Mould Corner

How to eliminate black mold

Tired of mold coming back? Learn how to kill black mold permanently by eliminating root causes like condensation and cold surfaces using SkamoWall system.

Black mold is a stubborn issue, especially in older homes and apartments with solid exterior walls. A lot of folks think the answer is just scrubbing harder or using harsher chemicals. The truth is that rarely solves the problem for good.

If you're trying to get rid of black mold for good, here is the uncomfortable reality: Mold is often a symptom, not the root cause. Unless the underlying conditions change, black mold will likely come back – sometimes in a matter of weeks.

This is where systems like SkamoWall come in. They are not a quick fix, but a structural solution designed to eliminate the conditions mold needs to thrive.

Why does black mold keep coming back?

Black mold flourishes when three things are present: moisture, cold surfaces, and organic materials. In practice, this often means exterior walls, corners, behind furniture, or in rooms with poor ventilation.

In many structures, particularly those with masonry or concrete walls, the wall surfaces can get chilly enough for the moisture in the air to condense. This moisture is not always immediately apparent – it can be invisible, in fact – but it is sufficient to foster mold growth given enough time.

We have witnessed numerous instances where people scrubbed away mold, only to find it reappearing in the same places. The explanation is straightforward: The wall never dried out, and the surface temperature remained unchanged.

Killing black mold versus stopping its return

It is crucial to differentiate between:

  • Removing visible mold
  • Eradicating the conditions that allow mold to flourish

 

Cleaning agents can kill mold on the surface. They do not:

  • Raise the temperature of the wall surface
  • Enhance moisture control
  • Stop condensation

 

This is why mold frequently reappears, even after a thorough cleaning.

To truly eradicate black mold, the building's structure often requires some upgrades.

Why the right material matters more than you might think

Mold thrives on organic substances – think wallpaper adhesive, the binders in paint, wood, and even dust. When there is moisture, mold has a feast.

SkamoWall Board, however, is constructed from calcium silicate, an inorganic material that mold simply cannot digest. This characteristic alone dramatically lowers the chances of it returning, even in areas prone to dampness.

But the real-world advantage of SkamoWall lies in how it alters the wall's performance.

How SkamoWall tackles black mold at its source

Increase surface temperature to stop condensation

One of the most frequently ignored triggers for black mold is surface condensation.

When a wall is chilly, the moisture in the air inside your home can condense there, even if the room does not feel damp. SkamoWall Board provides an insulating layer on the wall's interior.

They work by warming the wall's surface, which in turn lessens or stops condensation, effectively removing the moisture that mold thrives on.

This approach is especially useful for:

  • Exterior walls
  • Solid brick or concrete walls
  • Cold corners and window reveals

Moisture control, not moisture accumulation

Unlike some insulation systems that can inadvertently trap moisture if not installed properly, SkamoWall is designed to be vapor-permeable and to actively regulate moisture.

Essentially, the wall can handle moisture, soaking it up and then letting it go, without becoming perpetually damp.

This balance is crucial. Mold grows best in places with constant moisture, not in environments where humidity is actively controlled.

 

High pH levels deter mold

SkamoWall Board has a naturally high pH, above 10, which means it creates an alkaline surface that mold finds inhospitable. This is not a temporary chemical application – it is built into the material itself.

This makes a real difference in places where mold keeps coming back, even after cleaning.

When SkamoWall is a good choice for mold problems

SkamoWall is not always the answer for every mold problem. If it is just surface mold, isolated and caused by a brief spike in humidity, then cleaning and better ventilation might do the trick.

SkamoWall truly excels in specific scenarios. It is particularly effective when you are dealing with persistent mold issues on a wall.

  • When exterior walls feel uncomfortably cold
  • When you can see or suspect condensation
  • When furniture placement seems to make mold worse

 

When standard cleaning just will not do the trick, SkamoWall gets to the heart of the matter, addressing the underlying mold issue, not just the surface stuff.

Incorporating SkamoWall into a comprehensive mold-removal plan

Incorporating SkamoWall into a comprehensive mold-removal plan usually requires a few key steps. First, the existing mold must be removed safely. Next, any issues related to moisture and ventilation should be addressed.

Tackling issues related to dampness and airflow.

Upgrading wall construction if necessary.

SkamoWall is generally applied after the mold is gone, providing a fresh interior surface that actively prevents future growth. It works best when paired with good ventilation and keeping indoor humidity levels in check.

It is not a miracle cure, but in the right circumstances, it is one of the most dependable long-term solutions you can find.