Allstate Insurance recently reported that water damage has become the leading cause of property damage in Canada. Citing the growing number of torrential rainstorms combined with aging infrastructure in many Canadian cities, it adds up to a recipe for water damage – along with mold growth and infestation.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that losses to water damage amount to a whopping $1.7 billion a year, and Allstate says that 39% of those claims are related to sewer backups in the wake of flooding.
“Water seems to be the new fire as it is now the leading cause of property damage in Canada,” says Karen Benner, spokesperson for Allstate Canada. “Even if your neighbourhood has never experienced problems with basement flooding or sewer backup, your home can still be at risk. Overloaded sewers can back up through household sewer lines and flow into basements or ground level apartments,” says Benner.
Some helpful suggestions:
- A backwater valve – prevents sewage form getting into the home – also a sump pump in the basement for emergencies
- Disconnect your downspout from the sewer system
- Don’t use washing machine or dishwasher in rainstorm to avoid overloading the sewer system
A case in point:
Students at London’s Wilfrid Laurier University have been deprived of their beloved Wilf’s Pub since October after a sewer backup caused extensive damage to the building. After it underwent extensive rehabilitation, there was an attempt to reopen the pub in January, however mold issues resurfaced and caused it to be closed all over again.
The example illustrates the importance of getting good help, a seasoned mold removal expert like Mold Inspections who will do the job right. Do you notice a persistent, musty odour in your home? Have you experienced respiratory systems or headaches that just won’t go away. Then you should call in the experts right away for an inspection.
Get help from the experts at MoldInspections.ca. Please call us for a hassle-free quote today.
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, CP24, 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.
