Hawthorn’s older weatherboards and Victorian-era homes often hide moisture in subfloors, bathrooms and sealed-up extensions—ideal conditions for mould that can spread behind linings before you see it.
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We check bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and the rooms next to them for elevated moisture that can feed mould behind tiles, vanity kickers and skirting boards. This matters in Hawthorn renovations where waterproofing details and junctions between old and new construction can fail.
For Hawthorn homes with suspended timber floors, we assess subfloor ventilation, ground dampness and signs of mould on timbers. Damp subfloor air can migrate into living areas through floor gaps and service penetrations, worsening musty odours and recurring surface mould.
We look for mould staining on rafters, sarking and insulation, and note bathroom exhaust termination and ducting issues. Poorly vented exhaust fans and cold roof cavities can cause condensation that supports mould, particularly after airtight upgrades.
We focus on common problem zones such as built-in robes on external walls, window frames and shaded corners where airflow is low. Condensation and minor water ingress here often present as bubbling paint, musty smells or mould speckling that returns after cleaning.
We assess areas around sinks, toilets, showers, hot water services (where visible), and pipe penetrations for moisture and mould indicators. Small ongoing leaks can keep wall cavities damp, leading to concealed mould and material breakdown over time.
Beyond noting mould presence, we identify the most likely moisture source—ventilation shortfalls, waterproofing failure, drainage contributing to damp, or condensation patterns—and provide prioritised recommendations so you can brief the right trade and avoid repeat outbreaks.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Many Hawthorn period homes have suspended timber floors and older wall systems that can hold moisture when ventilation is limited. Winter heating, closed windows and bathroom steam increase indoor humidity, and condensation can form on colder external walls and window reveals. If the subfloor is damp or exhaust fans are weak, moisture stays trapped and mould can keep returning even after cleaning.
Yes—our inspection focuses on the conditions that allow mould to grow. We check for moisture patterns around wet areas, plumbing points, external walls, subfloors and roof spaces (where accessible). While we don’t perform invasive testing, we can usually identify the most likely drivers such as ventilation shortfalls, leaks, condensation or damp subfloor air, and recommend the next step to confirm and fix it.
Hidden mould is often linked to musty odours, recurring surface mould after cleaning, bubbling or peeling paint, swollen skirtings, stained ceilings, or persistent dampness in a specific corner or wardrobe. In Hawthorn, it’s commonly found behind bathroom walls, under sinks, within built-in robes on external walls, and in subfloors where ventilation is poor.
They can. Mixing old and new construction can create cold bridges and airtight zones that trap moisture. Added bathrooms, reconfigured laundries and new plumbing runs also introduce more leak points. If exhaust fans discharge into roof cavities, or waterproofing around showers and floor wastes is compromised, moisture can build up behind finishes and support mould growth without obvious water damage at first.
First, address the moisture source—cleaning alone rarely solves the problem. Depending on where mould is identified, the next steps may include improving exhaust ventilation, repairing plumbing leaks, upgrading shower waterproofing, increasing subfloor airflow, or managing condensation through heating and dehumidification. We’ll outline priorities so you can engage the right trade and plan remediation before it spreads further.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the damp and ventilation patterns common in Hawthorn homes, so you can act on the real cause—call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.