Moisture Control for Mold Prevention

The presence of mold is all around us -- outdoors, indoors and in the air we breathe. They can be found almost anywhere in rotting logs, damp leaves, tropical fish tanks, on lawns, in wood chips, garden beds, and sometimes even on the sides of buildings. They’re a natural part of the environment and play a very important role in nutrient cycling. 

When in their natural habitat, the presence of mold is not a problem. It is when they start to grow indoors, however, that things can get ugly. Too much indoor mold, as well as long-term exposure to it, can lead to a variety of health effects. Some people, particularly those who are  sensitive to molds, can suffer from allergic reactions such as nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation or skin irritation. If left to grow, mold can also attach itself to surfaces of building materials in the home and start causing decay that could eventually damage the structure and foundation of the home.

You can take steps to prevent mold from growing inside your home. The best way is to control moisture in the indoor environment. Without moisture, mold will lack one essential nutrient to be able to get its development underway.

Mold prevention tips 

Fix leaks in and around your home as soon as possible, such as leaks in the plumbing or windows. Be extra alert for leaks that are hidden out of view,  like inside a wall because if they go undetected for very long mold can keep on growing and spreading. Find and repair leak in metal roof, especially roof leaks that lead into the attic as these are also hidden from view and can go undetected. Check the ceiling below the attic for any signs of water damage as this is an indication that you probably have a leaking roof.

Fix gutter problems and maintain gutter/leader system to keep rainwater from getting in through foundation walls and to carry groundwater far away from your foundation.

Check for wet spots  that can create condensation in your home. Dew droplets can pool on cold surfaces, such as on cold metal pipes and on cold concrete floors and become prime areas for mold to grow.

Prevent condensation by raising surface temperature or lowering the moisture level in the air (humidity). Improve insulation and draft proofing in the house to help you reduce condensation in your property.

Increase ventilation if outside air is cold and dry or use a dehumidifier if outdoor air is warm and humid to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Keep indoor humidity below 70%, at levels between 25% - 60%, if possible. Clean HVAC drip pans regularly and maintain regular filter changes to keep ventilation system free from debris that could prevent proper air flow.

Do not dry wet items inside the home, move them to a dry and well ventilated area or to the outside to facilitate quick drying. Clean up wet rugs and wet carpet as soon as possible, do not allow them to stay wet in the area for more than 48 hours after you find them.

Ensure that appliances, such as clothes dryers are vented to the outside where possible to provide an outlet for moisture to evaporate, Moisture control is always a crucial step towards mold prevention. Keep your home dry at all times to control moisture and to prevent the growth of mold. Inspect your home regularly for any indications of water damage or sources of indoor moisture problems and then take steps to act quickly and eliminate the sources of 
water problems without delay.

How Does Mold Spread?

Mold needs four things to grow - water, an organic food source, oxygen and warm temperature between 40 degrees and 100 degrees F. It can grow anywhere, on wood, paper, synthetic materials, paint, adhesives, concrete, plastic, glass, metal, on dirt and dusty surfaces, but they thrive best on damp and wet materials.

Molds have spores that look like very small seeds and hair-like bodies that are too small to see without a microscope. They grow in colonies and one way for them to spread out is by extending their tiny root hairs to other surface areas. As long as conditions are right, which means they have food, water, oxygen and warm temperature, they will continue to grow and spread over an increasing area until a small colony of mold becomes larger and covers many square feet of material.

Another way for molds to spread is by releasing spores, which are carried by air or water to new locations. Mold spores are very small, so tiny that they defy gravity and don’t fall into the ground but float in the air and move wherever the wind blows. When the spores land in damp surfaces they’ll stick on it and when there is food and oxygen available, and if the temperature suits them, they will start to grow.

Mold spores are found everywhere. Wherever there is decaying organic material, such as fallen leaves, dead plants, mulch, and wood, there will be mold and mold spores always present in the air. They will survive in both the outdoor air and indoor air whatever the conditions are, no matter if it’s too sunny, hot, cold, dry or wet. We cannot get rid of airborne mold spores completely, except if special preventive measures are taken to deliberately remove or kill them such as in a clean room used for making pharmaceutical products or for scientific research and in hospital operating theaters.

It’s impossible to keep our home, or any place for that matter, free of mold.

What needs to be done is to control the amount of mold in the indoor environment because too much mold can cause indoor air quality problems that can affect our health and those of other family members. In addition to health effects, mold can cause significant structural damage to the home and destroy building materials such drywall, wood frames or gypsum boards.

Preventing  Mold in the Home

The best way to control and prevent the growth of mold inside the home is to keep the surroundings clean and dry. The home already contains plenty of food sources for mold to feed on, such as drywall, wood sidings, walls, and floors, wooden columns, supports, window frames, cabinets, interior walls, carpets, furniture, sheets, lamp shades, and other building materials. Mold can also feed on dead tissues of cockroaches, dust mite feces, skin flakes and food particles. It can even thrive on dust, so any dust buildup is a hotbed for mold. Since the home is already a natural food source for mold, what you want to watch out for that is within your control is the presence of too much moisture within the indoor environment. Water is one basic component needed for mold to grow, and as long as it has water mold will continue to grow and spread out quickly.

Always make sure to dry surface areas that can quickly absorb water, such as carpets, wood floors and furniture. Look for areas of dampness or wet spots where water pools, such as in ceilings, basements and under sinks. Water leaks from damage roof and plumbing can cause continuous moisture problems that can start mold growth. If you suspect you have mold growing inside your home, call a mold removal company right away to schedule an inspection so you will know for sure if you have a mold problem to deal with.

The Health Dangers of Mold are Different for Each Person

When people see any type of mold growing in their home, only one concern usually comes into mind right away: Is it going to make me or any of my family members sick? The health dangers of mold will widely differ from person to person and will depend on many factors, such as length of exposure, type of toxin that is produced and sensitivity level.

It can be difficult to predict the ill effects of exposure to mold on every person because there are too many variables involved to make a general prognosis. However, the most common indicators of illness that are often associated with it are allergy symptoms, which can include any of the following:

Sneezing
Nasal and sinus congestion
Cough/sore throat
Chest tightness
Breathing difficulty or dyspnea
Worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms
Nosebleed or epistaxis
Upper respiratory tract infections
Headache
Light sensitivity
Fatigue and weakness
Skin irritation, appearance of red, itchy rashes
Eye irritation, redness, itchiness, watery eyes

Who are most affected by mold?

Mold exposure can be dangerous to just about anyone, but there are some individuals who are more sensitive than others and are more likely to develop more serious symptoms. 

It is best for these groups of people to stay away from mold: 

Newborn babies and children
Elderly people
Individuals with pre-existing skin condition or skin infection, such as eczema or psoriasis
Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma or COPD
Immunocompromised patients or those with a weakened immune system and unable to fight infection, such as those with HIV or AIDs, cancer or chronic inflammatory conditions

How does mold affect your health?

There are countless species of mold that exist both indoors and outdoors and not all of them are capable of causing illness. There are some types of mold that  can release poisonous substances called mycotoxins which have toxic effects. 

These toxins are fat-soluble and can easily be absorbed in the intestinal lining, airways, and skin and cause disease and death in humans and other animals even in low concentrations.

The health dangers of mold that produce mycotoxins are often more severe, and can even be life-threatening. These include:

Cancer 
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or HP
Pulmonary fibrosis or PF
Lung injury
Pulmonary hemosiderosis or PH
Toxicity in the nervous system
Blood disorders
Immune system disorders
Liver toxicity
Endocrine toxicity 
Toxicity in the kidneys
Gastrointestinal and/or cardiac conditions

Is it mold causing health problems or something else?

Mold requires three things to grow: 

Moisture -  Water and dampness that can come from flooding, leaky pipes and condensation in windows and walls, and other water problems inside the home. 

Food source - Materials that molds love to feed and grow on include porous materials like cotton, leather, wood, paper products, fabric, sponges, and cork and some non-porous materials like glass, plastics, metals, and varnished wood.

Optimum temperatures -  Mold can thrive in conditions that are too sunny, hot, cold, dry or wet for mold to grow.

These three conditions create an ideal damp indoor environment for active mold growth. A lot of things happen within the confines of this damp environment, which may give rise to:

Bacteria
Dust mites
Protein by-products of bacteria and molds
Beta glucans or structural components of cell walls in fungi resulting from the breakdown of mold and bacteria
Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC) (which produces the musty odor associated with mold)
Other chemicals and odorless gases produced by mold

Thus, the health problems that are oftentimes attributed to mold may not in fact be caused by mold itself. Some illness may be due to bacteria or other substances and microorganisms that may develop within the moldy environment that is why getting Mold Removal Services in Toronto is very important.

The health dangers of mold are very real to some people. If you or any family members are showing symptoms of what you suspect may be the effects of mold exposure, it is best to seek medical attention immediately to get a correct diagnosis of all your symptoms. 

What Should You Do When You Find Indoor Mold?

Indoor mold is a common problem for many homes and buildings. Homeowners and those who own or manage property spend hundreds and thousands of dollars in mold remediation to remove mold and prevent contamination.

Molds grow indoors in areas where there is excessive moisture and high humidity. Storm surges, water leaks from the roof, walls, floors and broken water pipes, poor ventilation and many other activities can cause moisture problems that can lead to indoor mold growth. 

So what should you do when you find mold growing inside your home or building? 

Don’t panic!

Yes, the first thing to do is not panic. We’ve heard a lot of alarming information in the news and internet  about actual or potential problems and worrying health risks with regards to mold, particularly toxic mold or black mold. So naturally, discovering mold inside your home can create feelings  of fear, panic and confusion. However, the presence of mold does not necessarily mean that it is toxic or poisonous. All mold has the potential to produce toxins, but at the same time not all are dangerous. What you want to prevent is for the amount of mold spores in the air to reach high levels as long term exposure to excessive amounts can lead to adverse health effects. That is why when you see mold growing indoors, you have to take action quickly to remove it and prevent it from becoming a major problem.

Size it up

Examine it to see if what you suspect is mold. Any mold that is visible to the eye can come in many colors, like blue green, bluish, yellowish, greyish, black, white or other shades of these colors.Discoloration, spotting on surfaces and irregular stains may be an indication of mold growth. Peeling, curling or any damage to surfaces can also be a sign that the material or area has been infested by the mold.

Estimate or measure the area that the mold is covering. If the total area affected is less than 10 square feet, then you have as small mold problem. If the area is more than10 square feet, it is considered a large mold problem but may be handled with care. And, if the area is covering  more than 100 square feet, then you have a major contamination problem that is large enough to be harmful.

Don’t touch!

If you are not sure if it is mold, then do not touch it.  If you have a small mold problem but do not know how to properly handle mold, then do not attempt to disturb the affected areas or materials in any way. Ask the help of a mold professional if this is the case. If you are very confident that you can handle the cleanup of a relatively small area of mold, then make sure that you use personal protective equipment to avoid exposing yourself to spores. Also make sure that you take steps to prevent mold spores from scattering and spreading to other areas. However, if mold covers more than 10 square feet, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified mold specialist without delay.

Once air quality is restored to normal levels, you need to monitor for any more mold that may grow back in the same areas or sprout up in other areas of the home or building. Always be on the lookout for any suspicious moldy odors,  for water stains and discoloration on the walls, floors and ceiling, and any structural damage as these may be danger signs that point to a potential indoor mold problem.

Common Causes of Emergency Water Damage in Toronto

Emergency water damage in Toronto homes and business properties can happen in many ways, from a leaky hose of a washing machine to a catastrophic storm that has ravaged the country. Some of the most common sources of water damage come from:

Flooding and storm damage - This may be caused by heavy rains in the area and also by rising rivers or storm surge over a wide area.

Leaking appliances - Appliances are a very common source of household floods, such as leaks stemming from a water supply line in your washing machine, dish washer or refrigerator with an automatic ice maker.

Sink, toilet and bathtub overflows - When there is a clog in the plumbing system, water will start backing up into your bathtub, and when the bathtub drain gets too clogged you will start seeing the backup in the toilet and the sink as well.

Flooded basements – This usually occurs when there is general flooding in the area, like when a nearby river overflows and water pools above the house foundation grade outside the house because it is improperly sloped. Flood in the basement can also be caused by not enough drainage around basement walls or a faulty sump pump.

Damage caused by high winds, tornadoes and hail - Property owners need to be aware that Canada is one of the most tornado-prone countries in the world, so it’s good to take caution whenever there is a high-wind storm as it can sometimes push water inland and become capable of extreme damage.

Hurricanes and tidal surges - A storm surge is an abnormal rise in the water level and are likely caused by a severe storm such as a tropical cyclone or a hurricane that brings strong winds and heavy rains.

Ice and snowstorms - Heavy snowfall and ice buildup can cause a backup in your gutters and create ice dams especially in the roof which can cause water damage when snow or ice melts and seeps into your home. Extreme cold snaps can freeze pipes and can cause water damage if the pipes burst. Seasonal spring snow melt can also lead to flooding.

Sewage backups – Cracks and leaks in the sewer line system can cause blockage that can lead to sewage to back up into the house through drain pipes.

Flooding from firefighting efforts – Firefighting efforts can leave a home or property with extensive water damage due to the pressurized water used to extinguish the fire.

When water enters your property, you need to move quickly to remove the water and clean up and dry your home and belongings properly in order to stop the health risks and prevent any more secondary damage. Water can quickly spread throughout your property and saturate everything in its path within minutes. Mold can start growing in less than 48 hours and can cause serious contamination that can pose a threat to people’s health.

Many homeowners and business owners may think about handling the water damage on their own to save on costs. The truth is, however, that any kind of emergency water damage in Toronto will need professional assistance. Only the pros have the qualified manpower and proper equipment to effectively assess the damage, remove the water, dry and dehumidify, clean and sanitize and restore your home or property to a safe and healthy living environment.

Do You Really Need Mold Removal Services in Toronto?

In Toronto, mold removal services can cost from anywhere between $500 to as much as $30,000 depending on the scope of work to be done. Many homeowners, because they want to save money, take the risk of attempting a do it yourself mold removal instead of calling in the pros.

In cases of small amounts of mold growth, like the black spots in the grout lines in your shower, it does make sense to handle the problem yourself as you can easily remove them with ordinary household cleaning products. In fact, it is highly recommended that you stop small infestations of mold yourself before they get big and do more harm.

However, disturbing big infestations of mold is a whole other matter. It’s no longer as simple as wiping the mold away with a wet cloth and a spritz of bleach, vinegar or borax.

There’s a level of contamination to consider that makes the removal of large amounts of mold complicated to handle.  Inhaling mold spores can be bad for your health. They can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, congestion and dry, scaling skin. They can get into your lungs and trigger asthma.

Here’s how to tell if mold removal is too big a job for you to handle on your own and you need to call in the pros:

• Mold covers an area greater than 10 square meters - As stated in the Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry which you can find at the website of the Canadian Construction Association, you should consult a mold specialist if you find indoor mold growth that is larger than 1 square meter, and you should not attempt to remove areas of mold that are greater than 10 square meters.

• Mold forms after flooding with water – There is very high possibility of contamination with sewage or other potentially hazardous substances.

• Mold is hiding in vents, ducts, air conditioning and heating systems – This requires specialized equipment to contain the spores and effectively suction out all the mold spores lurking in your HVAC systems, and most homeowners just don’t have the right equipment to do this type of mold removal properly.

• Mold removal requires structural work – For instance, if there is mold that is growing deep inside the wall cavities where there are pockets of humid, moist air. These are practically hidden from sight and will need invasive structural inspection and testing that requires parts of the wall to be cut down or knocked down. Another is when there is mold on the ceiling, which is usually a humidity or condensation problem caused by a water leak above the ceiling and so some plumbing and water damage repair work is needed. Moldy wood also requires professional assistance as it will need to be sanded and encapsulated properly.

• You have a medical condition – If you have an existing medical condition, such as asthma, allergies or an immune system disorder that might be exacerbated by exposure to mold, then you cannot risk doing any mold cleanup of any sort.

A surface treatment will not be enough to completely and properly remove large amounts of mold. To get rid of a bona fide mold problem, your best bet is to call in professional mold removal services in Toronto to handle the job properly.  Only trained technicians will know the right steps to take to accurately test, totally remove, thoroughly cleanup, vacuum and sanitize and then fully restore any areas that mold has infested.

Do You Really Need Mold Removal Services in Toronto?

In Toronto, mold removal services can cost from anywhere between $500 to as much as $30,000 depending on the scope of work to be done. Many homeowners, because they want to save money, take the risk of attempting a do it yourself mold removal instead of calling in the pros.

In cases of small amounts of mold growth, like the black spots in the grout lines in your shower, it does make sense to handle the problem yourself as you can easily remove them with ordinary household cleaning products. In fact, it is highly recommended that you stop small infestations of mold yourself before they get big and do more harm.

However, disturbing big infestations of mold is a whole other matter. It’s no longer as simple as wiping the mold away with a wet cloth and a spritz of bleach, vinegar or borax.

There’s a level of contamination to consider that makes the removal of large amounts of mold complicated to handle.  Inhaling mold spores can be bad for your health. They can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, congestion and dry, scaling skin. They can get into your lungs and trigger asthma.

Here’s how to tell if mold removal is too big a job for you to handle on your own and you need to call in the pros:

• Mold covers an area greater than 10 square meters - As stated in the Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry which you can find at the website of the Canadian Construction Association, you should consult a mold specialist if you find indoor mold growth that is larger than 1 square meter, and you should not attempt to remove areas of mold that are greater than 10 square meters.

• Mold forms after flooding with water – There is very high possibility of contamination with sewage or other potentially hazardous substances.

• Mold is hiding in vents, ducts, air conditioning and heating systems – This requires specialized equipment to contain the spores and effectively suction out all the mold spores lurking in your HVAC systems, and most homeowners just don’t have the right equipment to do this type of mold removal properly.

• Mold removal requires structural work – For instance, if there is mold that is growing deep inside the wall cavities where there are pockets of humid, moist air. These are practically hidden from sight and will need invasive structural inspection and testing that requires parts of the wall to be cut down or knocked down. Another is when there is mold on the ceiling, which is usually a humidity or condensation problem caused by a water leak above the ceiling and so some plumbing and water damage repair work is needed. Moldy wood also requires professional assistance as it will need to be sanded and encapsulated properly.

• You have a medical condition – If you have an existing medical condition, such as asthma, allergies or an immune system disorder that might be exacerbated by exposure to mold, then you cannot risk doing any mold cleanup of any sort.

A surface treatment will not be enough to completely and properly remove large amounts of mold. To get rid of a bona fide mold problem, your best bet is to call in professional mold removal services in Toronto to handle the job properly.  Only trained technicians will know the right steps to take to accurately test, totally remove, thoroughly cleanup, vacuum and sanitize and then fully restore any areas that mold has infested.

Types of Services a Toronto Asbestos Removal Company Can Provide

There are different types of services that a Toronto asbestos removal company can provide. As a consumer, you would want to understand the different types of asbestos work they will be completing to be able to minimize costs.

Here are some of the most common types of asbestos services:  

Asbestos Siding Removal

Asbestos siding is made up of asbestos fibers and Portland cement. They are potential health risks because they are brittle and can crack and break easily, which can release asbestos fibers into the air and ground area. A common method to deal with asbestos siding is to apply a layer of sheets of foam insulation over the asbestos and then covering it with vinyl. This is allowed in some states, so check local building codes to be sure. The best alternative in the long run, is to remove asbestos siding. Although it is a bit more expensive, it should be the first choice if you can afford it.

Asbestos Roofing Removal

Roofing products such as asphalt roofing felt, asphalt roofing shingles, cement roofing shingles, roof underlayment, sealants and flashing commonly contain asbestos. It can be covered up, but the safest treatment method is to remove asbestos roofing materials as soon as possible.

Asbestos Flooring Removal

Until the 1970’s, asbestos was commonly used in the production of flooring materials to reinforce the flooring and to increase its durability. Common types of flooring that may contain asbestos are pre-1990’s 12″ tiles, vinyl or asphalt-based floor tiles, linoleum sheets and adhesive, mastic or glue used to attach floor tiles.

Removal of Asbestos Insulation

The most common uses for asbestos in homes and buildings built prior to the 1990’s was for insulation. Some types of asbestos insulation, also called vermiculite insulation, installed in Canadian homes were attic insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning located in attics, pipe insulation to control the temperature of hot pipes, block insulation applied to concrete blocks, wall insulation inserted  behind drywall, and spray-applied insulation to provide thermal protection in attics, walls, and ceilings.

Asbestos was incorporated into all of these types of materials before federal regulations limited its use in the late 1970s. If you suspect that your property may have any of these asbestos-filled materials, the safest and most cost-effective move is to hire a professional contractor familiar with asbestos removal.

When hiring, choose a company that is IICRC certified and has appropriate insurance coverage for the type of asbestos work involved. A qualified asbestos removal company will follow specific steps to ensure safety and thoroughness. 

These steps include:

-        Containing the area to control dust particles

-        Using protective clothing and equipment

-        Thorough clean-up of work area

-        Thorough disposal of asbestos waste

When in good condition materials that contain asbestos remain safe. However, exposure to heat, water, weathering or aging, and repair activities like sanding, cutting, drilling and sawing can break up the materials over time and release asbestos fibers into the air. Breathing in these fibers can cause severe lung diseases such as asbestosis and cancers such as mesothelioma.

Although the cheaper alternative may be to cover up the asbestos materials, the most appropriate method of managing the problem for long-term results is complete asbestos removal. This cannot be done as a simple DIY renovation project. Only a qualified Toronto asbestos removalcompany can do the job efficiently, and most importantly – safely.

How to Choose a Toronto Mold Removal Company

There are many factors to consider when hiring a mold removal company in Toronto. Many companies market themselves as professionals and experts in mould removal, but how can you really know if they are fully trained, licensed, and experienced?

Here are key indicators to help you along the screening process:

1.       Does the company have environmental pollution liability insurance for mold removal? Their policy must precisely indicate that they are insured for working with mold. If the policy states other substances or materials then they are not carrying the right coverage. Read the fine print to be certain.

2.       Does the company have IICRC certification? The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the organization responsible for developing certifications and standards for inspection, cleaning and restoration. A company who is IICRC certified means that they have technicians who have received IICRC training and testing specifically in mold removal procedures. An IICRC certified company will own a certificate by the IICRC with their company name clearly printed.

3.       Does the mould removal company employ a third party environmental consultant or inspector for final clearance testing? Clearance by a 3rd party is a critical part of the mould removal process.  Once the job is completed, an individual or company other than the one who performed the removal comes in to verify that no presence of airborne or visible mould exists and that air quality is up to standards. A qualified removal company will only employ third party experts such as hygienists and certified inspectors in order to prevent a conflict of interest.

4.       Is the company able to provide a written proposal detailing the scope of work involved? A professional mould removal company will be involved throughout the entire process from inspection, sampling and testing, actual mould removal, cleanup, third party clearance, and repair and reconstruction.

5.       How will the company treat the mould? Check the written proposal regarding the strategy they plan to use. Do their recommendations state a complete removal of mold or just a cover up? Look for wordings in the proposal, such as “seal” or “encapsulate” the mold, which means that they will merely do a cover up. A professional mold removal company will adhere to industry accepted standards for mold decontamination and mold spore removal procedures. Their action plan will outline the main steps which will involve isolating the affected areas, setting up negative pressure, removing the mold, preventing mold regrowth, cleanup work, HEPA vacuum and disposal of the mold.

6.       Will technicians use proper precautions during mold removal process? Mould removal can be dangerous so their recommended strategy should include details on the best way to reduce health risk and will regard personal safety, such as wearing protective clothing and using proper equipment.

7.       Is there a warranty for the scope of work? A qualified company will provide written guarantee for services completed.

Extensive areas of mold growth will definitely require professional help, and small and moderate areas of mold can be cleaned DIY. However, there are many things that can go wrong in the process, so if you are not confident to clean mold by yourself, then it’s best to consider hiring a professional Toronto mold removal company to clean it up and prevent it from coming back.