The collapse of a shopping mall roof in Elliott Lake, Ontario has been making headlines across the country this week, with rescue and recovery efforts hampered by adverse conditions and a tragic end to the search for survivors.
Many questions have arisen over the delayed rescue efforts as well as over the building itself. It turns out that the Ontario Ministry of Labour has an extensive file of complaints about the building, chiefly involving leaking and – not at all surprisingly – mold. Leaking pipes and a leaking roof were among the specific complaints investigated by the Ministry, along with mold infestations.
While no conclusions have been made yet with respect to what caused the roof to collapse, the history of complaints highlights issues common to many structures both public and residential. The mall was built in the 1980’s and it’s no secret that aging buildings can pose a variety of problems.
When it Comes to Your Home
You don’t want to take chances or just keep your fingers crossed that your home remains watertight. Leaks and mold growth are often interconnected, and that’s one important reason to inspect various areas of your home on a regular basis.
- Roof shingles – skimping and cutting corners often leaves you worse off than you were before
- Attic – this is where leaks can go undetected for long periods of time, leading to areas of constant moisture and mold growth that you don’t even know about
- Eavestroughing and siding – leaks can seep into the walls of your home where mold can flourish without you ever seeing the signs
- Windows – this is another common area for water to seep in via leaks in the window itself, flashing or other outside elements
But If I Can’t See It…?
Once water gets into your home, it can end up anywhere and you may have mold growth in your walls or even floors without seeing any of the signs – but you’ll feel them. Mold spores can get into your ductwork and travel throughout your home, compromising indoor air quality.
Even if you don’t notice any of the signs of dampness or moisture, you may notice the signs of mold exposure, including allergic rhinitis and other symptoms similar to a mild allergic reaction, like throat and eye irritation as well as a runny nose – symptoms that persist without any other explanation.
Get Professional Help
Whether your basement is damp because of a flood or chronic seepage over time, the risks are clear. Mold Inspections can help with Mold Detection Services. We can find the mold you can’t see with our cutting edge equipment and mold testing methods, combined with seasoned professionals who know how to get the job done right.
Know what you are getting into. For Mold Testing and Detection Services in Toronto, Contact 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, Mississauga, Brampton, 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.
