Mold is the most common and yet overlooked threat to Canadian homes. Molds are sneaky; wherever the moisture persists, it starts to grow. Canada is prone to mold growth, especially in the summer months. July and August are the warmer days with humidity, an ideal time for mold to breed.

Mold often grows in humid areas indoors -

● corners between walls and the ceiling

● corners between floors

● under the stairs, bathroom, kitchen

● ceiling tiles

● Carpets

● Drywall

Mold most commonly develops in basements, especially after flooding or water damage. In this blog, we will discuss how to detect molds, and DIY methods to remove mold damage. We will also see the effects of mold on health and when to call professionals.

How To Detect Mold?

To deal with any issue, the first step is to identify it. Check for discoloration of walls (greenish, greyish), powdery surface or bubbles formed on the surface. Don’t forget the wallpaper, check behind it and near to tiles. These microorganisms have the potential to breed anywhere. Do these checks:

1. Visual

Visual inspection is the basic way to detect mold. Look for discoloration in any part of your property, walls, furniture, floor or ceiling. Start with moisture-prone areas like the kitchen, bathroom and basement. Now check for bubbling, peeling paint and stains on the surface. These are the main areas for mold growth.

2. Odour

The earthy odour, or musty odour, indicates the risk of mold growth. Try to identify the area where it is coming from. Don’t forget to check under the carpets, rugs and drop ceilings.

3. Texture

The texture of the mold clues to its severity. It may appear powdery, form irregular bubbles or spots, or show up as fuzzy stains.

Types of Mold

Indoor molds like Aspergillus (green mold), Cladosporium, Penicillium (green mold), and Stachybotrys (black mold ) are most likely to affect Canadian homes. These are the most common molds observed in Canadian homes. The initial stage of these molds is easy to handle and remove, but on a large area, once they grow every season, then professional attention is required.

Health Effects

Moisture, dampness, and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for mold growth. This includes an uneasy smell, discoloration of the surface. Most of the mold causes skin allergy, respiratory issues, especially in sensitive people. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, eye irritation, skin irritation, rash, and headaches. The initial effects are harmless, but often ignored, to prolonged duration may lead to lung infection, especially in kids and older people.

Given these potential health risks, it’s crucial to address mold promptly. But how do you know if you should tackle it yourself or call a professional? Let’s find out.

DIY vs Professional Mold Cleanup

A common question that comes to mind when you spot mold, whether to clean it by ourselves or ask for professional help. The answer is simple: if the extent of mold is low and it’s the first time, you can clean it by yourself. And if your house is facing mold growth every season, and to a large extent, it’s time to call professionals.

Common DIY Methods

● First, check the air ventilation of the area. Try to open doors and windows or use dryers to avoid moisture buildup.

● Even after the precautionary measures, mold spreads easily, so wear gloves and a face mask before starting mold remediation

● Use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide on the surface.

● Commercial mold cleaner can also be used as per the instructions written on the label.

● Baking soda or bleach is also used to scrub off the mold on hard and non-porous surfaces; however, it is advised to use alternatives for an efficient and safe removal.

Tips- Avoid touching any mold with your bare hands; use gloves while inspecting.

Though these DIY methods seem simple, to a large extent, they can be frustrating to implement and sometimes may damage the surface of your house.

What do Professionals do?

● Professionals will come to the affected area and start with the inspection.

● After inspecting the whole area and the type of mold growth, they will contain the area and start with the removal.

● After removing the mold, they will use their equipment to clean the air, followed by cleaning and sanitization.

We are certified technicians, offer free estimates, and guarantee work for each of our restoration services.

How Much Does Mold Removal Cost in Canada?

The cost of mold removal varies from place to place. For example, prices may vary in Toronto and Montreal. It also depends upon the size of the infestation, the location of the mold and the type of mold. Sometimes, mold removal is the after-process of water damage; at that time, prices include the cost of both services. So, there are many factors affecting the final cost of mold removal in Canada.

Final Thoughts

The rate of mold growth is very high in warm climatic conditions. Don’t ignore unusual smells or stains, and observe the formation of mold growth in the moisture-prone areas. This way, you can save yourself and your house from mold damage. Areas like corners, basement, bathroom, behind wallpaper papers and beneath the carpets are usually humid. You can use basic DIY cleanup methods to clean mold. However, if your house is prone to mold growth repeatedly, and if the extent of mold growth is large, then it is highly recommended to call for professional help.

We, at ONT Restoration, offer 24/7 services and free inspections on all our services. Call us today and book an appointment to free your home from mold damage.

FAQs

1. What is mold damage?

Answer- It is a type of structural damage and health threat that occurs due to the breeding of microbes in humid weather inside the house.

2. Does every mold growth need mold cleanup by professionals?

Answer- No, every mold growth does not require professional help. Some of these may be cured by proper air ventilation and basic DIY methods.

3. How to prevent mold in the basement in Canada?

Answer- Regularly check the dampness in your house, allow air flow through doors and windows to maintain ventilation throughout. Try to keep the surface clean and dry.

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