There is a worrying fact in Italy: in our beautiful country, 14% of people live in houses with structural problems that cause water infiltration and, therefore, mould. This problem is not only aesthetically ugly but also very dangerous for people’s health. Prolonged exposure to mould causes allergic reactions, even severe ones, and respiratory problems that can become chronic.
Often, when a mould removal company is contacted to dispose of a problem in a home, the affected areas are cleaned up. This means that the mould-covered materials, i.e., the plaster, furniture, and structural parts that have been attacked, are removed. However, the intervention often ends there. The tenant is satisfied with the work and pays the company, but the mould is gone, and they think they can live in peace again.
However, the problem will recur because the causes of the mould have not been treated.
Why does mould form in homes?
The occurrence of mould in flats can be attributed to a number of factors. In general, it develops in rooms with high relative humidity, poor ventilation and moderate temperatures, providing an ideal habitat for the growth of fungal microorganisms.
In turn, a house is damp because it has defects in insulation and thermal insulation. Inadequate insulation can lead to condensation, where water vapour is deposited on cooler surfaces, such as walls and windows, promoting the formation of mould.
Poor quality insulation materials or improper installation can compromise the thermal efficiency of the building by increasing thermal bridges. These weak points in the structure allow heat transmission through the insulation, causing temperature differences that can promote condensation and, consequently, the growth of mould.
Cracks or fissures in the building structure allow moist air to enter from outside, increasing the relative humidity inside the room. This can happen especially in older or poorly maintained buildings.
If we add to these structural defects the bad habits of tenants, who ventilate rooms poorly, use a lot of appliances that cause steam, hang laundry in the house or wash the floors with copious amounts of water in less sunny seasons, then it is inevitable that, sooner or later, the walls will have mould.
Anti-mould treatment: Materials make the difference
The materials used for thermal insulation play a key role in preventing the formation of mould in flats. Fibreglass, mineral wool, derived from industrial slag or recycled glass, and polyurethane foams are usually used. All of these materials are traditionally used for insulating buildings, resisting water and fire, and are not only effective but also safe.
Polystyrene, then, available in two forms (EPS and XEPS), is waterproof and offers high thermal and acoustic resistance. However, it requires fireproof coatings that are potentially harmful to health and the environment.
Considering sustainability, these materials are not exactly among the most environmentally friendly. On the contrary, their production and disposal have harmful effects on the environment, as they release chemicals during manufacture and are not recyclable. In addition, fibreglass forms dust and glass fragments when handled, creating hazards for tenants.
In recent years, environmentally friendly and fire-resistant cellulose made from recycled materials such as paper and cardboard has begun to be used. However, it may cause allergies and require specialised installation skills.
Ecological materials for building insulation
The construction industry is increasingly aware of its impact on the environment. It is one of the most polluting sectors in the world, and, given the climate crisis that is affecting the planet and the spread of diseases linked to the dispersion of harmful chemicals and substances into the environment, it is the right time to introduce environmentally friendly innovations to the sector.
At Diasen, for example, we supply insulation products based on cork, one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly building materials. Firstly, it is a renewable resource, as it is obtained from the bark of oak trees without damaging them. Moreover, the cork production process is environmentally friendly and uses sustainable techniques. Cork is also biodegradable and can be recycled, reducing the environmental impact at the end of its life cycle.
Cork is a highly effective thermal insulation material due to its unique cellular structure, characterised by small air-trapping pockets. This structure prevents heat from passing through the material, providing high thermal resistance. In addition, cork is able to maintain a constant indoor temperature, reducing heat loss during the winter and maintaining a cool temperature during the summer.
These characteristics also make it effective against mould. Its porous structure allows it to regulate room humidity by absorbing and releasing excess water, thus maintaining a drier indoor environment and reducing the risk of condensation on surfaces. Cork is highly hygienic and does not allow the proliferation of fungi as it does not provide a favourable substrate for their reproduction.
Diasen cork-based products for effective thermal insulation and mould prevention
With over 25 years of experience in the production of ready-mixed plasters for thermal and acoustic insulation, dehumidification and renovation, at Diasen, we have developed a range of environmentally friendly products that enable the construction industry to reduce its environmental impact while delivering optimal results for homeowners.
Diathonite, for example, is a pre-mixed natural cork-based compound characterised by excellent technical parameters. The plasters in the Diathonite range are versatile and can be used for both thermal and acoustic insulation, dehumidification and renovation of walls, both internal and external.
We also produce cork-based screeds for thermal and acoustic insulation of ventilated roofs, flat roofs, floors, balconies and terraces. These offer an effective solution for lightweight screeds, providing optimal acoustic and thermal insulation on all horizontal or sloping structures.
Diasen’s Bio-mortar line, suitable for both seismic and non-seismic zones, offers high thermal conductivity, allowing the thermal performance of modern building materials to be maximised and significantly reducing heat loss caused by material discontinuity.
With our products, we demonstrate our commitment to the use of innovative and sustainable insulation materials, such as cork, resulting in high-performance solutions for the thermal insulation of flats, helping to create more comfortable and energy-efficient environments. Discover all our products now.
