Hurricane Irene’s long-term impact includes mold growth
Hurricane Irene has ravaged the United States in obvious ways, blowing down and flooding countless homes, but the natural disaster can inflict long-term damage, too. The moisture created by flooding creates an ideal breeding ground for toxic mold spores.
The impact can also be felt north of the border. In Canada, we were hit with major storms as a residual effect of Irene, so a GTA mold inspection company could be just as busy as an American one theoretically.
Naturally, it’s a smart idea to undergo a mold inspection even just to see if your home is at risk after a flood. However, while you’re waiting for the help to arrive, the Center for Disease Control recommends a few key tactics to perform in the first 24 to 48 hours after flooding.
1. Dry out the building quickly. Open doors and windows, get air flowing through your home, use dehumidifiers or fans, and do anything possible to dry your place out.
2. Get tough on porous items. It may be frustrating, but you’re better off saying goodbye to any porous or “undryable” items that can’t be properly cleaned and dried. That includes wallpaper, drywall, insulation, leather, cardboard, paper, and even some clothing, just to name a few items. Trying to dry them isn’t worth the trouble because it’s virtually impossible to completely to do so. The smarter move is to get these mold-prone items out of your home!
3. Clean wet, salvageable items with water and detergent. The use of detergent or bleach to combat mold is a source of debate in the mold inspection community. But, even if detergent can’t kill mold, it may be effective at making conditions undesirable for mold to initially grow.
The CDC is adamant that you act quickly if your basement has been flooded. Once the initial work is done, you can contract a certified company for affordable mold testing.
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.
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MoldInspections.ca featured in Holmes Magazine
If you’re Canadian and have any interest in home renovation or inspection, you probably know the name Mike Holmes. He’s the man behind the hit HGTV show Holmes on Holmes and Holmes Magazine, known across the country as a trusted authority on everything handyman-related.
When Mike Holmes enlists another company for help in a given home-related area, it’s a major compliment to that company. That’s why MoldInspections.ca is so honored to be featured in the latest issue of Holmes Magazine as the authority on mold detection and prevention.
In a feature article, “Let’s Clean House,” Holmes Magazine turns to MoldInspections.ca owner Tara Valley for help on solving common problems that foster mold growth.
Valley provides expertise in numerous areas, quoted on three key mold tips:
1. Grout/caulking. Valley explains that any grout or caulking that becomes cracked is no longer watertight and no longer doing its job. It needs to be replaced before it allows moisture in and creates a comfy environment for mold.
2. Mold in large surface areas. Valley explains that, while certain growths are small enough for the average homeowner to clean, mold covering large surface areas should be handled by a certified mold inspection company. The proper experts know how to dispose of mold-ridden objects and clean up wet zones without spreading spores. She adds coughing and feeling unexplained respiratory problems even after cleaning up mold yourself may suggest the mold growth is bigger and deeper than you thought.
3. Flashing. Valley explains that “if exterior flashing doesn’t lie flush against a seam, water seeps in. This can breed mold and cause structural damage.”
This isn’t the first time MoldInspections has been listed as a trusted Canadian mold expert, as the company has been featured on HGTV, and it won’t be the last. Kudos to Mike Holmes for knowing a good mold inspection company when he sees one!
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, Global TV and Holmes on Homes Magazine, 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.
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Study: mold directly causes asthma
We’ve studied on this blog how mold can harm our breathing and exacerbate both allergy and asthma symptoms. But the effects of toxic mold reach further than that. As a recent study at the University of Cincinnati suggests, mold doesn’t just enhance asthma; it may also cause it to develop in the first place.
The study tracked more than 700 children using seven years of data. It measured the presence of 36 different types of mold in analysis tool developed by the Environmental Protection Agency known as the ERMI – the environmental relative moldiness index. The index factored in the many different mold types, some toxic and some not, to measure the relative environmental threat.
In the study, 18 per cent of children exposed to mold had developed asthma by seven years old. That rate is triple the number for children not exposed to mold under the ERMI (six per cent).
It doesn’t get much more ironclad than that, does it? Mold needs to be taken seriously. If you don’t undergo a proper mold inspection and removal, you literally increase your children’s chances of developing asthma three-fold.
It’s also worth noting that children from lower-income families are more likely to have asthma. That’s because lower-income housing is more likely to have mold. As a result, the onus falls on both local governments and landlords to eliminate mold from their buildings. You can get it done for a good price with a mold inspection company.
We know mold causes asthma. So it’s time to fight this lung disease. Get rid of mold!
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.
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Unexpected places where toxic mold grows
If you’re educated yourself on the dangers of toxic mold and subjected some of your home to mold testing, you probably feel confident that your household or workplace is safe, right?
Well, what about the truly secret places where mold can hide? Places most of us would never expect to look? Try these on for size:
The dishwasher
Most people never think to clean their dishwasher. After all, it’s a cleaning device in and of itself, so in theory it should never be dirty. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Remember, a dishwasher is a constantly moist environment, making it very desirable for mold spores. One trick to conquer mold in your dishwasher is to peel back any seals or stickers and scrub away.
The deck
We typically think of dank basements, carpets tiles and various indoor locations when we search for mold. But it can form outside, too. A common place is in moist, rotten wood. Even though mold occurs outside in this case, don’t underestimate it. It can still harm pets who ingest it and its spores can travel through the air.
Cardboard
We typically associate mold with fixed structures like the floors, ceilings or closets, but to ignore something like cardboard is to underestimate the awesome power of human laziness. Think about how many clutter-filled basements you’ve encountered in your lifetime. A common ingredient: an old, trampled cardboard box.
As you already know, cardboard isn’t the sturdiest material. When it gets wet and soggy, it stays that way. When it stays that way and isn’t thrown away or recycled, it becomes a breeding ground for mold. Don’t let cardboard accumulate in a damp place!
Some mold inspection and removal companies won’t go the extra mile and think of the outside-the-box examples of mold-fostering environments. That’s all the more reason for you to hire a certified expert for your mold inspection. That way, no stone will go unturned in the search for mold – not even these overlooked places!
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.
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(Improper) Home inspections don’t always catch all traces of mold
When it comes to mold inspection, it never pays to go halfway.
A few weeks ago, we discussed the danger of a non-invasive home inspection. Home owners worried about having their dwellings take too much damage opt for an inspection that doesn’t overturn every stone. As a result, problems like toxic mold are missed. They save money in the short term but, down the road, they pay more for major renovations.
In that case, the lazy, penny-pinching home owner is the problem. But sometimes the home inspection itself can be the problem.
You may take the responsible route and request a thorough home inspection. But does that mean you’ll get one? A growing problem in Toronto mold testing and various other inspections is that the people hired to do the work simply don’t do it right.
If your inspector isn’t properly educated or certified, he or she may not search in the right places for mold, such as under floor tiles or behind drywall. Bad inspectors may also take the lazy route, refusing to go the extra mile or put themselves in harm’s way by, say, inspecting roofing. Worse yet, certain inspectors will purposely leave some work to be done, swindling you so that your mold problem will return down the road. Remember, if you don’t undergo a complete mold removal and any traces are left, the spores will multiply and the mold will return.
The best way to avoid the potentially expensive problem of a poor inspection? Put the effort into your search for an inspector. Find a company with (a) lots of customer reviews and (b) primarily positive reviews. Make sure any company you hired is fully certified. A strong, public testimonial in the media for a business is always a good sign, too.
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.
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Toronto residents fed up with “slum landlords” and moldy homes
Is Toronto on the verge of a backlash against “slum landlords” and the unsanitary conditions they permit or foster in the buildings they own?
It appears that way. The Association of Community Organization for Reform Now, comprised of 20,000 citizens, wants a crackdown. Of the 5,000 multi-residential buildings in the city, far too many have become infested with cockroaches and toxic black mold.
The mold problem is becoming particularly concerning during the city’s powerful heat wave, during which the absurdly humid conditions can foster mold growth in floor tiles, ceilings, fans, drywall and more.
Various residents complain that their landlords either “do nothing” when faced with complaints over bugs and mold or take far too long. Mold isn’t something to be left alone. It cause respiratory problems and can exacerbate asthma, especially in youths.
If your landlord isn’t helping to fix your mold problem, there are a few steps you can take. The city does have a program designed to inspect rental apartment buildings for tenants who feel ignored by their landlords. But the process can still take time as there are a limited number of inspectors.
Another route is to hire a Toronto mold inspections company, which doesn’t cost nearly as much as you may think. The sooner you remove the mold, the better, as the spores can spread and keep multiplying. A good mold inspection and removal company will eliminate the problem in a manner that prevents it from coming back.
Better yet, if you do get a mold removal or inspection, consider enlisting the help of a group like the ACORN to make sure your neglectful landlord foots the bill!
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.
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Toxic mold comes in many forms – not just black
If you read any literature on the dangers of toxic mold and the importance of mold removal, most of what you see concerns “black mold.”
Toxic black mold, or statchybotrys, is the most commonly discussed and famously threatening form of mold. It’s the dark, greenish-black kind of mold that usually pops up under conditions of extreme moisture, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We know what it does to us, causing respiratory infections and sometimes bleeding in the lungs, among other things. It’s relatively easy to see and people are generally diligent about having mold inspections done when they see it. It simply looks sinister an unhealthy, so we pay it proper attention.
But there are other forms of mold that can be dangerous, especially because they’re less detectable and often mistaken for something else. Sometimes, mold manifests itself as brownish spots – on a ceiling, for example. Far too often, contractors tell home owners that the brown spots are simply “water damage” and don’t need to be remedied. In many cases, that’s simply not true.
Brown mold in places like ceilings or drywall still releases allergens that can cause allergic reactions. It’s thus still very important to treat it seriously.
So if doesn’t have that scary, slimy, toxic waste-y look to it, how do we know it’s mold? One trick is to smell it. Usually, it smells musty or rusty. If the brown spots in your home have that kind of smell, don’t write it off as “water damage.” Hire a mold testing company to make sure you don’t have a mold problem – especially before it spreads.
MoldInspections.ca is the trusted leader for mold-free buildings, condominiums, 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 Global TV 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 quote at (416) 575-6111.
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The problem with non-invasive home inspections
Last week, we discussed the danger of jumping into a home purchase – even a new one – without properly educating yourself on the building’s condition. We recommended talking to previous tenants and hiring experts like a mold inspection company to ensure you’re not buying damaged goods.
But the pitfalls of buying a home go further than that. Sometimes, even a home inspection won’t protect you from disaster. The growing problem today is that too many inspectors commit to “non-invasive” jobs.
So what would qualify as a non-invasive inspection job? Traditionally, it’s a money-saving tactic for a new or prospective home owner. That person doesn’t want his or her home to suffer the inconvenience or damage of, say, drilling into drywall or tearing up carpet to look for toxic mold, as it could be expensive. Also, with the market for homes hot, people don’t want to wait the precious extra days or weeks that could be caused by an invasive inspection.
What those people don’t realize, however, is that they’re costing themselves more money by not being thorough. You may think you’re saving money by avoiding an inspection or having a second-rate inspector quickly gloss over your new home, but the cost of fixing major mold damage later is far greater.
It’s worth spending the extra money and time in the short term to have a mold inspection company check your entire home, leaving no stone unturned. Better yet, if you hire the right type of company, a trusted group of experts, the job won’t even be as inconvenient. A good mold testing company will do the job without causing too much damage, will repair any damage caused and will offer warranties on all work.
If you’re lazy with your new home, you’ll pay for it eventually. Be diligent about your mold inspection.
MoldInspections.ca is the trusted leader for mold-free buildings, condominiums, 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 Global TV 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 quote at (416) 575-6111.
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Be careful what you buy: even new condos may have toxic mold
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you know that condos are all the rage. It seems like a new complex pops up every day. Well, the same is true for major cities across Canada.
While many of us know to be suspicious when renting or purchasing older homes, we sometimes let our guard down for new places. Former grow-ops and/or toxic mold are fairly common in older buildings and we often think to bring in mold inspection teams before making decisions. But too many Canadians assume that new buildings are immune to moisture, water damage and mold.
A recent CBS study used the Bella Vista Condominiums in Calgary as a prime example of the “new home invincibility” trap. After purchasing Bella Vista units, new condo owners discovered damage to the roof, eaves, balcony and parkade. They have to pay anywhere between $77,000 and $189,000 each to repair the moist, damaged areas, which foster the growth of toxic mold. The catch: the building was only nine years old.
Prospective homeowners can follow a few different tips to ensure they aren’t saddled with damaged housing and toxic mold upon moving to a new condo. The first is to hire a mold inspection company to check not only for mold, but for damage or moist conditions that could soon foster mold growth.
The second option, as suggested in the CBC study: talk to existing owners. Maybe the person selling you a particular condo won’t be honest about the conditions – but his or her neighbours might be. See if you can get some information about the conditions – especially the “envelope” of homes, which includes roofs and siding.
Our recommendation: do both. When you’re making a major life decision like buying a home, you can never be too careful or diligent with things like mold testing.
MoldInspections.ca is the trusted leader for mold-free buildings, condominiums, 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 Global TV 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.
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Mold Inspections in P.E.I. reveal 15 infested schools
Toxic mold is becoming a Canada-wide epidemic, particularly in schools, and Prince Edward Island is the latest province to be hit hard.
Recent mold inspections found mold and moisture at 15 different P.E.I. schools. Three of the schools have major problems. Overall, the provincial government will commit $17.4 million in repairs to eliminate the mold.
Education Minister Doug Currie first ordered the province-wide mold inspection after toxic mold was discovered at Elm Street Elementary School. After the mold detection process, it appears no school is more afflicted than Spring Park Elementary School. The moisture and mold growth are so bad that the school has to be totally replaced at the cost of $11.5 million.
“In the case of Spring Park, the building is simply beyond repair,” Currie explained. “A mere renovation would represent nothing more than a Band-Aid solution.”
The case of P.E.I.’s schools is an important reminder to other Canadian regions such as the Greater Toronto Area. If left undetected, mold can take over important buildings like schools. It’s a major cause of youth respiratory problems such as asthma.
Whether you’re a school employee or not, consider talking to your local principal about the possibility of mold testing. The cost of repairs will greatly decrease if it’s detected soon enough. Even if mold hasn’t grown yet, a mold testing company may find moist conditions (say, in a basement) that will foster mold growth if not treated soon enough.
Think of Canadian youth. Follow the example set by P.E.I and get toxic mold out of our schools!
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.
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