Factors to Consider in Hiring a Restoration Service Provider

Choosing a restoration service is not like choosing the most prestigious cake in a bakeshop. It’s not all just about how the company and its employees look. There are factors that are to be considered when choosing the right restoration service that may suit your taste and will provide you satisfactory service.

The following are factors to consider in choosing the right company or professional.

Services Offered

A restoration service should have provide a wide range of services essential in restoring damages in a structure, building or even a house. They should have complete services so that the client can save time and money. It is good to have a single service provider in restoring damages so that they are just a call away when their service is needed.

Facilities and Equipment

Sometimes, in restoring something it would need special equipment and facilities in order to repair the damage completely and ensure quality of service. Their equipment should also be in good condition to avoid accidents and injuries during the cycle of restoring something.

Availability

Restoration services can be needed anytime; they should be available anytime of the day so that they can take action in restoring something to meet their client’s request. They should be available anytime so that they can cater to their client’s needs.

Reachable

They should be easy to contact, especially since they may be needed during emergencies. If they are reachable, they can immediately cater their client. They can be available via phone or email so that they can provide the service the client needs. 

Experience

The service provider should have enough experience to provide quality service. They should be in the business for some time already and know how to handle every client and their specific needs.

Background

The restoration service that you should choose should be of good background. You can check their background according to the past clients they had and ask them about how they conduct their services and what is the quality of service they provide.

Professionalism

A restoration service provider should be courteous and polite in handling their clients. The way the service provider handles the client is a good basis whether they are professional in the area of service they are providing. 

The service provided by a company is reflected by how the employees handle and face the clients. It is also based on the quality of service they provide, the services they have to offer, the availability of their schedule, their professionalism and the way they attend their clients’ needs.

There may be restorations that you can afford to do on your own that you won’t need to depend on a professional. But you can never really match the quality they provide and the durability of their work. Unless you’re a restoration service provider yourself or you have a knowledge in restoring, reconstructing, and repairing, then you won’t have a need of a restoration service company in Toronto.

How to Keep your Home Free from Attic Mold

Over 50% of homes in Canada deal with repair problems caused by attic mold every year. The attic is that small space or room that’s built just right below the roof of a home that’s why it’s prone to leaks and moisture that traps humidity, which often results in mold growth. It’s also one of the places that’s rarely visited, so any mold problem can go undetected and left untreated for long until it becomes a major infestation.

We all know that mold only grows when there are moisture problems. Mold can never be a problem without any moisture issues.  That being the case, the causes of most attic mold problems arise from moisture build-up in a poorly ventilated area.

Let’s take a look at some common causes that can lead to attic mold growth:

Leaking roof

In some cases, roof leaks can be big enough that you can actually see water dripping down into walls and floors. These kinds of leaks are obvious and you can get it fixed right away to avoid major water damage and mold problems. However, some roof leaks usually go unnoticed that can lead to moisture build up especially if left unchecked for a long period of time.

To make sure that your roof is not leaking, inspect your attic for any of these 

signs :

Discoloration in wood, insulation, rafters, sheathing, joists, fascia boards, etc.
Check roofing valleys, which are the V-shaped folds where two roof slopes meet, as they are susceptible to leakage

Also check chimneys, skylights, attic windows and any part of the attic or roof where you see materials join each other as they can hold volumes of water which can seep into the attic room.

Also check your vapor barriers or vapor diffusion retarders if you have any installed to make sure that all the seams and penetrations are sealed carefully and do not have any missed gaps that can result in condensation and increase the risk of moisture damage in the house
Attic plumbing stacks may also lead to problems with condensation so make sure there are no leaks from the vent pipes

Incorrect insulation

Using the wrong kind of insulation or installing it the wrong way can cause moisture from the lower levels of the home, which can stem from activities such as cooking, bathing and showering, to travel up into the attic where it can get trapped. This moisture cannot go anywhere and will eventually build up, creating the perfect conditions for mold growth. 

Poor attic ventilation

Adequate ventilation in the attic helps pull fresh air in and pushes heat and moisture out. This  prevents trapped moisture and heat from building up and making the room a perfect humid environment for mold or mildew to develop. Make sure you install soffit vents for added ventilation in your attic and that you keep them free from clogging by cleaning away any debris so that airflow will not be restricted.

Remember that attic mold may be one of the hardest to detect and identify because it grows in the dark and is often hidden from view. It is best to call in for professional mold inspection services to check for any possible infestation. An expert can do a more thorough job of finding mold in hard to reach places as they often use analytical tools and equipment for finding and testing surfaces and bulk materials that may be contaminated with mold.

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.

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.