Best way to inspect for mold in Dubai villa?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing at night and I’m starting to suspect it’s mold. We live in a villa in Al Barsha, and I’ve noticed a few small black spots in the corner of our master bedroom closet, which is on the outside wall. This seems to have gotten worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. What’s the best way to get a proper inspection done to find the source and make sure it doesn't come back?
Posted by Fahad Abbas
Asked on April 25, 2026 10:00 am
Nighttime coughing in children, especially in a humid climate like Dubai's, is a common indicator of a potential mold issue. The black spots in your closet are a visible sign, but the source is likely hidden moisture—possibly from condensation on that outside wall or a small leak. In Al Barsha's villas, this is frequently due to the extreme temperature differential between the air-conditioned interior and the exterior heat, causing condensation inside walls.

A proper inspection involves more than just looking at visible spots. Professionals use three key tools: a borescope to see inside wall cavities for hidden growth, a moisture meter to find elevated moisture levels in building materials (the actual source of the problem), and an infrared camera to identify cold spots where condensation occurs. The goal is to find all moisture reservoirs, not just the visible mold.

For a definitive answer on the type of mold, air and surface samples should be sent to an accredited microbiology lab for analysis. This identifies the species and spore count, which is crucial for understanding health risks and planning the correct remediation strategy.

The Dubai Municipality has clear guidelines for remediation to ensure it is done completely and safely, preventing recurrence. Given the symptoms and the villa's construction, a professional assessment is strongly recommended to locate the entire affected area and develop a plan that addresses the root moisture issue, not just the surface mold you can see.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 5:44 am