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Mould Inspection and Mould Testing in Lane Cove NSW: Rising Damp, High Humidity and Window Mould
By Michael Nguyen | Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) | IICRC WRT, AMRT, ASD (69486970) | Mould Testing Technician (NAT10913005) | Licensed Builder NSW 392154C (Supervisor, KBL+RENO)
We recently carried out a full mould inspection and mould testing at a home in Lane Cove, on Sydney's Lower North Shore. The owners had noticed mould around the windows and a damp feel inside the house. Our inspection found a rising damp problem and high indoor humidity, two conditions that work together to feed mould growth.
Here is how we investigated the property, what each test tells us, and why finding the moisture source matters more than just cleaning the mould you can see.
What We Found
Rising damp: moisture moving up from the ground into the lower sections of the walls.
High indoor humidity: moist air inside the home, which settles on cooler surfaces as condensation.
Visible mould around the windows: window frames and reveals are often the coldest surfaces in a room, so they are among the first places mould appears when humidity is high.
Our Mould Inspection and Testing Process
A proper mould inspection is more than a quick look. We combine several methods so we can see where the mould is, measure how much is in the air, and work out what is causing it.
1. Visual Inspection
We inspected each room for visible mould growth, staining, water marks, peeling paint and damaged materials, paying close attention to windows, external walls, ceilings and wet areas.
2. Odour Assessment
A musty smell often points to hidden mould behind walls, under floors or inside cupboards, even where nothing is visible. We noted where odours were strongest to guide the rest of the investigation.
3. Air Sampling
We took air samples inside the home and an outdoor sample for comparison, and these were analysed by a laboratory. Comparing indoor and outdoor results shows whether mould spore levels inside the home are elevated and which types of mould are present.
4. Tape Lift Sampling
Where we found suspected mould on surfaces, we took tape lift samples. A tape lift collects material directly from the surface so the laboratory can confirm whether it is mould growth and identify the type.
5. Water Ingress Checks
We checked for water getting into the building from outside, including around windows, walls and roof areas, and for any plumbing leaks. Any active water source needs to be fixed before mould remediation, otherwise the mould will come back.
6. Moisture Mapping
Using moisture meters, we mapped moisture levels across the walls and floors. This confirmed the rising damp pattern at the base of the walls and showed how far the moisture had travelled. See a recent example of moisture mapping in Campsie.
7. Thermal Imaging for Cold Spots
We used a thermal imaging camera to find cold spots on walls, ceilings and around windows. Cold surfaces are where condensation forms in a humid home, and condensation is what gives mould the moisture it needs. Thermal imaging can also reveal hidden damp areas that are not visible to the eye.
8. HVAC Check
We inspected the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. HVAC units can collect mould and spread spores through the home, and how the system is used affects indoor humidity and air movement.
How Rising Damp and High Humidity Cause Mould
Rising damp keeps the lower walls wet and releases moisture into the indoor air. When that humid air meets cold surfaces such as window frames, glass and external walls, it condenses into water. Mould only needs moisture, a food source such as dust, paint or timber, and time to grow.
This is why cleaning the mould around the windows on its own is not enough. Unless the rising damp and humidity are brought under control, the mould will return. We saw a similar pattern in our Ashfield rising damp and black mould case study.
Next Steps for the Home
The inspection findings and laboratory results guide the plan for the property. For a home with rising damp and high humidity, this typically includes:
Addressing the rising damp and any water ingress at the source
Reducing indoor humidity and improving ventilation
Professional mould remediation of affected areas, following the IICRC S520 standard
Post-remediation mould testing to confirm the home is back to normal conditions
Mould Inspection and Testing in Lane Cove and the Lower North Shore
AAA Mould Removal provides mould inspections, mould testing and mould remediation in Lane Cove, the Lower North Shore and across Sydney. For another example of air testing, read about the elevated airborne mould levels we found in a Manly roof cavity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between air sampling and a tape lift?
Air sampling measures mould spores floating in the air, which tells you about exposure across the home. A tape lift takes a sample from a specific surface to confirm whether a mark or growth is mould and what type it is.
Can rising damp cause mould?
Yes. Rising damp keeps walls wet and adds moisture to the indoor air, which raises humidity and leads to condensation and mould growth.
Why does mould grow around windows?
Windows are usually the coldest surfaces in a room. When indoor air is humid, moisture condenses on the glass and frames, and mould grows on the damp surfaces and surrounding seals.
Why use a thermal camera in a mould inspection?
A thermal camera shows temperature differences across surfaces. It helps find cold spots where condensation forms and can point to hidden damp areas behind walls and ceilings.
Do I need mould testing if I can already see mould?
Visible mould tells you there is a problem, but testing shows how far it has spread into the air and which types are present. It also gives a baseline to confirm the home is clean after remediation. Learn more about toxic black mould.
About the Author
Michael Nguyen is the director of AAA Mould Removal and leads our mould inspection, mould testing and remediation work across Sydney. His qualifications include:
Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) – Testing Water-Damaged Buildings, Australian College of Environmental Studies (RTO 21740), 2026. Includes nationally recognised units NAT11429003 Conduct a comprehensive mould and moisture assessment and NAT11429007 Conduct post remediation verification mould testing (11429NAT Advanced Diploma of Building Biology)
IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD), IICRC no. 69486970
Mould Testing Technician (NAT10913005)
Licensed Builder NSW 392154C (Supervisor, Kitchen, Bathroom & Laundry and Renovation)
Carpentry Licence
Concerned About Mould in Your Home?
Call AAA Mould Removal on 1300 739 783 or contact us online. We will find the moisture source, test the air and give you a clear plan to make your home healthy again.
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