint," he explained. Mould or black mould are definite signs that your property is damp, and the situation has likely got to crisis mode by the time mushrooms arrive. "There's a lot of people out there with leaks, but when people have them, they don't seem to get a leak detector... They just call a plumber... But we look at leaks all day every day," he said, urging people not to suffer in silence. ⛈️ Aussies warned over widespread danger emerging in homes after relentless weather 😷 Resident in affluent suburb found living for years with dire mould problem 🌊 Tenant blasts property manager's response after daughter's room floods It's not the first time Australian residents have been living with mushrooms inside their home. A Sydney woman told Yahoo News previously her son was concerned aliens were taking over their home after mushrooms appeared in the crevice of a bedroom overnight. Dr Tom May, from Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, told Yahoo residents, "definitely don't want a mushroom inside your house releasing spores" after a fluorescent mushroom sprouted up in another resident's bathroom in 2023. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Irish Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
I have noticed blistering on my interior walls. What should I do?
I have a flat roof that is adjoined to my neighbour's house via the hall. I have started to see bubbling on the wall as you enter. What should I do? It's understandable to be concerned when you start seeing bubbling or blistering on internal walls, particularly near where your home connects to another property. While the exact cause can't be confirmed without a site inspection, what you've described is likely a symptom of dampness, often caused by water ingress, condensation or sometimes plumbing issues. Your observation that this is occurring near the junction where your flat roof meets your neighbour's house is significant. Flat roofs typically have a much shorter life expectancy than slated or tiled pitched roofs. Flat roof abutments to adjoining walls can be a particular weak point if not properly constructed. There are a few possibilities to consider. These include: READ MORE A failure in the flat roof covering itself, particularly if the roof is covered in traditional bitumen felt or a similar material that has reached the end of its serviceable life. Depending on the specific system used and how well it was installed, these coverings can last as little as 10–15 years. A problem at the junction with the neighbouring property, such as failed flashing, poor detailing or deterioration at the upstand or abutment where your roof meets your neighbour's wall. An issue on your neighbour's side such as a leaking gutter, cracked render or plumbing defect, which may be allowing water to track across or down into the shared wall, bypassing the flat-roof construction. There are several different types of flat-roof construction. It will be critical that the nature of the structure is properly determined. For example, a key requirement for cold deck roofs is ventilation of the roof structure to prevent condensation moisture build up in the structure, potentially leading to structural issues and leaks. Given the above, the first and most important step is to engage a chartered building surveyor. Building surveyors are trained to carry out detailed defect inspections and will be able to confirm the nature of the problem, recommend the most appropriate repair options, and advise on any health and safety issues. It's important to avoid accessing the flat roof yourself, especially if the structure is timber-framed. Over time, water ingress can cause significant decay, and without understanding the construction type and condition, there's a real risk of collapse or injury. A professional surveyor will carry out a safe inspection and determine the best approach, which may include internal moisture readings, external assessment and, where necessary, opening-up works. If the issue does turn out to be with the roof covering or flashing, it's possible that the materials have simply deteriorated with age. In this case, renewal of the covering and associated weathering details may be required. If these works are located along a shared wall, the wall would be a party structure as defined in the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009. The rights and obligations of adjoining owners is set out in detail in section 43 to 47, including in respect of works carried out to the party structure. The legislation outlines how adjoining owners must co-operate in situations involving repair or access to party structures. Legal advice should be sought if required. In summary, the bubbling you're seeing is very likely linked to water ingress and prompt investigation is recommended before the problem worsens. A chartered building surveyor will help you establish the cause, determine safe access, and advise on next steps including repairs, legal responsibilities and co-ordination with your neighbour if required. Damian King is a chartered building surveyor and a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland Do you have a query? Email propertyquestions@ This column is a readers' service. The content of the Property Clinic is provided for general information only. It is not intended as advice on which readers should rely. Professional or specialist advice should be obtained before persons take or refrain from any action on the basis of the content. The Irish Times and it contributors will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on any content
