As a professional mold inspection company, we know first-hand that all too often a disaster can affect you, your employees and your business when you least expect it.

Water damage caused by a burst pipe, fire or severe storm can lead to building environment-related concerns like mold, which can spread swiftly throughout your commercial or industrial property when the conditions are right.

The reality is that if the original moisture source is left unattended or unaddressed, even a minor water infiltration problem can snowball into a massive mold remediation project!

When it comes to commercial mold remediation, you’re always better off hiring professionals you can trust and count on to properly remediate all mold-related damage following a disaster or emergency situation. Taking quick action is critical and this will certainly help minimize current and future damage to your commercial or industrial building to the extent possible.

Our commercial mold remediation strategy is customized to each property or client, but it generally includes many or all of the following steps:

We act quickly to evaluate your industrial or commercial site and systematically inspect the property (including the entire building envelop).

We assess all current and potential damage, including identifying and prioritizing all minor and major sources of moisture infiltration, as well as assessing exposure to any HVAC, mechanical and other costly building systems.

We develop a comprehensive mold remediation plan to address all of your commercial or industrial mold concerns.

Using our expertise, skilled training and professional equipment, we execute the commercial or industrial mold remediation services set out in your custom mold remediation plan. Our services can include mold cleaning, mold treatment or mold containment, as well as building materials demolition, removal and restoration.

We perform final inspections of all affected areas, and we may recommend applicable indoor air quality (IAQ) or third-party testing once all mold remediation services have been completed to confirm your commercial or industrial building is once again safe for all.

If your industrial or commercial property has experienced a disaster, contact us to find out how our professional mold remediation services can help your business get back on its feet before it suffers further losses in productivity and revenue.

Call us for your free phone consult in the Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) at 416-575-6111.

Programmable thermostats have become one of the more popular home HVAC upgrades in recent years. Everyone’s looking to save on their energy bills all year round and a programmable thermostat offers that possibility – but it does require a little knowledge on your part to avoid the potential for moisture build-up and mold.

Programmable – or Setback – Thermostats
A programmable thermostat is a so-called ‘setback’ thermostat. That means that you set an ideal temperature and the thermostat turns on the furnace when the actual temperature falls below it and then turns it off when the temperature rises above it.

Sounds easy, right?

But, in order to really maximize the savings potential, you want to think about your actual needs in terms of temperature. Do you need as much warmth overnight when you’re sleeping? How about during the day when everyone’s at work or at school?

The same principles can work for a cooling system in the summer, where you may want to program a higher temperature during the day when the house is empty.
Many people set their thermostats for around 20 C to 21 C, but the savings will increase the lower the temperature you set.

The Problem
It’s a matter of physics: Cold air can hold much less moisture than warm air. That means that the lower the temperature you set, the greater potential for moisture condensation to occur on your walls and windows as the building cools down.

Know the signs:

Windows that are perpetually fogged
Damp walls

Where there is frequent moisture, there is the potential for water damage and mold infestation.

To prevent mold, begin with a drop of 2 C at first and keep an eye out for moisture issues. Then you can see if it’s possible to drop it farther – up to 3 to 6 C.

Remember:

A household with fewer people (people = moisture source) will be able to get away with a larger setback as a rule.
Air will warm up and cool down more quickly than the walls of your home and it’s that difference in temperature that causes condensation. If you shower in the morning and then leave directly for work, setting the thermostat to shift back right away, that moisture in the air will condense on the walls. If you shower right after coming home, just as the air is warming up, you will likewise get condensation on the still cool walls.
Remember that when the thermostat shuts down your forced air furnace, it also shuts down the furnace fan, which may leave you with inadequate air circulation – crucial for dealing with moisture issues. You can find models that will allow you to run the furnace fan continuously.
A programmable system works best when your schedule is predictable.

Vigilance is the Key
Keeping an eye out for any moisture-related issues is the key to preventing mold infestation. If you’ve noticed a persistent, musty odour in your home or other signs of mold, we can help. For mold testing, inspection and removal Services in Toronto, Contact Moldinspections.ca 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 Global news, official supplier to HGTV’s Income Properties with Scott McGillivray and Leave It To Bryan and recommended by local 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.

With the coming of winter and cold weather the windows are usually shut and we typically have much less exposure to the outside and fresh air. While many people automatically associate allergies with seasonal exposure to tree and grass spores and other outdoor elements, many allergy sufferers actually find their symptoms worse during the winter months.

Dust and mold are the most common indoor allergens and while their origins may differ they both enter the air. Mold spores may originate anywhere in your home from the basement to the attic, but once they enter your HVAC system, they circulate throughout the house.

Even Without Allergies
Dust is an easy fix – an efficient vacuum with a hepa filter will do the trick. Mold can be much more difficult to control.

Allergies will of course make you especially sensitive but even in their absence, exposure to mold spores is known to cause a variety of flu-like and even more serious symptoms including nose and throat irritation. It’s something you need to deal with for the sake of your health and that of your family.

Winter Tips
Since you’re stuck inside much of the time, winter can be a good time to check some common problem areas around the house to try and minimize your exposure to mold.

Use a dehumidifier – mold flourishes the more moisture there is in the air. Keep humidity to 35-45%
Check for drips in pipes – any moisture can lead to mold growth
Check for excessive or persistent window condensation, even on harder surfaces like tile or vinyl windows, it will lead to mold. You’ll often find moisture and mold build up between double pane windows
The basement – be sure to check for any signs of flooding or persistent dampness and deal with the causes immediately
Old documents & papers – many of us keep old documents and memorabilia, often in the attic, basement or other storage spaces that themselves are prone to leaks, floods and other mold inducing conditions

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. If you or a member of your family experiences flu-like symptoms you can’t explain, you should seek help in determining whether mold is the cause right away.

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.

The Toronto Community Housing Corp. is back in the news – and not in a good way. The public housing authority recently made headlines because of a senior’s building on Cavell Avenue that is plagued by a host of problems related directly to maintenance, or rather, a lack of it, including mold.

Tenants have reported black mold growing around windows despite repeated attempts to clean it away. They’ve noted health problems, including sinus issues. A musty scent was the tip-off that mold infestation existed somewhere in the apartments. Tenants mentioned that leaking windows had been caulked repeatedly rather than replaced, which, if true, is what led to the accumulation of moisture and mold growth.

Vigilance is Essential
A building is made up of a number of systems designed to, among other things, keep out moisture but those systems can deteriorate or fail in various ways. You need to keep an eye on vulnerable areas.

There are other areas where water is likely to enter a home but windows and the area around them are among the most common. Once rain or melting snow has entered the walls via a leaking window, you really have no idea where it will end up.

Check your windows for drafts – and therefore leaks
Check the caulking in particular as it will deteriorate long before the window frame itself
In the case of basement windows, the problem may be the grade of the ground outside – if it has built up, it may be causing water to drain back towards the building instead of away from it
Be thorough – avoid makeshift repairs that are probably just as likely to result in further leaks down the road
Consider window replacement – new designs and technology have led to a number of improvements and new windows are more energy efficient as well as being leak resistant

Not Just a Public Housing Problem
It’s certainly not a problem that’s confined to public housing. In times of economic uncertainty and downturns, many homeowners are tempted to put off needed repairs, renovations and maintenance or to ‘make do’ with patchy roof work and more. The problem is that mold doesn’t wait for better times; in fact, it can begin to grow within 24-48 hours if the conditions are right.

Where there is moisture, there is a potential for mold infestation and if there is chronic, lingering moisture you can be virtually certain that it has begun to grow. No matter where it appears, when mold comes back repeatedly, you need professional help.

Don’t Let it Happen to You
Mold exposure is no joke 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.

The recent closure of a city owned affordable housing property and dislocation of its tenants in Peterborough highlights a common problem that occurs when buildings aren’t properly and regulary maintained – mold.

In Peterborough, it seems like a toss-up between granting affordable housing and the municipality’s potential liability in the case of illness caused by mold and a debate has ensued over whether the families involved should be moved out or whether the building is salvageable.

In any case, the story has familiar outlines, whether the discussion is about Toronto’s public housing or the appalling living conditions reported in Inuit housing in the Far North – mold continues to top the list of complaints.

Where there is moisture, there is a potential for mold infestation and if there is chronic, lingering moisture you can be virtually certain that it has begun to grow. Common problem areas include:

Leaks in the roof that can cause moisture in the attic or inside the walls
Leaks around windows that can cause moisture to spread into walls
Basement leaks or cracks in the foundation of a home which can cause lingering moisture
Any of these areas, particularly the basement, can lead to mold spores entering your heating and ventilation system and spreading throughout your home

For Mold Inspection & Testing Services in Toronto, call us for a hassle-free quote today.

The availability of a bladder cancer drug globally is in question after a Toronto pharmaceutical company – Sanofi Pasteur – had to halt production due to mold issues at their manufacturing plant.

Health Canada confirmed in a media release that the sterile manufacturing plant temporarily ceased production of the drug ImmunoCyst until the extent of any mold contamination is determined. Testing will include all production batches of the drug before any of the existing inventory is released for sale, which essentially removes the drug from the market once the current on-the-shelf stock has run out.

Health Canada will be consulting with international authorities worldwide about the potential shortage. An alternative drug is available in Canada.

No ‘Small’ Flood
As the manufacturer of such an important cancer treatment drug, naturally the requirements for production conditions are very stringent in order to maintain a sterile environment. A small flood in their facility in October is believed to be the source of the persistent mold infestation.

The Lesson for Anyone
The subtext of the story is clear for any home- or property owner: it could happen to you. Even under the most sterile of conditions, all it can take is an unforeseen incident like a flood in heavy rainfall and mold can begin to take hold in walls and floors where you’ll never see it. You may think that you’ve dried everything out, but you can’t see everywhere that moisture can linger.

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

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 http://www.moldinspections.ca/mold-detection/ 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.

For Mold Testing and Detection Services in Toronto, Contact Moldinspections.ca Please call us for a hassle-free quote today.

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.

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.

The courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie has been closed since August 30, when a fire swept the historic building in Northern Ontario. After extensive renovations, the building was set to re-open earlier this spring when indoor air quality testing showed the presence of mold.

Obviously it didn’t come from the fire, but it’s often in situations like that when mold is discovered. When walls have been compromised and those hidden areas where dampness and moisture like to hide and mold flourishes, hidden problems finally see the light of day.

Home Renovation “Surprises”
Like the officials in charge of the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse renewal, you may begin a home renovation project hoping for the best – and then find yourself saddled with an unexpected and unwelcome expense. The alternative is to prepare yourself ahead of time with a mold inspection.

Opening a wall or lifting up flooring to find mold infestation is more than unpleasant – it’s unhealthy. That kind of up-close exposure to mold can result in a range of respiratory and other health issues.

Including a mold inspection with your reno budget is a prudent way to protect your health and begin the work with a clearer idea of what lies in all those hidden spaces between the walls and floors. At Mold Inspections, we can offer a variety of services according to your particular situation, up to and including a household moisture assessment that will help you plan your renovations to avoid future mold growth.

Mold Testing & Inspection Services
Our team provides:

Toxic Mold Testing
Carpet Sampling
Wall Cavity Sampling
Construction Mold Problems
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Preventative Mold Treatments
Household Moisture Assessment
Moisture intrusion detection (Leak Detection)
Mold Remediation

Get Expert Help
Mold growth can begin to take hold within a short 48 hours of the moment when water enters into an area, so it can affect homes both new and older. If you’re planning on renovating your living space, a mold inspection is a way of protecting yourself against nasty surprises.

If you notice a persistent, musty odour in your home, then you need help right away.

Get help from the experts at MoldInspections.ca. Please call us for a hassle-free quote today.

According to a National Post article published this month, more and more marijuana grow-op homes are making it to Toronto and GTA real estate listings and becoming serious problems for home buyers. One of the most serious problems facing buyers of these homes is the mold associated with grow-op humidity and temperatures.

A mold inspection can help Toronto and GTA home buyers determine if a new home is safe to live in or not. The mold that grows best in grow-op conditions is the Stachybotrys genus, which causes chronic fatigue, headaches, bleeding in the lungs, nausea, rashes, difficulty breathing, memory loss, pain in the liver and chronic coughing. Because the mold – sometimes called the “toxic black mold” associated with grow-ops is so dangerous, the decision to get a mold inspection when you buy a new home is an easy one.

Real estate agents are obligated to tell home buyers whether or not their future home was once a grow-op. That is, if they know about it. For every marijuana grow house that is raided by police and put on the Toronto Police’s Grow-Op List, there are many that are never reported, eventually fixed up and placed for sale with mold still living under carpets, behind drywall and in attics.

Canadian Grow-Ops by the Numbers

The Canadian Real Estate Association estimates that there are over 50,000 grow-ops across the country.
According to the Insurance Board of Canada, if – and that is a big “if” – a former grow-op home can be repaired, it will cost about $40,000 on average.
A real estate broker with Re/Max told the National Post this month that knowing a home has been used as a grow-op in the past will often decrease the home’s selling price by between 20% and 25%. A standard home inspection may not catch all the hidden mold signs associated with former grow-op homes, and it’s a wise investment to have a mold inspection conducted for peace of mind and your family’s health and safety.

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

Mold Inspections in 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.

Why Do You Need Mold Inspections?

Health

Real Estate Transactions

Former Flooding

Drug Houses

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