Mould growth in buildings

Microorganisms in buildings, commonly referred to as mould, are a societal problem with both economic and health consequences for society and individuals. RISE works to prevent mould growt in buildings and to ensure that existing damage is addressed in the best possible way.

Microbial growth in buildings is a complex process influenced by moisture and temperature, building material properties, and the microorganisms' characteristics. This complexity presents challenges in assessing the risk of mould growth when designing new buildings, investigating damage, and interpreting results from damage assessments.

At RISE, we have extensive experience working with the biological processes related to these issues. We have been researching the conditions under which mould can develop on building materials for decades. This has, for example, resulted in a method for testing the susceptibility of materials to mould growth at different moisture levels to determine the critical moisture level (RH_krit). The method has been validated in several field studies, and we offer material manufacturers the opportunity to test according to this method. The results can be used to select the right materials for new construction, reducing the risk of mould damage. Also, material manufacturers often turn to us to test how materials resist mould growth at high moisture levels as part of their product development.

Microbiological analyses of building materials are an essential part of damage assessments of moisture-damaged buildings to assess the extent of the damage. They also form the basis for relevant and sustainable remedial proposals. At RISE, we have been conducting such analyses for almost 30 years, and we have broad and deep expertise in detecting and quantifying mould growth in buildings and interpreting the results of such analyses.

We are committed to ensuring that the results and interpretations we provide you as a customer are research-based. We are also committed to ensuring that our work is cost-effective for you as a customer. This may, for example, mean advising against costly analyses that do not provide helpful information for the investigation and remediation of moisture damage.