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Toronto and the GTA are made up of established neighborhoods populated with older homes and one of the biggest concerns for property owners is the presence of mold. Greater Toronto Area properties that suspect the fungus in their space should immediately perform professional mold inspections, mold testing, mold removal, or mold remediation processes in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Areas to confirm the presence of the dangerous hazard. Lack of air circulation and increased humidity are prime conditions for the fungus to take hold of an area and spread. Mold can develop fast creating unsightly visuals on walls and other components of the house but the actual appearance of mold is only the beginning as the fungus will release harmful bacteria and spores in the air.
Contact InchbyInch Inspectors ASAP if you suspect signs of mold and we will discuss the costs and options for mold removal services. We are an InterNACHI certified mold removal & mold remediation company serving Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Oakville, Brampton, Burlington and surrounding areas in the GTA
Mold contamination is one of the more tricky problems to visually detect as it can easily develop and fester in the most inaccessible places within the property. Preventing mold, or later finding and mold remediation is critical for your home or business property as the fungus can spread fast and damage walls and adjacent structures. But the real risks for the appearance of mold is health related and as the fungus develops, it will release a consistent stream of airborne spores and bacteria into the air within the property. Breathing in 
moldy air will have short term health effects such as:
Bad quality and moldy air can also create severe long term health problems due to headaches and poor sleep patterns. Therefore, proper testing and mold remediation in Toronto is an essential first step when any changes in quality of life occur.
The two biggest factors in mold growth is airflow and humidity. Bad or restricted airflow will not allow moisture to evaporate which means increased humidity in a defined space. Mold can easily start to develop in areas that experience high humidity with little to no air circulation. Common residential areas where mold can appear are:
Commercial spaces with exposed piping and complex engineering can also be susceptible to mold development and it would make business sense to perform proper testing on a regular basis to confirm the presence of the fungus and get professional mold remediation done, if required.
Professionals who are experienced with mould issues and familiar with current guidelines must conduct all sampling. Inch by Inch Inspections are here to help you breathe fresh air, not contaminated air. When samples are taken, regardless of the purpose, the results should help answer a clear question. To begin with, what is required to evaluate the air you breathe is called an “Indoor Air Quality Assessment”. It could include a simple laboratory report of the degree of contamination of an area inside of your residence or place of work. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and/or require more information about Air Sampling whether it is in your home or office. Contact Inch by Inch Inspections today for mold inspection in Mississauga, Toronto and the GTA.
In-Depth Exterior Inspection
Indoor Visual Inspection
Mold is a biological organism that can grow on most surfaces throughout your home. Areas affected by mold usually have tell tale discoloration or surface irregularities but mold spores and bacteria it produces is smaller than dust particles and cannot be identified by sight when the air is contaminated. Mold can also grow in the most inaccessible areas of your home and may be difficult to visually detect. These areas are more troublesome as unchecked mold can grow fast and destroy surfaces. A detailed air quality test by professionals is the surest way to determine if mold exists in your home.
Mold needs very little to take hold of an area. Dark spaces and surfaces like wood, drywall and even fabrics are ideal spots for mold development. The root cause of mold, however, is excess moisture and humidity. Rooms such as laundry rooms and bathrooms are prime examples of areas of the home prone to excess moisture. Elevated humidity in the home can be caused by a number of factors:
Heating and cooling systems that are not operating properly can cause condensation on windows that trickle down to wood window sills and frames which is a mold hotspot in residential homes. Overuse of furnaces during the winter months will also cause excess humidity on glass and other surfaces. If you have a central humidifier in your home, make sure the unit is clean and the filters are clear to ensure proper air flow and humidity balance.
Research and Studies Related to Health Repercussions of Mold:
Mold is an efficient fungus and can start growing as soon as a spore attaches itself to a surface. Once attached, mold can germinate and develop within 24 to 48 hours. Mold colonization can occur in 3 to 12 days and can continue to spread if left unchecked. Mold streaks and moldy odors will start appearing during the colonization cycle meaning visual confirmation means mold is growing and has affected the area. A detailed air quality test and professional mold inspection are the next best steps for handling the problem. Experienced mold removal professionals will offer solutions to remove the mold as well as to prevent further outbreaks.
Black mold is a nightmare for homeowners because of its ability to grow almost anywhere in your home. Black mold pollutes your home’s air with bacteria and mold spores which can cause a wide range of mild to severe health problems. Black mold that is undetected or left unrepaired becomes more dangerous as the mold fields continue to spread causing higher levels of air pollution. Continued exposure to heavily polluted air from black mold can cause chronic and possibly terminal health problems in more severe cases. Residential homes are notorious for poor indoor air quality. Keeping an eye out for the symptoms, visual cues and odors of mold is your first step in detecting the presence of the fungus in your home. Higher amounts of black mold can be dangerous when left unchecked and unrepaired.
Once you locate a moldy area in your home, the first step to correct the problem is to identify and repair the source of excess moisture that encourages mold growth. The area should be sealed off as mold releases pollutants into localized air. Working in moldy areas will also require protective safety equipment for skin and appropriately rated masks for breathing. Clearing areas of mold is a two stage process. Firstly, areas are cleaned of surface mold and then stronger commercial quality mold removers are used to disinfect the area completely. All materials and equipment used in your DIY projects must be disposed of safely in sealed bags to ensure no mold spores are left behind. Checklists and planning are critical to the success of your do it yourself mold removal project.
Many chemicals that are readily available can do an excellent job of killing mold in your home. Depending on the surface, bleach is an excellent solution for killing mold but should only be used on non-porous surfaces such as glass, marble countertops, bathtubs, shower stalls and porcelain fixtures. Other surfaces such as wood and brick can react harshly to bleach and a deep scrubbing of soap and water is the your most effective method to kill mold on these types of surfaces. Using a stiff bristle brush on porous surfaces is the best way to ensure the deepest penetration and complete disinfection of the area. Once areas are clean and clear of all mold, they should be dried and vacuumed immediately to ensure no further infestations or mold spore residue.
Mold reproduces itself by releasing microscopic mold spores into the air. These spores travel through the air and can create new mold fields if the moisture conditions are right for development. Mold spores do not die and if not removed properly, can easily attach themselves to damp surfaces and recolonize. When undertaking your own DIY mold removal project, it is important to seal off the area and use a HEPA filtered vacuum before and after the disinfection process to ensure any remaining spores are collected and contained. Controlling and removing the moisture source will help prevent future outbreaks of mold but the spores can lie dormant until conditions for reproduction become ideal. All mold repair projects begin by identify and repairing the source of excess moisture.
Mold is a naturally occurring type of fungus that can appear on surfaces where there is excess humidity and poor ventilation. If left unrepaired, the fungus itself can eventually destroy surfaces but the effects of mold in the home is almost immediate. Airborne mold spores and bacteria are released into the home's airstream very soon after mold completes its initial growth stage. These toxic pollutants reduce air quality and can create short and long term health and lifestyle problems for those exposed to moldy air. Breathing in low quality air caused by mold can cause:
In addition to being unsightly and visually not appealing, mold has farther reaching effects for health and well being inside your home. If you suspect the presence of mold or are experiencing any unexplainable changes in health or lifestyle, hiring a professional mold inspection crew is your next essential step. Mold that is left unchecked may spread causing more indoor air pollution in your home.
The actual toxicity of most mold species found in homes is debatable. But the health effects of mold are known and even the slightest decrease in air quality can have adverse effects on your own well being. Regular air quality testing is essential to maintain your own desired level of air quality for healthy living.
Mold is a naturally occurring fungus and does have an important place within our ecosystem. Mold inside your home is a problem because of the confined and controlled airstream inside the house. Excessive exposure to moldy air can create short and long term health problems and reduce the quality of life for you and those in living in your home. The other major concern is that mold is can grow in the most inaccessible parts of your home and may not be easily detected allowing the mold area to grow and spread creating even more air pollution inside your home. Natural exposure to mold is part of mother nature but mold buildup inside your home can have cause serious effects on your health and wellbeing.
Mold is a tricky fungus and has a preference for growing in the most inaccessible parts of your home. Mold damage does have some tell tale signs that can give aways it's presence. Common black mold will appear as black or greyish smudges or streaks along surfaces. Stale odors in a certain area may also mean the presence of mold. Regular air quality checks are the best way to confirm mold spores in the air.
Mold inspection and removal in residential homes is a tricky business. The fungus can take hold and grow in many different areas of the home. Hiring an inspector with extensive residential experience means having someone who understands how mold works itself into different areas and rooms of the home and who also understands what can cause the growth. Detailed visual inspections inside key areas are complemented by air quality tests and reporting that will give you the total picture when it comes to mold. Professional residential mold removal crews will have the latest training, the proper equipment and human safe chemicals to get the removal and damage restoration job done thoroughly and completely to your satisfaction. Once the job is completed, further air quality tests will be performed to confirm removal of the mold. Trusted and reputable mold removal contractors will:
When hiring a contractor for mold removal, be sure to ask about certification and training to ensure the latest methods and equipment are used for the job.
The top of your home could be a potential hotspot for mold development. Attics are usually dark and can have excessive humidity due to poor or unmaintained ventilation systems. Wood rafters and frames are typical surfaces that mold can grow on creating a prime breeding ground for the fungus. Bacteria and mold spores from attic mold has a trickle down effect and can dramatically reduce air quality in the lower floors. If left unchecked, mold can eventually destroy wood components and beams in the attic leading to larger and more expensive repairs. Experienced residential mold inspectors in Oakville, Toronto, Mississauga and the GTA will start the home inspection in the attic as most areas are not well maintained. Inspectors will check interior walls, beams and frames for growth as well as checks on venting and air flow which provide needed evaporation for excess humidity and moisture.
The basement of any home could have numerous hotspots for mold development. The main reason for increased mold in basements is consistent excess humidity. Most basements are partially or entirely below ground exposing exterior walls to naturally damp soil. This dampness makes its way into the basement and increases humidity and the potential for mold development. Poor or non-functioning insulation and a lack of exterior wrapping around basements allows ground moisture to enter the home easily. Most homes have HVAC equipment located in the basement and equipment such as hot water tanks and furnaces can create surrounding heat which increases humidity in the immediate area. Exposed hot water pipes from tanks will also give off humidity if not properly wrapped or insulated. Even a microscopic water leak in exposed pipes will increase humidity in the basement. Older homes that don't have updated ventilation in furnace rooms are also prone to excess humidity buildup. Seasonal changes can also increase humidity in the basement. Basements are typically cooler than the rest of the home because of its location below ground. During the summer months, hot air from the outside 'crashes’ into the cooler basement air creating condensation on surfaces throughout the basement. The excess wetness turns into humidity and increases the possibility of mold.
It makes sense to frequently check and maintain the humidity in your basement. Hygrometers are an excellent way to gauge and maintain humidity below 50%. Regular air quality checks are also necessary to confirm the presence of mold in addition to visual checks for black smudges, discoloration or paint bubbling. Air quality and mold issues should be taken care of a by a professional who will diagnose the root cause of the mold problem and repair both the existing mold issue and and cause of the moisture leak. With so many potential hotspots for mold in the basement, it makes sense to trust an experienced professional for inspection, removal and restoration of the affected area.
If there is one place in your home which produces the most moisture and humidity, it is the bathroom. The constant use of warm and hot water in a confined space can elevate the humidity to disproportionate levels. Older homes may have been built with windows to allow ventilation while later home designs incorporate an exhaust fan to discharge humid air to the outside. Bathrooms are especially prone to mold development because of all the different surfaces in the bathroom. Mold is a common along shower wall and floor tile grout. Fabric shower curtains are also a prime spot for mold development if not dried out properly. Faucets and fixtures can also have mold on them because of the amount of water and moisture that pases through and around them. Mold can also fester under shower and bath mats which require frequent cleaning or disposal if moldy. Shower stalls and tubs are major hotspots for mold as water combined with body oils provide an abundant breeding ground for the fungus. Heavy mold infestations in bathrooms are cause for concern because of the possible amount of mold sites that can exist. Locating mold in bathrooms can be fairly easy among lighter coloured tiles and fixtures. The smaller space of the bathroom can create a more intense ‘moldy odor’ as well. The usual black mold smears can also appear as dots. Regular use of exhaust fans and moisture and wetness mop ups are necessary to control mold development. An experienced inspector will check bathrooms first for water leaks and and improper venting which could cause excessive humidity buildup.
We spend a big part of the day sleeping which usually occurs in the bedrooms. The presence of mold where you sleep is very dangerous because you would be exposed to bad quality air for 7 to 12 hours per day. Most bedrooms are closer to the top of the home which can be the most prone to water leakage and moisture buildup. Water stains on ceilings is a strong indicator that there may be mold behind the plaster. Some bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom which can contribute to the mold problem in the bedroom. Condensation on glass windows is a common occurrence during the winter months and can dampen wood window sills and frames creating a haven for mold development. Most bedroom designs utilize carpeting and upholstery to create a comfortable environment but mold can easily take old and grow in fabrics and carpet fibers. Spilling something wet or water damage on a mattress can also lead to mold development. Mattresses that are involved in water damage should be disposed of immediately. Inhaling lower quality air for a large amount of time will lead to changes in health and wellbeing which should be addressed immediately. Hiring a professional mold removal team with residential experience is the best way to ensure any and all mold is removed from your bedroom and the area is restored to a healthy standard. Bedrooms have many points that can sustain mold and a fully trained inspector will know exactly where to look for mold, repair the causes of the fungus and provide detailed air quality tests confirming removal.
Mold is one of the top sources of indoor air pollution and could be greatly reducing the air quality in your home. Sleeping in a room that has mold increases your exposure to this low quality air and can have many negative effects on your quality of life and those living in your home. Breathing in moldy air in your bedroom can be detrimental to your sleep patterns and you may experience increased fatigue from poor sleep. Irregular sleep can also affect other aspects of your health including increasing recovery times from viruses and infections as well as creating possible short and long term respiratory problems.
Mold is an organism that occurs and reproduces naturally and provides necessary functions in cross pollination in nature. Exposure to mold in nature has little effect on humans except for those with hypersensitive allergy conditions and are not considered toxic. Certain types of mold that develop in residential properties are considered toxic and any species of mold in your home that is left unchecked will have toxic effects on the health of safety of those living in your home.
There are many types of mold that can develop throughout the property. Different areas and surfaces can provide prime breeding grounds for various species of the fungus and all are detrimental to the quality of life of the inhabitants.
The presence of mold at a property has serious effects and detecting and removing it must be handled by professionals who follow strict international standards set out by IICRC and Interachi. Experts, such as Inch by Inch, understand GTA properties and will complete thorough mold testing in Toronto and offer the most effective solutions for removing the nasty fungus from the property.
Property owners who suspect mold at their location must take the problem seriously as the fungus can have detrimental effects on the property and the people inside. Inch by Inch are the mold testing experts in Toronto and can test, detect and remove the dangerous organism effectively and completely using the latest mold testing tools and environmentally friendly cleaners. Inch by Inch can confirm the quality of the air through air sample testing after any mold removal project.
For more information about Mold Inspection and Mold Remediation, call us today or contact us today! We are an InterNACHI certified mold removal & mold remediation company serving Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Oakville, Brampton, Burlington and surrounding areas in the GTA.
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