Case 2
- Introduction
- Causes of Defects
- Good Practices
- Standards
- Maintenance and Diagnostics
- Remedial
- Similar Cases
- References
Introduction
Type of Building: Industrial
Mould growth was shown to be concentrating to a small area over a false ceiling board in this case. Material of the ceiling board was identified as gypsum which is a porous material used extensively in building construction. There are variety of fungi which can grow in hot and moist environment and some of them are harmful. Moisture content is the significant factor to determine the extent of fungi growth. The viability of fungal growth on building materials depends on the characteristics of the material, humidity and temperature.
Mould is likely to manifest at places where there is long-term moisture retention.
The possible source of moisture appears to be water dripping from an overhead drainage pipe. A plastic drainage pipe was found leaking at the joint and water has been continuously dripped onto the ceiling board. This constant supply of moisture provides an excellent platform for fungi to grow together with right temperature inside the wet area. In fact, these finishing materials are highly susceptible to fungal biodeterioration. Therefore, mould growth of gypsum surface could easily occur when it is damp or wet.
