Would removing the back-board of cupboards help against mould/mold

furnituremold

Would removing the back-board of cupboards help against mould/mold?

In our new (to us) semi-basement flat we have a relatively small condensation problem, generally behind cupboards… kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets and wardrobes.

I'm thinking of removing the back boards for all of them, for the following reasons..

1 They are mould contaminated already

2 Not knowing if the last clean is working is worrying, this way it can be monitored easily

3 New mould can be attacked immediately, without having to move/dismantle anything

4 More air can circulate

Downsides…?

What are the downsides of not having back to cupboards? Are they necessary, structrural or in any way important that I just don-t know about?

Best Answer

They are structural, but if you leave the mounting rails at top and bottom, the middle could be opened, if the cabinet have a normal load.

A full back helps resist racking. Its less important if several cabinets are attached together as a group.

Of course, exterior water intrusion is your real culprit and the best focus during the spring: downspouts and reversed grade toward house are the two most common causes.