It’s that familiar time of year when April showers fall, buds form on trees and temperatures fluctuate wildly: spring is here and the warm weather is on the way. In the course of one day in the GTA, we may switch the heater off and turn the air conditioner on to combat the sudden humidity.

But before you break out the air conditioner for the season, it’s important to know that now is the best time to get a jump on mold removal.

“Spring cleaning” is a common time to scrub your home down and gut it for excess dust, dirt or hazardous chemicals. Naturally, that means paying special attention to mold. And the often-overlooked air conditioner is a crucial place to target during your mold inspection. If you have a portable air conditioner unit and you’ve stored it away for the winter, it’s entirely possible that it’s gathered dust, various pests and bacteria and indoor mold. Reinstalling it without properly cleaning it could cause major breathing problems and other health issues.

The cleaning and mold detection process isn’t too complicated for portable units but it’s far more difficult if you have central air. In that case, the best solution is to bring in a professional, certified mold inspector. Not only will he or she ensure your ducts are properly cleaned and mold-free in time for spring, the inspector can search for leaks, sample your carpets and educate you on preventative measures for keeping your home mold-free going forward.

While it’s still rainy outside and the temperatures haven’t become too sweltering and sticky, now is the best time to get the jump on your spring cleaning and, better yet, eliminate any mold and mold threats from your air conditioner units. After that, you can enjoy a lovely spring and summer in the GTA.

About Us

MoldInspections.ca is the trusted leader for mold-free homes and breathable indoor air spaces in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and beyond. Providing certified mold inspection, detection and testing since 2005, we service home owners, real-estate agents, landlords, property managers, insurance companies and businesses. Featured on CTV and recommended by contractors, we regularly serve as expert witnesses in court proceeding relating to Mold and Indoor Air Quality issues. Do you have mold? Call us today for a free quote at (416) 575-6111.

Please note: Environmental Services Group Inc. will be available for emergency occupational and indoor air quality investigations over the Easter Holiday weekend. Our fees will reflect after hour and emergency/holiday rates.

Emergency Numbers are
Lawrence Kurtz, ROH 647-282-4773
Tara Valley 416-436-8474

In 2010, the amount of power of sale homes sold in Canada doubled. Power of sale homes are houses that have been essentially repossessed and sold off by the lender after the former owner defaulted on their mortgage, but their “as is” status is what makes it especially important to undergo a mold inspection.

If you ever find yourself in the position of buying a power of sale home, a separate mold inspection is equally as important as obtaining a home inspection – because a home inspection alone may not find hidden mold. After reading your paperwork carefully (power of sale home paperwork is long and complicated, so you may want to hire a real estate lawyer) you may notice various clauses in the contract stating the home is being sold “as is”, which means that if there is a serious mold problem found after you purchase it, there is little recourse.

There are generally no guarantees that the home is safe when buying a power of sale home and the home may have been in disrepair for some time if the initial owner did not pay their mortgage.

The home itself may have been used as a marijuana grow-op or became a haven for mold growth after being left abandoned for quite some time. In any case, power of sale homes can present serious mold risks for home buyers.  Power of sale homes are often very low in price and can be a great way for younger home buyers to own their first home. And, as the saying goes, “better to be safe than sorry.” In this case, a mold inspection could be the difference between being safe, rather than sorry.

Should you suspect the presence of mold in your home or business, contact MoldInspections.ca – The Greater Toronto Area’s (GTA)  mold and grow-op inspection professionals – at (416) 575-6111

Mold Inspections in Toronto the GTA: Mississuaga, Vaughan, Ajax, Barrie, Beaverton, Bowmanville, Bracebridge, Brantford, Burlington, Caledon, Cambridge, Cobourg, Collingwood, Georgetown Guelph, Hamilton, Keswick, Kitchener, Lindsay, London, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Muskoka, Newmarket, Niagara Falls, North York, Oakville, Orangeville, Oshawa, Owen Sound, Peterborough, Pickering, Port Carling, Port Hope, Richmond Hill, Severn Bridge, Sarnia, Simcoe, Southwest Ontario , St Catharines, Thornhill, Toronto, Vaughan, Waterdown, Waterloo, Whitby and Windsor Ontario

If you’re buying a home, undergoing a mold inspection is one way to prevent any nasty surprises before you move in. But what are some things you can do to prevent mold growth in your current home?

First, understand that only three things are needed for mold to grow in your home: food (which is any organic material including paper, cardboard, drywall, wood and carpet), moisture (humid air, water or moist materials after a flood) and warmth – some molds can survive below freezing temperatures and grow when temperatures rise, but temperatures between 20 C and 32 C are perfect for mold growth.

Top 5 tips for keeping your home mold-free

1. Dehumidify. Use dehumidifiers where necessary to help keep humidity under 50%, especially in damp basements. Mold thrives at humidities over 50%, and the ideal humidity for your home is between 30% and 50%.

2. Keep your basement toasty. Because of their proximity to the ground, basements are generally cooler in temperature and experience dampness more than other parts of a home. This combination of cool air and moisture leads to condensation trapped behind walls, which can lead to mold growth. Try to keep your basement above 15 C.

3. Get in the habit of using your fans. After a steamy shower, turn on the bathroom fan to eliminate excess humidity in the bathroom, which promotes mold growth. Similarly, use the vent on your stove when cooking in the kitchen to keep it cool and dry.

4. Check your storage. Invest in plastic bins to store your belongings rather than relying on cardboard boxes, which can become a food source for mold. Consider using plastic or aluminum shelving in garages or basements, as opposed to wooden shelves that are susceptible to moisture.

5. Keep on top of potential mold growth. Annual mold inspections – and having a mold inspection conducted following a flood or leak in your home – can help homeowners catch mold growth before it becomes a more serious and expensive problem.

Contact us today for information on mold prevention and for certified mold inspections in Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, the GTA and Ontario.