How to Find a Reliable Company Who Does Water Damage Restoration in Toronto

Looking for the right company who does water damage restoration in Toronto is the very first thing that homeowners and property owners do when their home or building has experienced serious damage from water. No matter what caused the damage or how big or small it may be, water has to be cleaned up fast to prevent any further damage to your home or workplace, and most importantly, to protect your family or employees from flood-related health issues.

Damage to the home due to water can be caused by any number of reasons -- a burst pipe, your roof leaking or your home gets flooded after massive rains. If left untreated, the damage from moisture, humidity, and stagnant water can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria and also weaken the supporting structures of your home.

Every water damage restoration project has distinct challenges that call for specific experience or qualifications to ensure that the job is done thoroughly and successfully. How do you choose a company out of the thousands of different contractors in Toronto that provide different kinds of expertise?

Here’s what you should be looking for:

A company that is available 24/7

A reputable company should treat every call for assistance as an emergency, no matter the cause or level of water damage. When there is standing water present, every second counts to prevent any serious damage to your home or business. Standing water if left to fester, can lead to contamination by dangerous bacteria and parasites which can lead to water-borne diseases, such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A. There is also the risk of mold in the humid environment as it only takes about 48 hours for mold to start growing. Another thing to be concerned about is also the danger that can arise from water getting into electrical components. Water also has the ability to corrode building materials, so there's also the worry of the damage caused by swelling which can lead to cracks.

Make sure to choose a company that can provide their services at every hour of the day, even on weekends and can be on your doorstep within 45 minutes at the very least to start cleanup right away. You shouldn’t have to wait.

Can provide a full range of water damage restoration services

In a water damage emergency, you’re not just dealing with cleanup work. Almost always there is some supplemental work required in addition to the cleanup. A persistent plumbing leak, for instance, will involve fixing the source of the water problem which will require plumbing repair services along with thecleanup and maybe some demolition and restoration work, especially if surrounding building materials are rotting and need to be replaced . In another example, flood water damage may require services that include emergency demolition, water extraction, water removal, water repair, and water damage drying as well as mold removal and sewer cleanup services, if the flooding involves sewage and/or contaminated water. Make sure that you choose a company with certified technicians that have extensive knowledge and training to be able to deal with nearly any type of emergency water damage restoration services.

Highly recommended by trusted sources

Always ask around first from family and friends who at some point have had some kind of water damage restoration work done in their home or property. Recommendations from first-hand experience are always the most reliable, you know they’ve been tried and tested by people you know and trust.

Damage caused by water is often a dangerous situation requiring immediate action. As soon as water comes into contact with building materials, wood starts to rot, steel begins to rust, plywood swells and falls apart, bacteria can come to life and mold can start to grow. It’s no joke, and only the right company that specializes in water damage restoration in the Toronto area will be able to provide efficient and affordable services that can restore your property as quickly and as thoroughly as possible after a disaster.

A List of Asbestos Removal Company in Toronto

There are several companies known for their expertise and reputable services in being an asbestos removal company in Toronto. As asbestos can be harmful and can cause certain diseases, asbestos removal should be trusted to experts.

This substance is very common that it is even present in some of our fabrics and our clothing. It is even present in our fire insulating materials. But still, despite of the benefits asbestos can provide, it can still have some serious side effects to the human body as it may cause certain types of cancer.

As asbestos removal should be done by experts, here are some companies in Toronto that can help you with your asbestos problems.

A & O Contracting Inc.

They provide services to customers that can meet or even exceed their expectations. They have some emergency response in case a client needs their service urgently. They also have restoration services that provide complete reconstruction of the whole premise, whether it could be a wood, cement, structural, historical; fire, wind and flood damages, and even drying. They abate asbestos as this substance causes certain illnesses such as, lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestos is and any other asbestos related illnesses.

Green Stream Environment

Green Stream Environment is known to be the best asbestos removal company in Toronto. They abate asbestos with their professional and expert way with their knowledgeable professionals to provide quality service to their clients.

They garnered positive feedbacks and reviews from their past clients  that can be a reliable source of their reputation and quality service.

AMC Toronto

AMC specializes in asbestos removal, containment and disposal. They have positive feedback from several customers’ they had and continue to provide service along Toronto concerning the proper handling of asbestos in their clients premises.

Clean Air Toronto

This company provides air quality testing, mold assessment and asbestos testing. They test the air quality to detect the presence of mold spores and seeds to prevent it from re-existing. Mold assessment, that they remove molds and prevent it from growing again. Asbestos testing, to detect the presence of asbestos inside the premises and treating it for it to be completely removed.

Homestars

Homestars is a company that provides services such as DSS and Duct Work Run Abatement, DSS Reports, Asbestos Check and Removal, Main Floor Renovation, and Asbestos Testing and identification. According to reviews and feedbacks provided by their clients, they provide quality service and a speedy action conducting their services with quality and efficacy. Homestars has a major positive feedback from their past customers that it makes them one of the ideal companies in asbestos removal in Toronto area.

There are a lot of companies to choose from that provide asbestos removal service in Toronto. If you are concerned about your family’s health, avail the service of these companies that specialize with asbestos removal. Just make sure that you choose a the best asbestos removal company in Toronto that has a good reputation in providing excellent service to their clients.

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.

Tips and Techniques for Mold Cleanup

When you see mold growing inside your home, the most important thing to do is to perform a thorough clean up of the affected areas right away so that mold spores do not spread further and in other areas. But before any mold cleanup can take place, you must first determine how large or small the infestation is. 

Does mold cover only a small area and is it contained within that area?
How much mold can you see?
Do you suspect that there may be more mold that is hidden that you cannot see? 

If the mold growing is only in small amounts and it is contained in only one area, then you can clean up the mold yourself following these tips and techniques. 

Find and repair the source of the excess moisture. Fix any plumbing leaks and roof leaks, dry up large spills and any areas that have water overflow and control high relative humidity to remove any excess moisture.

Enclose the affected area by placing heavy plastic sheets over doors, gaps and openings to prevent the circulation of airborne spores through other areas of the home. 

Use protective gear, such as rubber gloves, goggles, disposable coveralls, rubber boots, and a respirator mask, preferably a N95 respirator, to protect yourself head to toe and keep you from breathing in mold spores and prevent it touching your skin and getting into your eyes.  
Scrub mold off nonporous surfaces using water and detergent, and then dry completely. You can use a mixture of bleach and water in small amounts, but never mix bleach with any other cleaning products.

Discard porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, carpeting, padding, books, clothing and other items made of paper or cloth if they are moldy or show any signs of mold or water damage.

Replace absorbent materials that have some staining and cosmetic damage as it will be hard to clean them and get them restored to their original appearance.

It’s best to throw away absorbent materials have many holes in their surfaces that may be hard to clean. It’s very likely that hidden mold may be lurking in Porous materials have many holes in their surfaces that may have hidden mold lurking underneath, and if not cleaned properly, they will continue to grow within the crevices, so it’s best to throw them away. 

Clean moldy items using a scrub brush or soft cloths and a diluted household bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Take extra care not to breath in bleach fumes or to get it on skin or in your eyes. 

Use plastic trash bags to transport all moldy discarded items to help prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the house.

When cleaning process is done, make sure to dry all wet surfaces completely within 24 hours. Position fans directly on surfaces to help dry them out on the inside.

Vacuum surfaces using HEPA filters to catch any more mold spores or moldy residue that may be left behind.

Remember to vacuum your furnace to help get rid of mold spores that may have floated in during the cleaning process.

Throw away sponges, rags and other porous cleaning materials used during mold cleanup, including all disposable protective gear.

Immediately dump items of clothing used during mold cleanup into the washing machine with hot water and detergent.

Call in professional mold removal services in Toronto or remediators for serious mold problems, such as mold that covers an area more than 10 square feet and mold that is scattered over several large areas. And remember, the best technique to prevent any more mold from growing inside the home is to always control excess moisture. Mold will not grow when there is no moisture. However, it will keep growing back as long as the moisture problem is not fixed no matter how many times you get it cleaned up.

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.