know what to do and how to prevent
According to data from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), Portugal has levels of relative power in the air in the order of 90% and 100%, which has multiplied the supply problems in homes across the country. The phenomenon is explained by the greater amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, but also by the temperatures that were higher than usual in the months of December and January – December was even the hottest month in the last 92 years, with “average temperature of 12 .72 °C, 2.76 °C above the normal value”.
According to the European Commission, 25.2% of the Portuguese lived in houses with power problems, which include not only mold but also infiltration. For climatologist Pedro Garrett, speaking to ‘CNN Portugal’, “with climate projections it is possible to stipulate that, for each degree of increase in global average temperature (we are 1.2 degrees since the pre-industrial period), the na atmosphere increases by 7%”.
What should you do when there is fuel at home?
In the first place, according to architect Rui Franco, it is necessary to understand the origin of architecture. “Sometimes, these existing ones are the result of infiltrations” and not by condensation – in this case, only with works it is possible to stop the problem.
When liquid stains are already on the interior walls, there are solutions. “There are many specific products for cleaning mold, which can be bought in drugstores or supermarkets”, revealed the architect Tânia Martins. The most common? “Cleaning with bleach”, then leaving the wall to dry well. “Prepare a bleach solution (one part bleach or detergent to five parts water) or multipurpose detergent”, recommended DECO, which also suggested using an “antifungal product” and applying it “with a vaporizer for plants”.
In some cases, it may be necessary to re-plaster the wall or when there is an upward cause, it is advisable to “place a waterproofing membrane or inject a water-repellent product”.
However, “there is no way to prevent it”, reported Tânia Martins. The ideal “is for the house to be well maintained, to have air tightness, ventilation… but most houses in Portugal cannot do this, it is very difficult to prevent”.
But there are alternatives: “reinforcing the insulation of the houses through exterior insulation systems or checking and correcting any waterproofing leaks that exist on the roofs and facades”, highlighted Rui Franco. According to DECO, all buildings must undergo conservation works once every 8 years.
To avoid exposure, it is recommended “to paint the interior of the house with an antifungal paint and preferably semi-satin, because matte paints tend to absorb the coating more” – these “have a luminous shine” and end up “having a layer more protective, a smoother surface and be more efficient for bathrooms and kitchens”.