Simple changes can often make a big difference and that’s what the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), an insurance industry thinktank based at Western University in London, Ontario, had in mind when they proposed changes to the Ontario Building Code.
The proposed changes came about as a result of research into the kind of property damages incurred after tornadoes hit the province in recent years, particularly on August 20, 2009, when 19 tornadoes hit land and caused great damage in Southwestern Ontario.
The one proposal which was accepted involves increasing the number of nails used in plywood roof sheathing on new homes. It involves using nails every six inches, instead of every six inches in some areas and every twelve inches in others. It’s a change that adds minimal cost to a new home construction but results in much more stability in extreme wind conditions.
Simply put, if the roof stays on, it results in fewer injuries and also much less moisture getting into a structure. Less moisture means less opportunity for mold growth.
Roofing & Mold
Even without a tornado or other extreme weather event, your roof obviously plays a crucial role in keeping your home safe and dry. That’s not rocket science. But – are you really aware of the current state of your roofing materials? It’s something most of us tend to put off or ignore until we’re confronted with water actually dripping inside.
- Be aware – check your roof seasonally to find trouble spots before they cause leaks
- Even a small leak or lingering dampness is enough to cause mold growth – check your attic space for the signs and that telltale musty odour
- Consider the new guidelines when it comes to making any repairs or renovations and consult the Building Code as a reference; you may also want to consider ICLR guidelines which go beyond the Code itself
- Mold growth can take hold within 24-48 hours when the conditions are right, and once it’s in your HVAC system, the spores can travel throughout your home
Roof maintenance is a key component of maintaining a healthy house.
Let Us Help
Mold exposure is an acknowledged threat to your well-being and you may not know that mold even exists in your home until it affects your health. If you suspect any leaks or lingering moisture in your home, or if you’re experiencing flu-like or respiratory symptoms you can’t explain, give yourself peace of mind.
For Mold Inspection & Testing Services in Toronto, 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 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.
