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It’s dark, it’s damp and there’s hardly any air movement. If you’re a mould, you’re thinking, “Sounds like my kind of place!” This is the kind of environment moulds thrive in and all too often, it’s exactly what a garage is like.

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Some garage owners are lucky, in that their garages are built from materials that mould doesn’t like to grow on. Walls that are made from pre-coated aluminium, or from vinyl, are excellent at preventing fungus growth. In fact man-made materials tend to be better than wood at preventing mould.

Mould can cause illness

Mould is seriously bad for you – the NHS states that it can cause allergic reactions such as rashes, as well as respiratory problems, including asthma attacks. If your garage is not built of mould-resistant materials, and you are seeing spots and clumps of dark mould, you need to do two things.

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The first is to increase the airflow through the space by opening any doors or windows regularly. You also need to take as much moisture out of the air as possible. It may be a good idea to use an air dehumidifier regularly.

The second step is to check the garage to find out where the dampness is coming from. If the garage is attached to the house, it may have pipes running through it, above or below ground, that are leaking. A lot of mould problems are caused by condensation. Because air circulation is important, it’s better to have garage racking for storage (https://www.garage-shelving.co.uk), as it can allow air to pass behind and in front of objects.

Treating mould

There are various anti-mould paints and treatments that can be used, once you have tackled the root cause of the problem. It’s a good idea to wear a mask when removing mould, or brushing over it, because mould spores will be released into the air. There are anti-fungal treatments that can be painted directly onto the black spots, but be aware that these are fairly expensive, as they contain an active fungicide. Some have to be used solely as a pre-treatment, with any paint coverings applied later.

If you decide you want to remove the mould completely first, then there are mould removers that can be applied by sponge, but again, remember to use appropriate protective equipment.… Read More

Space is at a premium in many homes, and we’re always looking for ways to make our rooms seem bigger. Many of us don’t have as much space as we’d like, but there are plenty of ways to cheat and create the illusion of a light, airy space, even in the smallest of homes. Here are some simple ways you can make your room feel bigger without making any structural changes.

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Arrange furniture creatively

Living rooms, in particular, can feel cramped with all the furniture we need, especially in family homes where several people will often be using the room at the same time.

After all, as the Mirror reports, Britain’s homes are getting smaller and smaller http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britains-houses-getting-smaller–7459889, and this is piling pressure onto families or groups of friends who live together. You might have got into the habit of pushing all your large items of furniture up against the wall in an attempt to create as much floor space as possible. This can actually create the opposite effect and can make your room look and feel more cramped. If you can, pull sofas and armchair in a little from the walls, and you’ll create the illusion of more space. If you have enough space for people to walk between your furniture and the walls, even better.

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Use light colours

Using light colours, particularly on the walls and on the floor, creates the illusion of more space by opening up the room and making it feel brighter and lighter. Flooring can be a little harder than the walls, but wood or laminates are perfect for brightening up a room, as long as you choose the correct shades. Avoid any dark heavy oaks, as much as you might like them, and opt for a light beech colour or similar. Lighter oaks are also great and add a touch of timeless class to any space. Quality engineered oak flooring from reputable suppliers such as http://www.woodfloorwarehouse.co.uk/engineered-flooring.html can even add value to your home in some cases.

Dark colours can be cosy and can work well in small spaces if you want a dark, snug space, but if making a room seem bigger is your aim, avoid them. And light doesn’t have to mean white – if white is too harsh for your tastes or you prefer something warmer, choose a soft neutral.

 … Read More