The Invisible Leak: Solving a Chronic Condensation Mould Problem in Macquarie Park

With the high humidity Sydney has experienced over the past few months, our team has seen a huge increase in calls about a specific issue: significant mould growth in modern apartments, even when there are no water leaks. This recent project in a Macquarie Park strata building is a classic case study of this common environmental problem and the proper way to solve it for good.

Step 1: The Inspection - Identifying the Cause Without a Leak

The client called us after noticing extreme mould growth appearing on the ceiling in their dining and kitchen area, along with visible condensation marks running down the walls. Our certified inspector conducted a thorough mould assessment and, using moisture meters and a thermal camera, confirmed that there was no water ingress from a pipe or the roof. The problem wasn't a leak; it was the air itself.

Step 2: The Diagnosis - A Home That Can't Breathe

Our investigation concluded that the apartment suffered from two common problems in modern buildings: a lack of effective cross-ventilation and bathroom extractor fans that were too small and inefficient for the size of the rooms.

This meant that moisture from everyday activities—showering, cooking, drying clothes, even breathing—was being trapped inside the apartment. This raised the indoor relative humidity to levels where the moisture would condense on cooler surfaces like ceilings and walls, creating the perfect damp conditions for mould to thrive.

Step 3: Our Two-Part Solution - Remediation First, Then Management

Cleaning the mould is only half the battle; providing a long-term solution is our priority.

1. Professional Remediation: Our IICRC certified team first carried out a meticulous mould remediation of all affected surfaces. For areas with deep growth, the plaster was cut out and replaced. For superficial growth, we followed the IICRC S520 "sandwich" method: a thorough HEPA vacuum, followed by a damp wipe with an antimicrobial solution, and a final HEPA vacuum to ensure all spores were removed.

   
   

2. Long-Term Prevention Plan: To prevent the problem from returning, we provided the client with a clear, actionable plan. We strongly recommended they begin using a quality dehumidifier to actively pull excess moisture from the air, especially during wet seasons or when drying clothes indoors. We also provided a report confirming that their bathroom fans were undersized, which they can now take to their strata and an electrician to have suitable units installed.

   
   

Conclusion: More Than a Clean-Up, A Permanent Solution

This Macquarie Park case study proves that the source of a mould problem isn't always a dramatic leak. By using a scientific, diagnostic approach, we were able to identify the chronic humidity issue and provide a solution that not only cleaned the mould but also empowered the homeowner with the knowledge and a clear plan to keep it from coming back.

If you live in an apartment and are struggling with persistent mould, condensation, or a musty smell, contact our team for an expert assessment of your indoor environment for mould.

Photos from this mould removal job in Macquarie Park

photo of before and after mould removal

About the Author

Michael Nguyen is the founder of AAA Mould Removal and a leading expert in mould remediation and building science. His mission is to help Sydney residents maintain healthy indoor environments through scientifically-backed, professional remediation services.

With a unique combination of hands-on and academic expertise, Michael's qualifications are extensive:

• IICRC Certified: Water Damage Restoration, Applied Microbial Remediation & Applied Structural Drying.

• Microbiology: Completed specialised study in Microbiology at RMIT University.

• Licensed Builder & Carpenter with a Diploma in Building & Construction.

• Current University Studies: Double Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science and Environmental Science at Macquarie University.

This deep understanding of building structures, environmental science, and microbiology allows Michael to diagnose the root cause of mould problems, not just treat the symptoms. He specialises in residential and commercial mould removal, black mould treatment, and water damage restoration.

Need a true expert to assess your property? Contact AAA Mould Removal today for a comprehensive mould inspection.