Water is the number one cause of damage to homes, and any moisture present in the home - provides an environment where mould can grow and thrive.
What is Mould?
Mould is a type of naturally-occurring fungi that requires moisture, air, a food source, and temperatures above 4 degrees Celcius to live and grow. If these conditions don’t exist, the mould will simply go dormant—however, it is not gone.
While most mould isn’t harmful, there are some which are toxic to people and can be especially harmful to the young, the elderly, and people with respiratory or immune problems. Unfortunately, many mould species look similar, so it’s hard to distinguish between the harmful and non-harmful kinds. This makes it even more important to identify and remove mould in the home altogether. The best way to do this is to have a professional assessment by an expert like C.H.I. Home Inspections (Mould Certified) - who will take and send samples to a testing laboratory for proper identification.
Mould Removal and Prevention
For small areas of mould totalling under 10 ft2, you may choose to remove it yourself. Individuals who have allergies, respiratory or immune issues, infants, and elderly should not be present when you are removing the mould. For information about removing mould, go to the Health Canada website. http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/environment-environnement/air/contaminants/mould-moisissures-eng.php
Ensure that you use gloves, glasses, and a mask that have been washed, rinsed, and dried well. Mould on carpets or textured surfaces should be discarded as a whole, and fabrics should be washed and dried.
For larger areas of mould upwards of 10 ft2, a professional removal is necessary. Companies which perform these removals use a wide range of methods, so it’s important to speak with the company directly to determine what the removal will consist of.
Mould prevention is much more effective than removal. Since most conditions we listed previously are normal conditions in the home, the most important focus should be on moisture prevention. Be attentive to any condensation caused by bathing, cooking, cleaning, etc. and correct any leaks in the home that may allow moisture in. This includes through walls, windows, plumbing systems, heating systems, air conditioners, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, and so on.
If you are concerned about mould in your home – call me today. Cliff Keveryga 403-862-2230.