Is balcony repair causing mold in my son's room?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, balcony repairs are a common cause of interior mold in Dubai's older buildings. The work likely compromised the waterproofing membrane or sealant on the external wall. This allows humidity from the outside air and any residual moisture from the repair materials (like concrete or plaster) to seep into the internal structure. The wall shared with your son's bedroom is now acting like a sponge, and the wardrobe placed against it is trapping that moisture, creating the perfect conditions for mold growth.

Your son's persistent respiratory symptoms are a significant concern and are commonly linked to prolonged exposure to mold spores. The black speckles are a clear visual indicator that the issue is established. In Dubai's climate, where we rely on AC year-round, the cool interior wall surface can also cause condensation to form on this now-damp wall, accelerating the mold growth.

The best course of action is a professional inspection. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing the mold can release a large number of spores. A proper assessment involves a moisture meter to quantify the dampness within the wall and, often, air or surface sampling to identify the mold species. This is important for understanding the health risk and for guiding the remediation plan. The remediation process must include fixing the external waterproofing flaw—otherwise, the mold will simply return. Any company you hire should be able to provide a clear protocol that addresses the source of the moisture, contains the area during removal, and verifies with testing that the space has been returned to a healthy condition.